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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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YellowPoppy Day to day struggles
  • replies: 17

Hi again, Aside from my triggered anxiety, I feel a constant unease. It's so hard to be happy or even present in the moment because I feel this dread underneath the surface. I'm trying not to dwell but I don't feel anything else, just panic and dread... View more

Hi again, Aside from my triggered anxiety, I feel a constant unease. It's so hard to be happy or even present in the moment because I feel this dread underneath the surface. I'm trying not to dwell but I don't feel anything else, just panic and dread. The only thing that seems to bring me any relief is playing uno with my mum and/or my partner, but even then, the fun is clouded in this darkness. I don't know if anyone can relate and if not well maybe someone else will find relief in playing uno. Thanks for reading, YellowPoppy

LesDave Anxiety. What’s worked for me during the past 20 years
  • replies: 3

I read a lot of the forum posts. I answer a lot too. I have lived with anxiety for decades. At time it has been debilitating. So, I thought perhaps my remedies and tactics might be a benefit to others. Firstly, I had my first epitome when a doctor ex... View more

I read a lot of the forum posts. I answer a lot too. I have lived with anxiety for decades. At time it has been debilitating. So, I thought perhaps my remedies and tactics might be a benefit to others. Firstly, I had my first epitome when a doctor explained what is happening medically to us when we suffer from anxiety, and medically, what is required. So basically, we have a situation that activates the fight of flight in us, spilling way too much cortisol in our bodies. We are pumped up on this drug, and no amount of logic will get it to go away. We need to get rid of the cortisol, or bring it down to manageable levels. I use hard exercise to soak it up. Once it starts to soak it up, I can then use logic to bring my thoughts under control. I use the mindfulness tactic to start with. That is, bring yourself into the present moment. Look this is a lot easier to say than actually do. It takes months of practice, and when my head is spinning, it is very hard to bring myself into the moment. But believe me, when you master this, it is so satisfying. Regularly during the day I check in on myself and notice my feelings. If I am happy or sad, I notice this and label it. “This is sadness I am feeling right now”. Sometimes, just by noticing things and labelling them, the feeling seems to go away. “I am feeling angry right now”, seems to make anger go away. The next thing is to recognise the cause of most of the problem is fear. I go straight to the cause. Why am I afraid? And, I have actively measured my instincts over the years, and my gut instinct is not very good. I have learned not to trust what I’m feeling, because it’s usually wrong. Your gut might be better than mine. Finally, I use the tactic counsellors give you with acceptance and commitment therapy. That is, when bad thoughts about the past or the future come into my head, I acknowledge their presence, and then tell them they are free to stay there, but I refuse to engage with them. “I notice I am having bad thoughts about work tomorrow. Those thoughts can stay in my head, but I’m not going to think about them or have a conversation or argument with them.” I hope you can get some benefit from this.

Lyla_429 I need someone to talk to...
  • replies: 7

So I'll start off by saying that I have never been formally diagnosed with anxiety, depression or an eating disorder, Mainly because I have been too scared to see a psychologist for more than 3 sessions. So... I don't know if this is common problem p... View more

So I'll start off by saying that I have never been formally diagnosed with anxiety, depression or an eating disorder, Mainly because I have been too scared to see a psychologist for more than 3 sessions. So... I don't know if this is common problem people on this thread have but I can't handle not having someone to talk to on a near constant basis. I've recently split from my long term partner, mainly because he could not handle my constant need for validation and I don't blame him for that. But it has only been a few days and I feel like I'm going stir crazy, I feel like if I don't have any outlet at all it will all just build up inside me and Ill start having panic attacks again. I know I'm not ready for another relationship and I wouldn't even know how to begin one at this point, I have such little self confidence and I can't imagine ever being attractive to someone... I know I have to address these feelings before I can begin a healthy relationship but I don't know how to do cope without someone to be with. I just feel so unhealthy both mentally and physically, I have no ability to connect with my family on these issues as they don't believe in mental illness and I have such limited friends that I don't want to scare them away with my neediness. I have no idea where to even start with this, I feel so lost and alone constantly. Sometimes when I look in the mirror I don't recognize my own face anymore, most days I feel like my body and my mind are 2 separate entities inhabiting the same space. I'm trying hard to keep my uni and work life afloat but it seems meaningless, every time I go to type something I feel empty and unmotivated. I don't know if I'm even in the right place to be voicing this but if anyone has been through something like this please please let me know so I don't feel like it's just me

