Immediate support
Immediate support

Anxiety

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. Share your own story and learn about other member’s experiences with anxiety.

Start a discussion

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Jump to
Community Manager
You can win one of five $100 gift cards. Complete our survey by 5pm, 27 June 2025 AEST to enter the draw. Your response will be anonymous so you can't be identified.
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

BeyondBlue Hi! Check out this post if you're not sure how to start
  • replies: 0

Hi there and welcome to the Anxiety section of the Forums First of all, thank you so much for joining us here. We think it’s amazing that you’ve taken this step to getting support and learning from this Community. You are very welcome here and we are... View more

Hi there and welcome to the Anxiety section of the Forums First of all, thank you so much for joining us here. We think it’s amazing that you’ve taken this step to getting support and learning from this Community. You are very welcome here and we are really interested in what you might want to add to these conversations. We get it, having anxiety makes it hard to share in a public place. Remember, this is anonymous and the Beyond Blue team are here to help if you need it This section is for people who are experiencing anxiety in some form in their lives. This might be in social settings, at work, or just in the day to day. You don’t need a diagnosis to post here. If it feels like the right spot for your post, go right ahead! We know that feeling anxious can make it hard to reach out so we want you to know that getting this far is amazing and a great start. A few tips for getting the most out of this section: Get involved when you can! Posting and replying is the heartbeat of this community and you DO have something worthwhile to share (when you’re ready ) Every experience is different. There is no competition here. We know how challenging anxiety can be and how it comes in all shapes and sizes. What you are experiencing will be respected and supported here. Trust yourself! You are the expert in your experience. This community works because people like you share what has worked for you. Thank you for getting involved and taking a look. We can’t wait to hear from you! Beyond Blue

All discussions

Start a discussion

Guest_08123851 Any Lupus Patients Not Taken Seriously in the ED?
  • replies: 1

Greetings All, I was diagnosed with Lupus in November 2024 after having symptoms since 2018. I took trips to the ER by ambulance usually once a quarter when I would have 'flare ups' but was always discharged to my GP with "ya look fit" and "it's anxi... View more

Greetings All, I was diagnosed with Lupus in November 2024 after having symptoms since 2018. I took trips to the ER by ambulance usually once a quarter when I would have 'flare ups' but was always discharged to my GP with "ya look fit" and "it's anxiety". I visited every '__ologist' you can think of before an endocrinologist caught some ana and anca's on a blood test. Now 7 years on my symptoms come and go. Sometimes once a month, sometimes twice. I have been to the ED twice in 2 weeks, because my heart rate goes up and down like crazy, and when I stand up my blood pressure goes thru the roof. I hit bp 164/127 in the ED yesterday when standing, but my ECG was ok, so they just discharged me (after performing all test in the ED waiting room. I even had an IV and blood test from the waiting room despite arriving by ambulance. The nurse did postural blood pressure test from the waiting room chairs. It felt off going to the hospital by ambulance, only to be treated in the waiting room. My main ? Does anyone else with Lupus feel like the hospital could care less? I was so happy and relieved when I finally figured out what was wrong, but now it's like I'm back at the start again. Any responses would be appreciated. J

Angle Anxiety
  • replies: 10

Hi my names angel I have alot of anxiety and the reason I'm bringing this up because it has affected my life mentally and physically I have asked for help I have talked to teachers in my school we have a well being and j have a well being pass but mo... View more

Hi my names angel I have alot of anxiety and the reason I'm bringing this up because it has affected my life mentally and physically I have asked for help I have talked to teachers in my school we have a well being and j have a well being pass but most of my teachers tell me to stay in the classroom what do I do

Adsy24 Anxiety and OCD thoughts about past
  • replies: 7

Hi all and sorry in advance for my absolute novel!I’ve been diagnosed and battled Anxiety and OCD/Intrusive thoughts for almost 20 years now. I’ve always been quite an anxious person, but the true battles begun after years of drinking heavily at soci... View more

Hi all and sorry in advance for my absolute novel!I’ve been diagnosed and battled Anxiety and OCD/Intrusive thoughts for almost 20 years now. I’ve always been quite an anxious person, but the true battles begun after years of drinking heavily at social events and on weekends. This is how it all started, I would drink excessively, then have intrusive thoughts of doing something wrong while intoxicated. These were my triggers and it took me years to realise that alcohol and myself don’t mix. I no longer drink or smoke and I’ve never taken illicit substances. I would have an episode, battle my mind for weeks/months while going to my psychologist and taking my medication. Calm would follow for years, but then I would have an episode after missing medication or having a couple of drinks (at my own detriment) and I would have to go through the whole anxiety and dread fueled process again. This time has felt different though, one single thought of a past event from 4 years ago has sent me into a spiral that has ripped my soul apart. It took 4 weeks to gain some relief, but then a few more intrusive thoughts have sunk their claws in when I felt I was on the mend. Has anyone had this before? Has anyone felt relief only to have it stripped away so quickly? I’m just really struggling with it all, so any advice or support would be greatly appreciated. Kind regards, Adsy

