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

All discussions

ranz73 Anxiety and dying
  • replies: 1

Hi am rather new to forums. But it suggested to me to read other people's stories instead of googling my anxious symptoms. And here I am. I have had Anxiety for a while now. And was managing it well with the usual ways. But lately it's come back and ... View more

Hi am rather new to forums. But it suggested to me to read other people's stories instead of googling my anxious symptoms. And here I am. I have had Anxiety for a while now. And was managing it well with the usual ways. But lately it's come back and in a massive wave. Everyday I wake up thinking I am going to die. I so over feeling this way. I am going back to my doctor next week.

__2 Severe OCD
  • replies: 13

Hello, To give some context, I have suffered from anxiety for many years now, which also gradually grew into OCD, mainly with washing my hands excessively and fear of contamination, however recently it has become very extreme. I find it very difficul... View more

Hello, To give some context, I have suffered from anxiety for many years now, which also gradually grew into OCD, mainly with washing my hands excessively and fear of contamination, however recently it has become very extreme. I find it very difficult to put what I've been feeling into words, but I will try to articulate it as best I can. About a month ago I went out with a few of my friends and I ended up getting relatively intoxicated, I remember it being an enjoyable and quite uneventful night. However, the next day i went home and I started making myself believe that I had done something absolutely horrible, and I gradually made the scenario worse and worse in my head, since then i have been obsessing and convincing myself that I have done the most horrific thing ever imaginable, when I know deep down I haven't and would never do such a thing. I had no real reason to do this/indication that I had done anything, but I think I have associated alcohol with memory loss and I've made myself believe that "well, if i cant remember it, who knows what could of occurred/what I'm capable of". I have been experiencing debilitating guilt constantly ever since then, for something that I know is completely absurd. Prior to this, I had been experiencing pretty much exactly the same thing from another time, convincing myself I had done something horrendous. The thoughts from most recent night have replaced those thoughts with a even more extreme scenario. These thoughts have also made me believe I am contaminated and disgusting, which has caused me to wash my hands a very excessive amount, roughly about an entire container of soap per day (to the point where I am getting cuts/splits on my hands due to how much they are being washed). This has also stopped me from going out and doing things in fear that I will contaminate places or people, and I have pretty much done nothing but sit in my room and wash my hands. I have become extremely depressed and anxious constantly. I have never spoken about my mental health, this is my first time ever talking about my mental health, but i feel it is finally necessary as It has become extremely bad. Although I am sceptical because how will it ever be proven that I didn't do what I'm making myself believe i did? It can never been proven or shown to me with definitive proof that I didn't do it, and I can't imagine I will feel better unless I know for a fact the situation(s) did not occur. Any advice would be appreciated.

JuanVC Recently recognised being anxious.
  • replies: 3

Hi guys, I’m 35 y/o, healthy, so far, keep active, eat clean, 1 beer once in a blue moon and no drugs. I went to Thailand two months ago to meet some friends and on the very first night after a tiring flight, it was very hot in Bangkok, humid, loud a... View more

Hi guys, I’m 35 y/o, healthy, so far, keep active, eat clean, 1 beer once in a blue moon and no drugs. I went to Thailand two months ago to meet some friends and on the very first night after a tiring flight, it was very hot in Bangkok, humid, loud and went to a restaurant which was extremely hot as well and as I finished my meal, I started to feel unwell, blurry vision and shortly after I passed out for 30 seconds. After this even I have not been myself anymore, I’ve been worried about it and even though I had a FULL medical check once back to Oz and nothing is wrong with me other than having that faint episode according to the doctors due to heat and dehydration. I still felt sick and felt lightheaded and dizzy for the majority of the trip so I could not enjoy. After coming back to SYdney been feeling fearful, worried, I have my good days and my bad days, I get this anxiety out of the blue. I have had a few things going on, moving houses, buying an apartment and in the middle of renovation and also going overseas for 2.5 months on a holiday with my partner, I have been looking forward to this trip but since the Thailand episode I’ve become worried about repeating the same thing, boarding the plane and when getting to destination passing out. I know it sounds dramatic and might sound stupid but that is the fear I have. I know that I’m healthy, I did loose weigh due to all the above events but have been eating healthy. Any advise to overcome and at least try to get excited for my trip on Monday? Somehow all I think about is what if? What if that happens again?. This past 2 months have been very challenging for me. At the beginning I was denying anxiety, I would tell one doctor that he had no idea about me but he was right, I finally opened up and although I am not exactly sure if this is how anxiety feels, I know something is going on and reading this page and other post makes me understand myself a bit better. Any tips, messages and encouragement would be highly appreciated. All my love guys x