TMCMS Sleep fear
  • replies: 2

Hi guys and gals, first time poster. I have been an anxiety sufferer since 2015 ish but only recently I have been fearing sleep because I'm scared I wont wake up. Tonight, I have tried twice going to sleep but have felt funny in the head between dozi... View more

Hi guys and gals, first time poster. I have been an anxiety sufferer since 2015 ish but only recently I have been fearing sleep because I'm scared I wont wake up. Tonight, I have tried twice going to sleep but have felt funny in the head between dozing off and waking up. The last 3 nights have been fine. I am also 25 weeks pregnant and have been 1 and a bit weeks off of medication and not sure if this could just be another side effect. I will be going back on another medication in a day or so but I just cant stop fearing that I'm going to die in my sleep. Please tell me I'm not alone in this?! Thank you.

Mickey_Mouse2 To scared to go to school or see friends
  • replies: 4

Hi I have really bad social anxiety and have been off school for about 5 weeks. I havent seen any of my friends in that time and I want to see them again but I am to scared. I dont know why Im scared or what Im scared of but if I even think about try... View more

Hi I have really bad social anxiety and have been off school for about 5 weeks. I havent seen any of my friends in that time and I want to see them again but I am to scared. I dont know why Im scared or what Im scared of but if I even think about trying to see them I get so nervous and shaky I feel like crying, throwing up or passing out. Recently they have been trying to help me think of ideas to make me less nervous so I can meet them at the beach or something. I had the idea of taking my dog with me because he instantly calms me down at home and I have a very strong love for animals (plus he would take the attention away from me). The only problem with this is my dog also has really bad anxiety around other people and dogs and he will bark at just about every living thing he sees. His barking then stresses me out and draws more attention to me which just makes my anxiety worse. We cant think of anything else I could take or do to keep me calm because the only thing that calms me down is having a dog next to me because they comfort me. My mum also thought about inviting my friends to my house so I could still be with my dog but I get nervous when other people are in my house not because I dont trust them but it just makes me nervous for some reason. I think its because my house is like my bubble of safety which I can escape to but when someone else is there there are people in my safety bubble and I don't feel like I can escape. Basically what I am asking for is any suggestions that will help me be able to see my friends again because my parents are getting angry because they are saying Im not trying to get better and if I dont start trying they will force me back into school which is the last thing I want.

bigbrain is it anxiety or just to many stressful factors??
  • replies: 1

This morning at my son's footy match my partner came out and said i suffer from anxiety. It was then I started crying, I'm not sure exactly why, maybe I was relieved to learn that my emotional ups and downs had a purpose, finally a diagnoses? How cou... View more

This morning at my son's footy match my partner came out and said i suffer from anxiety. It was then I started crying, I'm not sure exactly why, maybe I was relieved to learn that my emotional ups and downs had a purpose, finally a diagnoses? How could I be so blind and not notice this. I searched on beyond blue website to learn about anxiety. I took the anxiety test and the score is on the low rage. The symptoms associated with anxiety I don't necessarily experience. So what is wrong with me? I am a single mum, of two boys 5 and 7 years. Apart from my sons been boisterous and have a very acquired skill for selective hearing, they have a clean bill of health. So what is wrong with me? Why do i feel under pressure? Emotionally drained?

