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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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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

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Bennyboy10 Health Anxiety struggle
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone A few months ago i suffered really bad panic attacks and had a few trips to the hospital as i thought i was dying over an ilness in particular Cancer. After multiple doctors appointments i had blood work and brain scan done which all came... View more

Hi everyone A few months ago i suffered really bad panic attacks and had a few trips to the hospital as i thought i was dying over an ilness in particular Cancer. After multiple doctors appointments i had blood work and brain scan done which all came back negative. Even though the doctors have told me there is nothing physically wrong i just felt off or not myself but couldn't pinpoint why. I was then medicated and have been seeing a counseller for a few months now and have improved drastically. However i still suffer with strange symptoms even though i don't feel anxious, some of the symptoms include ringing in the ears(mainly at night) bowel issues, cold chills, random back pains, tiredness and fatigue that comes and goes. And sometimes find myself not being able to recognize my surroundings. I try to tell myself there is nothing physically wrong but i cannot stop worrying that it is something else that hasn't been picked up yet.

Slippers A review of my life so far.
  • replies: 2

So, since I last shared here a number of things have happened, I haven’t sat still wallowing in pity . I have been to a psychiatrist (although I prefer the term counsellor) and I had employed the services of a life coach as well to get me back on tra... View more

So, since I last shared here a number of things have happened, I haven’t sat still wallowing in pity . I have been to a psychiatrist (although I prefer the term counsellor) and I had employed the services of a life coach as well to get me back on track so to speak. I haven’t seen a medical doctor about this. I find myself stressing about things that I had done or things that may or may not happen in the future, I think my brain is addicted to stress, which really sucks. So, I decided to create a list of what’s good in my life and a list of my worries. Good. I have a full-time job and have been working over fifteen years. I get paid around 3k a month, and I’ve made enquiries on transferring to another department in the hope earn more cash. My manager is happy with my work and there is a prospect of a promotion or transfer out of the city CBD I own a car that I paid off with a bank loan I have almost cleared debts of $16000.00 since late last year having put a sizeable chunk of each pay into an interest earning bank account I have a roof over my head and my own bed to sleep in. I have family that love me in their own strange way Worries. I still live at home and I am in my late 40’s I don’t have much money saved, although I have been paying off debt. Though I was stupid with money growing up and not saving. Once my mother dies, I would have to leave home, and I don’t have a plan on what to do after that. I don’t feel I have the experience to live by myself having spent all my life up to now with other people, I am scared of the future (unknown) I would like to have a plan for the future, I live day by day at the moment and I find myself scared of that hidden worry around the corner tomorrow. I’ve been told I should live in today, but its easier said that done. I am not having a go at myself when I share my worries, it’s the brutal truth. So, I want to share this here to remind myself of the good stuff, but if anyone wanted to share their ideas on my worries, I would be very appreciative.

Critters12 Anxiety, PTSD running my life
  • replies: 1

Hello everyone. I'll try to keep this brief- at the start of the year I had an overseas trip go wrong and became very ill while travelling, which resulted in me being evacuated out of a remote part of the world and unable to speak the language of my ... View more

Hello everyone. I'll try to keep this brief- at the start of the year I had an overseas trip go wrong and became very ill while travelling, which resulted in me being evacuated out of a remote part of the world and unable to speak the language of my treating doctors. I thought I was going to die in a foreign country and was terrified. After arriving home in my own country, I was good for a couple of weeks, but then I fell into a severe depression and became suicidal for about 6 months. I undertook cognitive behavioural therapy, started medication, and was forced to quit my job as I recovered. It's been about 8 months since the incident and I have improved a lot. I recently got a new job in a nature park working with animals and it's been great. However I am struggling so badly with separation anxiety from my partner, as well as crippling anxiety before starting a shift. It gets so bad that I've called in sick the last few days. I cry so much and I feel hopelessly dependent on my partner. I also freak out about my car dying and losing my job. Everything in my head becomes catastrophic. I'm so tried I will ruin my amazing new job and be fired. I also struggle very badly with facing things, I still haven't filed my health insurance (though I am still within the claim period), because I'm so scared of rejection. I've had financial support from my parents for the last few months and I feel horrible about that too. My partner is a beautiful person who supports me and has been there for me through it all. I feel like a burden to everyone and i just want to be mentally healthy again but I don't know what to do anymore. I'm stuck.