Whysoserious Job anxiety (like clockwork)
  • replies: 2

I have adhd, depression and anxiety. I’ve always had trouble holding down a job (though not getting them) because within about three months I develop such extreme anxiety I can barely bring myself to leave the house. I’ve seen doctors, psychiatrists ... View more

I have adhd, depression and anxiety. I’ve always had trouble holding down a job (though not getting them) because within about three months I develop such extreme anxiety I can barely bring myself to leave the house. I’ve seen doctors, psychiatrists and psychologists but it’s always the same even if I’m doing a good job and the workplace is friendly and comfortable. I’m 37 now and the pattern is well established. If anyone has any suggestions or could share their own experiences if they’re similar I’d really love to know. Thank you.

SlightlyAnxious Anxious fear of dying of cancer.
  • replies: 4

Hello, not really sure what to say or were to start. 臘‍ I’m new. I’m not sure what’s considered too much info My mum passed away 22 years ago from melanoma cancer.Ever since then I have this fear of dying young. the closer I get to the age she died ... View more

Hello, not really sure what to say or were to start. 🤦🏻‍ I’m new. I’m not sure what’s considered too much info My mum passed away 22 years ago from melanoma cancer.Ever since then I have this fear of dying young. the closer I get to the age she died the worse I get. I am now the age she died.. 41 and I’m convinced I have colon cancer. I fluctuation between “don’t be silly” to “I am dying”. i have suffered from hemorroids for many years. They don’t usually cause any problems or pain. Occasionally have had blood after a bowel movement. Now all of a sudden I think it’s colon cancer. I have been to my dr she didn’t seem overly concerned but referred me to have a colonoscopy because I said I’m freaking out. The consult for the colonoscopy isn’t until 8 weeks time. I have also have this unusual discomfort under my right rib cage which travels to my back and shoulder blade for the last 12 months or so. It’s only been this last week that it’s constant prior to this it would come and go and not really be an issue. Just something I’m aware of. It feels like a dull stitch pain.Last year I had an ultra sound and had my liver and kidneys looked at. They found nothing. I also take medication for high blood pressure and have so for about 6 years. i get regular bloodwork to check my organs are strained. Ever since panicking about going to have a colonoscopy I feel like I notice every little detail in my body and then convince myself it’s a symptom. I don’t know how to stop thinking about this, or googling every little thing which is making me feel even worse. I’ve never felt so anxious before and I just can’t make the feeling go, I feel strange.

Rubybleu Twitches twitches twitches!!!
  • replies: 9

I’ve had quite bad anxiety over the past month but it’s been a lot better the past week. When I first started getting anxious I was experiencing twitching in my legs and arms which has now subsided but now I’m dealing with facial twitching!! First it... View more

I’ve had quite bad anxiety over the past month but it’s been a lot better the past week. When I first started getting anxious I was experiencing twitching in my legs and arms which has now subsided but now I’m dealing with facial twitching!! First it was my eyelid which went on for a week. That stopped today but now my upper lip and below my nose area is twitching! Has anyone else experienced this? It’s driving me crazy!