Belinda1986 Crippling anxiety attacks
  • replies: 5

I’m 32 and I’ve suffered from anxiety since I was a child. I had really bad social anxiety in my 20s, and started getting panic attacks when I was 19 which were triggered by social situations. I had a really severe anxiety attack the middle of last y... View more

I’m 32 and I’ve suffered from anxiety since I was a child. I had really bad social anxiety in my 20s, and started getting panic attacks when I was 19 which were triggered by social situations. I had a really severe anxiety attack the middle of last yr. Even though I knew that it was an anxiety attack, I couldn’t help feeling that I was dying. Got my mum to take me to hospital, and I couldn’t sit still. They couldn’t give me anything to help. I get severe nausea, and have to pace for hrs and hrs (I cannot sit still). Some of my attacks have lasted for 24 hrs and exhaust me. I am still getting these really severe attacks even though I’m on antidepressants and seeing a psychologist. Until my attack last yr I had never told anyone about my anxiety. I could never date and up until a few months ago have never had a boyfriend. I’m really struggling to be in a relationship because I’m so used to being alone, and worry about having an anxiety attack in front of him. I have pushed myself to date and this is something I’ve always avoided in the past due to anxiety. I know I need to face the things that make me anxious but it’s so hard. i want to try going to an anxiety clinic near me if I can get in as my psychologist is doing nothing for me. We’ve just been talking but haven’t really got any strategies, or ways to challenge my thinking to stop the attacks. Really feeling very alone and don’t know what to do. I’m having an attack at the moment and just feel so desperate. Wanted to reach out and connect with other people.

Cuddlybear Mental illness in a tight knit community
  • replies: 5

Being in a small community with an mental illness can be a struggle, I have trouble fitting in and can't make new friends. I am a person that will always try to better themselves regardless of the barriers, but it seems that I fail every time I give ... View more

Being in a small community with an mental illness can be a struggle, I have trouble fitting in and can't make new friends. I am a person that will always try to better themselves regardless of the barriers, but it seems that I fail every time I give something a go. I have always struggled with keeping a job and maintaining my well being. It also feels like that there is no one that I can truly rely to help me through tough times, not even family. I tend to isolate myself, I find it helps me gain some perspective but it doesn't always work. I feel alone and am about to give up trying anymore, once again. It is hard when you don't feel accepted to achieve what you want to achieve.

Brookenicole Hangover anxiety
  • replies: 4

Hey. I have generalised anxiety disorder, I see a psych and am on antidepressants for it. when I really started struggling with anxiety I stopped drinking alcohol but last night I had a big night and now I have a hangover and such bad anxiety with it... View more

Hey. I have generalised anxiety disorder, I see a psych and am on antidepressants for it. when I really started struggling with anxiety I stopped drinking alcohol but last night I had a big night and now I have a hangover and such bad anxiety with it, I feel so overwhelmed. It’s literally crushing me right right now I’m scared of everything right now and don’t feel like I can even leave me shower floor to get help. I’m worried I’m going to hyperventilate and pass out. I don’t want to talk to anyone because I just feel like I’m being so dramatic about everything. I don’t think people will understand that at the moment I’m just anxious about being a human- not any particular event. My rational mind is saying this is so dumb get up but my whole body body feels terrified. I tried grounding and meditating and tryinf to just be in this moment but i cant concentrate right now

harro123 I don't know.
  • replies: 1

Hi everyone, I'm not really sure what to say on here so I'm just going to speak my mind. I've been really struggling lately with my mental health. I've always had anxiety but I've never had struggled this bad and honestly, I'm feeling really helpless... View more

Hi everyone, I'm not really sure what to say on here so I'm just going to speak my mind. I've been really struggling lately with my mental health. I've always had anxiety but I've never had struggled this bad and honestly, I'm feeling really helpless. I've always been the person my friends come and talk to if they are struggling but now I'm on the other side and I'm struggling with that thought. I also don't want to burden them with my struggles with anxiety, especially my roommate. I know it shouldn't be a problem but I just can't bring myself to tell my friends how I'm really doing at times. They know I'm dealing with anxiety and I am seeing professional help but I'm still feeling helpless. I want to talk to them but I hate the idea of them being worried about me. Also, my GP prescribed me antidepressants and I don't know if I should get a second opinion on whether or not I need to be medicated. Who should I go to about the second opinion? Thank you for taking the time to read this thread.