B_D1 Anxiety, Newbie
  • replies: 1

Hi, iam a mother of two young boys. My second child was born with craniosytosis. He had to have major surgery at the age of 10months old. Which went for 9hours, to remould his head shape. This was when it all began for me. At 6 weeks of age, i was to... View more

Hi, iam a mother of two young boys. My second child was born with craniosytosis. He had to have major surgery at the age of 10months old. Which went for 9hours, to remould his head shape. This was when it all began for me. At 6 weeks of age, i was told by maternal health that his head shape wasnt right. From then on lots of doc appts and waiting until he was older enough to have the surgery triggered all sorts of emotions. Every day from 4 months old, i was a wreck. Uncontrollable crying, not sleeping, googling what ifs.. poor diet, irritable. Why him, he doesnt deserve this. He had the surgery and all went well. I noticed a bald spot in my hair after the surgery, turns out i have alopecia areata. It was the trigger. It took me a year through diet and trying to manage my anxiety through meditation to get some of my hair back. Which i did, but yearly we have to go back to thr hospital for his checks up. These check up are coming up in 3 weeks, i am noticing that i am not sleeping so well, worried about his head shape. Is it okay, will he be fine etc... My husband also isnt talking to one of his sisters, she also has two kids that have a terminal illness. One of them is actually in hospital now. I have such a strong pull for him to just talk to her. Be happy again, i want everything to be happy again. No more drama and just be happy. I want to be happy again. I cant handle it when we go to caravan parks camping and i am away from my boys and can hear someone cry because they hurt themselves. I think its one of my boys, but i know it isn't. It just bring all the memories of the hospital back again. I dont know how to manage these feelings... triggers..

Dinosmallprince Week long anxiety attack
  • replies: 6

So I’ve been suffering from a week long anxiety attack without feeling anxious and nothing’s working, my heart rates wack and I just can’t breath properly (I’ve gone to hospital to rule out any medical emergencies) does anyone have any advice? Or exp... View more

So I’ve been suffering from a week long anxiety attack without feeling anxious and nothing’s working, my heart rates wack and I just can’t breath properly (I’ve gone to hospital to rule out any medical emergencies) does anyone have any advice? Or experienced this before?

L_ Social anxiety and work - HELP
  • replies: 1

I am 17 and living with my family. I have had social anxiety for around 5 years now and my parents have just recently realised it. Ever since I was 15 my family has been pestering me to get a job as my family could do with some financial support. Whi... View more

I am 17 and living with my family. I have had social anxiety for around 5 years now and my parents have just recently realised it. Ever since I was 15 my family has been pestering me to get a job as my family could do with some financial support. While I am more than happy to provide, I am unable to bring myself to do it. Just the thought of having to be around people and interact with them stresses me out. Even going out the front door to take the trash out is struggle. I know I may sound dramatic seeing as most of my generation is employeed, its just...I just can bring myself to do it. Because of this, I help out as much as I can. Doing chores and taking care od my younger siblings are daily tasks for me. I do well in school and am a well behaved daughter. I never ask for anything as I know I should be buying it myself. Even so, this is not enough to satisfy my parents as well as my older sister. I am constantly called weak, lazy and useless because of this but I know it just because they are tired and need a break from working so much. Because of this I feel immense guilt and pressure. I feel as if I am a burden to my family, too weak-willed to suck it up and get a job. And yes I know a counsellor or psychologist would be a great help but even that costs money and suggesting that to my parents will put a strain on money. I am also too scared to talk to other people and telling my family about this will result in degrading comments about how I am just weak and lazy. Having depression also does not help (btw I was diagnosed by a psychologist last year. My school referred me to them after I was not attending school for the reasons of dreppression and anxiety). I understand that all they want is some help and I am at the age where I should be employed. If any of you have any helpful suggestions or any comments at all it would be greatly appreciated!

LJ-user1 Anxiety triggers
  • replies: 6

Hi guys, this is my first post here. I have recently gone of my antidepressants in an attempt to manage my anxiety by myself - whilst seeing a psychologist. I have been experiencing a lot of “body anxiety” where all these symptoms come on quick rathe... View more

Hi guys, this is my first post here. I have recently gone of my antidepressants in an attempt to manage my anxiety by myself - whilst seeing a psychologist. I have been experiencing a lot of “body anxiety” where all these symptoms come on quick rather than thoughts happening. I had an experience yesterday where someone’s perfume really triggered me and I thought I was going to have a panic attack - it was at work and all I wanted to do was run away but couldn’t. Does anyone get triggered by certain smells? I do remember about 6 years ago i was wearing a perfume and had to swap tops with my mum as I went into complete panic - like the world was ending type thing. I had worn this before and it was only really then that it triggered me. I don’t no if smells since then take me back to that moment. In the last few years I don’t wear perfume or any scents - unless it’s essential oils or a very light sent. Sometimes certain smells / perfumes don’t even bother me and other times it’s like yesterday! I really want to somehow get over this because it’s something that is everywhere.. any thoughts ? Or anyone experience the same thing?

