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Anxiety

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

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Chris_B Forums etiquette: give support to receive support
  • replies: 0

Hi everyone, particularly any new members who may be reading. From time to time, we get contacted by members who are unhappy that they haven’t received a lot of replies to their posts. Our community champions work very hard to make sure that all newb... View more

Hi everyone, particularly any new members who may be reading. From time to time, we get contacted by members who are unhappy that they haven’t received a lot of replies to their posts. Our community champions work very hard to make sure that all newbies are welcomed when they first post, and we understand that it’s a big step to post for the first time on a forum like this, especially if you aren’t feeling great. It’s important to remember, though, that these forums are a community of real people, just like you, not a one-on-one support environment like going to see your psychologist. To get the best out of being here, one of the best tips we can offer is give support to receive support. Being a good community member means: participating in different threads (not just your own), replying to people who have taken the time to reply to you (even if it’s just to say thank you), and... posting words of emotional support and encouragement when you see others who are hurting and reaching out. You don’t have to feel obliged to solve the problems of others: that’s not what we’re here for. But you can offer empathy and what you’ve learned from your own life experiences, even if it’s just a line or two, eg. “I don't know what to say, but I want to give you my support and tell you I care about what is happening to you and hope life will get better soon.” Try to develop an interest in the journeys of others here on the forums. You may be surprised at how good being an active, caring member here can make you feel. For those of you who have had good experiences giving support here on the forums, please post in this thread here and let us know how it has helped you on your journey.

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Ant12 Anxiety over something that may never happen.
  • replies: 10

Hi, this is my first post and I need some advice please. Due to a long drawn out family fallout I find I am overthinking a scenario that hasn't happened and probably never will but I am convincing myself that it will and what the consequences will be... View more

Hi, this is my first post and I need some advice please. Due to a long drawn out family fallout I find I am overthinking a scenario that hasn't happened and probably never will but I am convincing myself that it will and what the consequences will be when it does. I know I am being totally irrational but I can't let it go. I think through it logically and realise that it would take an untruth for it to occur but I can't put it past them doing it. It's occupying every thought and making life very unpleasant. How can I put it into some sort of perspective and get it out of my head. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Kaelyn_____ Honestly have no idea
  • replies: 2

Why do I feel like this I hate the fact everyone always around me are growing up and I am not, I wish to be a rebellious teen/young adult for as long as I can Also I felt like I lost my youth to mental illness and I just wish to take it back dont get... View more

Why do I feel like this I hate the fact everyone always around me are growing up and I am not, I wish to be a rebellious teen/young adult for as long as I can Also I felt like I lost my youth to mental illness and I just wish to take it back dont get me wrong I am proud of my friends but I wish it didn’t happen so quick

Cuddlybear Where is there appropriate help
  • replies: 3

I haven't had a good day, I joined a anxiety wellness program and unfortunately it was the worst thing I could've done. It has made me inadequate, not listened to and the feeling of being controlled. I have 6 more weeks of this and I've had enough, I... View more

I haven't had a good day, I joined a anxiety wellness program and unfortunately it was the worst thing I could've done. It has made me inadequate, not listened to and the feeling of being controlled. I have 6 more weeks of this and I've had enough, I am not getting the support or guidance that I need. Apart from that I looked to my mum for guidance, to just only be ignored and then lied to, I just feel like leaving this place and to escape from all that I know. I'm angry and annoyed with the lack of support and knowing that really you only person you can rely on is yourself. I thought that things would be better by better educating myself and gaining employment, but I have been mucked about by all parties. I know my limits and I feel that I am being pushed way past that.

grace6788 why does my head never stop thinking
  • replies: 4

i can never stop thinking about everything over and over again and it’s all getting too much i just don’t want to think anymore

i can never stop thinking about everything over and over again and it’s all getting too much i just don’t want to think anymore

fred4761 Feeling more anxious when home alone
  • replies: 2

I used to be fine being home alone while my partner was at work. However since my partner started working from home 3 years ago, I realise that I haven’t been home on my own at all really. I haven’t worked in paid employment for several years now bec... View more

I used to be fine being home alone while my partner was at work. However since my partner started working from home 3 years ago, I realise that I haven’t been home on my own at all really. I haven’t worked in paid employment for several years now because my anxiety, depression and O.C.D. became too much for me. I do volunteer work a few times a week. My partner is going to start helping to teach music lessons at a local primary school one day a week and it has just hit me today that I will be home alone during this time. I am already starting to feel anxious when I think about being by myself. I will have my pets to keep me company. I am just feeling so worried and I can’t seem to pin point why. I don’t know what it is about being alone that is so worrying. I was thinking that maybe part of it could be because we only have one car and my partner will be taking it so then I would be stuck at home if there was an emergency. Although I guess that if there was an emergency I would call an ambulance or a taxi. But then again, if there was an emergency with one of my pets I wouldn’t be able to drive them to the vet. Aside from that I don’t know what it is about being alone. Does anyone else feel more anxious when they are home alone? What do you do to help yourself when you are feeling anxious when you are home alone?

VikingWarrior Nervous Sweats
  • replies: 3

Something that has started affecting me in the last year and it's so frustrating. Im looking to vent or if anyone can help or share success stories. Whenever im in social situations I dont know why but I tend to feel under pressure even when in meeti... View more

Something that has started affecting me in the last year and it's so frustrating. Im looking to vent or if anyone can help or share success stories. Whenever im in social situations I dont know why but I tend to feel under pressure even when in meetings at work where im just listening. I feel so awkward always having to play it off or ignore it when im just dripping with sweat despite the aircon being on and cool tenperature.