Not_Batman Maybe its Adult adhd?
  • replies: 14

So i’ve come to the realisation that i could have undiagnosed adult adhd.Why? well, i have been struggling with attention at work for a long time, was quite the hyperactive kid, i have over a dozen projects at home that i get 80% complete then give u... View more

So i’ve come to the realisation that i could have undiagnosed adult adhd.Why? well, i have been struggling with attention at work for a long time, was quite the hyperactive kid, i have over a dozen projects at home that i get 80% complete then give up, my office is a cluttered mess, my shed is even worse. Racing thoughts most of the day, anxiety, depression. Loads of hobbies that get started, and never finished. After being told by family that i’m chaotic and most likely have adhd, i started taking steps to help correct it. I went to a doctor to get a referral, but the doctor didn't take me seriously and said i just lack discipline…i have questioned the credibility of the doctor, because of comments on another subject, but i digress. Its going to be a costly process. What advice can anyone give to someone starting the journey?i don't want this to be another thing on the list of unfinished things. thanks Not_Batman

PCC Social Work Role Play assistance
  • replies: 1

Hello, I am currently studying Master of Social Work. I am in my first semester and I have a role play assessment in the following week. I am very scared and anxious because it is a very nerve wracking experience. I will have to participate in the ro... View more

Hello, I am currently studying Master of Social Work. I am in my first semester and I have a role play assessment in the following week. I am very scared and anxious because it is a very nerve wracking experience. I will have to participate in the role play where I would be the social worker and I have to engage with a professional actor. There would be 2 examiners assessing me and I have to perform in front of the whole class. I am afraid what if I get stuck or blank in between, I do not know what to ask next and I start asking irrelevant questions due to nervousness or if I get fumbled. I really want to practice with someone before my assignment.

Jeri1943 PTSD,Fear and abdominal problems
  • replies: 7

Hi i am a 82y old Vietnam Vet with PTSD and other disabilities which necissitate wheelchair use. . Currently, i am visiting Alice Springs for two weeks and i know i am not in a position to defend either my wife or myself should the need arise. This b... View more

Hi i am a 82y old Vietnam Vet with PTSD and other disabilities which necissitate wheelchair use. . Currently, i am visiting Alice Springs for two weeks and i know i am not in a position to defend either my wife or myself should the need arise. This brings on a feeling of panic when moving about town which in turn creates abdominal reactions sometimes resulting in spontaneous diarrhea. This terribly embarrassing. I am currenly taking medication for my PTSD. I know i should be able to control the situation, however i am now reluctant to go out. It also concerns my wife as she is my carer. I'm not sure if this is the right forum to talk about this, its creating concerns for me. Thank you

GiaNgo Is there any ways i can improve my social anxiety disorder??
  • replies: 1

hi, im 19 years old with social anxiety disorder. I struggle to communicate and make friends, especially since moving to Australia for college. My classmates comes from all different ages and countries make conversations challenging, and I find it ha... View more

hi, im 19 years old with social anxiety disorder. I struggle to communicate and make friends, especially since moving to Australia for college. My classmates comes from all different ages and countries make conversations challenging, and I find it hard to maintain small talk, while other people can talk to each other quite well. My only close friend during my 2 years in Australia is my classmate, my age, and it's easier to talk with her. But over time, I feel like we are becoming disconnected and not as close anymore, because she's making more friends in class and i felt being left out because i cannot make any friends even tho i tried. Imagine its been 2 years with the same classmates and i didn't talk to anyone but her. I'm feeling overwhelmed and whenever i go to class i just want to run home because i was about to cry... it feels like I'm so weird or I'm invisible... (Sorry my English is not that good).

Zephyr478 Lost at Sea.
  • replies: 3

I have been dealing with anxiety and panic disorder for 30+ years. CBT has helped me to navigate my way. Yet, last September, I lost my beautiful Mother. She was my lighthouse. The one who would steer me away from the rocky shores. Without her guidan... View more

I have been dealing with anxiety and panic disorder for 30+ years. CBT has helped me to navigate my way. Yet, last September, I lost my beautiful Mother. She was my lighthouse. The one who would steer me away from the rocky shores. Without her guidance, I am flailing, my grief a riptide. Can any fellow seafarers out there send me a beacon….?

Cwzg Anxiety
  • replies: 1

Hi all I have crippling anxiety and depression and I cant control it. Is there anyone who can help me with some strategys to help me?

Hi all I have crippling anxiety and depression and I cant control it. Is there anyone who can help me with some strategys to help me?

Baz Return to work after being bullied
  • replies: 2

Good morning, I’m a 59 year old male in the FIFO mining industry, last swing I was ridiculed and bullied for asking for a simple safety item. I’ve had a week off on planned holidays but am about to return to work this morning. I’m starting to feel an... View more

Good morning, I’m a 59 year old male in the FIFO mining industry, last swing I was ridiculed and bullied for asking for a simple safety item. I’ve had a week off on planned holidays but am about to return to work this morning. I’m starting to feel anxious and hesitant about going, I feel that I need to return to work but the closer it gets the more anxious I’m feeling?