Ocean_breeze Always checking everything, do it so many times in a day
  • replies: 4

Good morning, I need help, advice. It’s taking over my daily life activities. I find myself constantly always checking on everything, whether that’s checking the window is shut x3 times or checking the history / Facebook history etc on my phone. I ha... View more

Good morning, I need help, advice. It’s taking over my daily life activities. I find myself constantly always checking on everything, whether that’s checking the window is shut x3 times or checking the history / Facebook history etc on my phone. I have fear if I don’t do this something bad will happen. It’s like an every day thing I do it when I wake up and do it when I go to bed and 100 times during the day. If I go to a different place during the day besides home I make sure I do it there as well because it’s a new environment. Whoever I am with at the time I get moody cause they will be trying to talk to me and I need to like finishing what I am doing ( without speaking ) it sounds crazy, I know it’s crazy. I just don’t know how to stop! Its making when I go outside todo activities very hard.

popping-candy HELP - Dizzy/Drunk/Weird Feeling with Anxiety
  • replies: 4

Hi Guys, I’ve been suffering from this weird feeling I can’t explain in my head. I almost feel like I’m drunk or woozy. Sometimes it feels like I’m watching the TV but not really looking at it properly? It’s so strange I don’t know how to explain thi... View more

Hi Guys, I’ve been suffering from this weird feeling I can’t explain in my head. I almost feel like I’m drunk or woozy. Sometimes it feels like I’m watching the TV but not really looking at it properly? It’s so strange I don’t know how to explain this. My GP says it’s my anxiety but I’m so scared I have a tumor or something wrong with my brain. Some background: I recently gave birth in April and hubby was home with me for the first month. I noticed this feeling started happening when he went back to work. He does night shift so naturally I stress out more alone at night with a baby. Two weeks ago I had a panic attack with new symptoms which I didn’t realize until a week later (tingling starting from my head working it’s way down to my legs which turned into a burning sensation and also a prickling tongue) this made me think I was having a stroke so I went to emergency and they checked over me including my iron but didn’t find anything. They suggested a CT with contrast dye in the rare instance that I’d have a clot on the brain from child birth. This scared me so much I refused the test. Plus the dr said the chances of this being the case is minuscule but now that’s in the back of my mind. I also suffer PTSD from witnessing a friend having a seizure which later turned out to be a brain aneurysm (3 years ago) and since then have constant fears it will happen to me or that I’m having a stroke. Previously I used to have heart palpitations etc but since loosing near 40kgs since Jan 2018 my anxiety settled. I only had 2 panic attacks while pregnant but now it’s come back in full force with new symptoms! I can’t deal with this dizzy weird feeing. Sometime I also feel like my eyes are lagging if that makes sense? Like the focus is out? I don’t know how to explain it, sorry. Sometimes I have moments of clarity especially when I try and calm myself but I just don’t know what to do. Please tell me there’s someone else out there feeling this? I have sever health anxiety and don’t know how to help it. Currently restarted medications for when I’m on my own and panicking. Sorry for the long post. Lots more to this but running out of room. Tell me I’m not alone!

arthurjames Crippling work anxiety
  • replies: 1

Bit of a rant here. Just over a year ago I moved from Melbourne to Hobart through a transfer at work. My partner came with me and we moved in with my parents in order to save up for a house deposit. I went from a workplace I didn't mind that had some... View more

Bit of a rant here. Just over a year ago I moved from Melbourne to Hobart through a transfer at work. My partner came with me and we moved in with my parents in order to save up for a house deposit. I went from a workplace I didn't mind that had some friends to one that I completely despise. I have gone though periods of okayness over the last year however I have started to lose control of my anxiety and depression. I was away from my workplace for a month as I worked remotely and upon returning I have felt so horrible and completely overrun with fear. The reason is I just can't stand the people I work with. It is a small workplace of 20 people and they are incredibly negative and regularly talk people down. The ones that aren't so bad are just mute and put up with. I do not know if it is just paranoia or not but I feel like I have been targeted and that they alway talk about me. I have always suffered from low self esteem and I am incredibly sensitive to people thinking bad of me. I have managed to get sent away again for another month or so but that has not helped my anxiety as now it is all I can think about. I am considering quitting to find another job or transfer to another workplace with the same employer. This still stresses me out however as I am terrified I will go to a new workplace just to find the same problems with colleagues. I feel like moving back to Melbourne with my partner and the move has stressed her out massively and I think that is contributing to my anxiety. We both feel like we don't fit in here however I can't even imagine how we would actually move back. I feel lost with no purpose and no direction. I never liked my job that much and now with bad colleagues I just can't stand it. I constantly feel panicked and wake up in the morning with near panic attacks. I feel like I am always going to have these problems and that I will never get better.