YellowPoppy Severe anxiety
  • replies: 20

Hi, new here... (may have a half finished post somewhere - sorry) I have had anxiety since I was a child. I have suffered from both anxiety and depression for most of my life About 7 weeks ago i hit rock bottom. I had a really bad anxiety episode Tha... View more

Hi, new here... (may have a half finished post somewhere - sorry) I have had anxiety since I was a child. I have suffered from both anxiety and depression for most of my life About 7 weeks ago i hit rock bottom. I had a really bad anxiety episode That left me physically ill. And I was miserable and depressed and crying For almost a week. Since then, with the support of my mum, my partner and various health professionals, I have gotten better, walking daily, eating well, sleeping well, but Easter night I was ill again. And now I am back to where I started. It feels worse then the first time though. Everytime I think about things that would normally make me happy Or make me smile I feel miserable and I'm in dispair. It's allot worse than what I've written but I don't want to trigger anyone who may be struggling. Thanks for listening/reading YellowPoppy

AVA85 Anxiety stopping me from EVER having a job.
  • replies: 4

Hi, I need some serious help or guidance on who to talk to about the fact that I have crippling anxiety and fear when I have to think about getting a job. I am married to my husband of 14 years and been together for 18 (since we were 15). Since we ha... View more

Hi, I need some serious help or guidance on who to talk to about the fact that I have crippling anxiety and fear when I have to think about getting a job. I am married to my husband of 14 years and been together for 18 (since we were 15). Since we have been together I had two part time jobs as a teenager. Since leaving school I have not had a job. That was 15 years ago. My husband is self employed and I have been lucky that he can support me. But our kids are teenagers and I can work but every time I think about it all these thoughts start to run through my head that lead me to not even going there. What if my husband has a day off? - I wont get to be home to and I might miss out on something What if my kids are sick? What if Im to tired to work? I wont know how to do anything? Where would I find time to go to the gym or do ANYTHING outside of those horrible work hours? 9 hours a day!!!!!!!!!!! What a nightmare Who would clean , cook, look after the dogs during the day? What If I want to take holidays? The list goes on, and although it might seem petty, its how my crazy head works. Now, dont get me wrong. I find a job, get super excited, think 'YES' this is it! Two hours later, I have convinced myself it would never work. Im simply scared and anxiety takes over and simply stuffs with my head. If I worked I could, bring in extra income, meet new people and perhaps even love it. But I don't think Ill ever know. I have actually worked for my husband for 9 years from our home office and I am a qualified bookkeeper. However that qualification only came about because It was online and had NO face to face training. I work alone and on my own and can still do whatever I want. I think the idea of a REAL job makes me feel restricted and controlled and I hate that. I need freedom. Help, Im scared I will never be able to get a real job and have something to show for myself.

Jemm89 Post Natal anxiety
  • replies: 1

Hi all Baby number 2 has been difficult. A trip from regional Qld to Brisbane for NICU, separation from baby, connection with him is growing but taking more time. My anxiety is manifesting in so many physical ways including indigestion, no appetite, ... View more

Hi all Baby number 2 has been difficult. A trip from regional Qld to Brisbane for NICU, separation from baby, connection with him is growing but taking more time. My anxiety is manifesting in so many physical ways including indigestion, no appetite, racing heart, chest pains, nightmares, lack of sleep and much more. I'm feeling very observed by others and social anxiety is next level. I have experienced intrusive thoughts but never gone any further or acted on them. I'm ashamed I had the thoughts. Am doing Yoga daily which helps immensely. I have such a new understanding of the black dog and I feel like that black dog is sitting there waiting. I don't have a plan to tackle that if it happens again. I've seen the acute mental health unit and they've told me I'm not severe enough to be seen by then. There are no professionals who have expertise in pnda. Any ideas? I have a social worker with regards to NICU experience and have made contact with panda.

HarrisCloud Another new job. Another feeling that I want to flee.
  • replies: 13

I am coming to the end of my first week of a new job. My previous job I was at for 2 years and I hated it. Hated it so much so when I got this new job I was so excited. Excited until my first day. I'm an admin assistant in a smallish office. It's the... View more

I am coming to the end of my first week of a new job. My previous job I was at for 2 years and I hated it. Hated it so much so when I got this new job I was so excited. Excited until my first day. I'm an admin assistant in a smallish office. It's the same pattern that I've had every job I've ever started. I have so much anxiety about not feeling like I'm understanding my new tasks. In some ways it feels like my anxiety inhibits me from learning the new tasks. I'm a major perfectionist and I feel like I must start a new job and know all the tasks I'm responsible for. Even though I know that's not possible and it's irrational I cant help it. There is another new admin assistant that has been there 3 weeks and she is laughing with the other people like she's been there for years, she just gets in in the morning and does her work. I'm still being all awkward and not knowing where anything is. even though I truly hated my old job I knew everything there was to know about the job. If the phone rang and there was a problem I knew the answer without thinking. My manager needed something and I knew where to put my hands on whatever was needed immediately. Now I just feel like an idiot. I sit at my desk and envisage picking up my bag and quietly slipping out the door, getting into my car and driving away and never coming back. How can I break this habit of feeling so bad when I start a new job?