Dagny_Alith New job. Anxiety or not liked.
  • replies: 3

Hi all, Not usually one to open up and make posts but here it goes. After my old work ended abruptly, I've recently found a new job. I was there on experience before being offered a job. Everything was all good to begin with. I've officially worked t... View more

Hi all, Not usually one to open up and make posts but here it goes. After my old work ended abruptly, I've recently found a new job. I was there on experience before being offered a job. Everything was all good to begin with. I've officially worked there for 2 weeks now. Yesterday I started to notice how everyone had their little groups (8 people including myself work there). Everyone would go to lunch with their mates, talk with each other etc and I was left to go to lunch by myself...again. It feels like high school to be honest. I'm a very social person and I feel excluded and not really welcome there anymore. What upsets me the most is I dont know if it's my anxiety playing up or if they genuinely dont like me because I'm new and need to be taught everything. I feel alone and like I'm in the way recently. I've started biting my nails which I havent done in a long time. Does anyone have any tips on how to cope and how not to feel left out ? Thanks

Ruby_H I need advice
  • replies: 4

Ok so basically I have a friend who I was joking around today with when I accidentally really hurt her feelings but for some reason that little realization of 'oh I just made her upset' turned into a massive realization moment: I don't think I'm a ve... View more

Ok so basically I have a friend who I was joking around today with when I accidentally really hurt her feelings but for some reason that little realization of 'oh I just made her upset' turned into a massive realization moment: I don't think I'm a very nice person. i don't know what to do i feel so sick I keep thinking of these little things that I have been doing over the past year that seemed insignificant at the time but were actually really not nice. idk why but i can't move on from this i just have this constant intense guilt and anxiety feeling i can't sleep i can't eat i don't know how to move on and stop feeling guilty about stuff i can't do anything about i feel like a bad person. idk what to do. can someone help

Beautifullife20019 Newbie joined
  • replies: 2

Just would like to say first and foremost how brave everyone is speaking out and what a great website beyound blue is. It removes the whole stigma of mental health and shows hey it's okay to admit you may have some things going on in your life at the... View more

Just would like to say first and foremost how brave everyone is speaking out and what a great website beyound blue is. It removes the whole stigma of mental health and shows hey it's okay to admit you may have some things going on in your life at the moment but it doesn't have to be like that for the rest of your life . And some of these illnesses stay with you for your whole life but to manage them and still be able to live a quality life is what is great I have anxiety and OCD. I've battled an eating disorder most of my life which at times can be controlled and then other times it takes over . Which we know that goes hand in hand with OCD. I've studied alot on the issue to get a better understanding on why I do things the way I do and does all make sense to am extent. It is a daily issue with OCD. I wonder what it would be like not having to do things in a certain way everyday and how my life would be different but at the same time I am content once I do them ( the routines) as I think it is all I know since early days of my childhood. I do go therapy as I've been through some traumatic events in my life as with most people who are battling an mental health issue .

Anurer Anxiety symptoms like diabetes?
  • replies: 2

Hey guys, I’ve tried to search anywhere online that has this issue and so far I haven’t found anything which is making me worry more. So I have severe health anxiety and generalised anxiety disorder first off so I know most of the stuff I feel is pro... View more

Hey guys, I’ve tried to search anywhere online that has this issue and so far I haven’t found anything which is making me worry more. So I have severe health anxiety and generalised anxiety disorder first off so I know most of the stuff I feel is probably all in my head, but for the past week or so I haven’t been able to get a proper nights sleep. I wake up in the middle of the night and get back to sleep only to wake up again. This has happened consecutively as I said for about a week. On top of that, I’ve noticed I’ve had crazy amount of increased hunger (even after eating I don’t feel full) and increased thirst and also frequent urination even if I don’t drink a lot. Obviously Dr. Google is the first thing that comes to mind once I start to worry about my health (LOL) and the first thing that popped up is diabetes. I have had finger prick tests in the past and have always been told I don’t have anything that shows up that could be diabetes, and also a complete blood count blood test a few months ago that my doctor said was normal. I’m not over weight and I don’t eat that bad (I guess I indulge in sugary things quite a bit but not so excessive that I think would be dangerous). I guess all I’m asking is for someone else out there who knows what I’m going through or somehow has had the same symptoms. I also get frequent headaches and chronic IBS, so I’m just hoping that these new symptoms are just other ways my mind is trying to hurt me. I’m just sitting here panicking and feeling like sh*t all the time thinking I’m going to die or collapse.