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.

All discussions

Albert_247 Why I'm feeling anxiety nowadays
  • replies: 9

I am 28 now and I'm still without direction for what jobs I want to do, I'm only thinking of trying retail and I'm not overly keen because so many people say it's a bad pathway, while with academics I'm not a study person but my only educational inte... View more

I am 28 now and I'm still without direction for what jobs I want to do, I'm only thinking of trying retail and I'm not overly keen because so many people say it's a bad pathway, while with academics I'm not a study person but my only educational interest is nutrition related, but it's not to say I'm one hundred percent to even want to try it even if ever, but at the same time being a dietician is more interesting then anything else from University, I just wouldn't see myself being the person to achieve it or do it as a job, so it's sort of silly to mention or make it seem like it's a considerable possibility because I mostly rule it out with me I feel so challenged because I don't have much cooking skills and I also have to one day live after my mothers gone and manage my diabetes and I don't want a life of eating quick and easy un healthy foods for many reasons, my doctor says I might be able to get un diagnosed with my diabetes because it's in such good remission so that's one break through I'm hoping I can relieve with my challenges I don't know how to find accommodations if I needed to know if ever, and I wouldn't want a future of rent quality in comparison to a mortgage, I definitely don't want to live with strangers, only family or a marriage type of situation would be what I'm wanting, I wouldn't know how to pay bills online, I was told paying bills at the post office is becoming a thing of the past unfortunately I always had my mother doing laundry and I've helped her on occasion but don't feel like I am at a level to just know what I'm doing alone with all the fabrics and colours and how to operate the washing machine and how much softener and detergent to use, but maybe Google can tell me this? maybe it's not that complex, I have a basic sense but still I wouldn't know how to deal with the bank people on the phone and figure out how to resolve anything like with cards or financials or even what to say either I don't have the highest self esteem with people that I find to be rude or bully, I worry I can't handle life's adversity and conflicts or that If I don't have my twin brother if I'll know how to resolve any issues on my own I also worry I will never make friends finding anyone I like but I also see a lot of friends superficial to come and go, So I'm more family minded, Worry I'd never have a girl that's attractive and with the right personality or someone that would be a long term suitable, also general insecurity with intimacy

_Mumof3_ Constantly feel like I'm up against a brick wall
  • replies: 6

Hi all, I'm quite new here and really am at a loss.I have a young teenager who I have been raising on my own for the last 11 years. Her Dad is there, in another state to us but really isn't helping at all. She's lucky if she sees him once a year now,... View more

Hi all, I'm quite new here and really am at a loss.I have a young teenager who I have been raising on my own for the last 11 years. Her Dad is there, in another state to us but really isn't helping at all. She's lucky if she sees him once a year now, although they do talk on the phone regularly.She has been living with anxiety for the last 5 years, with it becoming increasingly bad this year. It is now affecting her sleep and her schooling. Emotionally she is a mess and will be starting to see a counsellor again. We have tried a few counsellors in the past, unfortunately she did not feel comfortable with them.I have thought about homeschooling her next year to take some of that extra pressure off her and really focusing on her mental health, which I feel is so important.Unfortunately her father does not agree! He thinks he can push her and she'll 'just get over it'I'm tired of hearing 'she just needs to harden up'. He is not supportive at all in regards to her anxiety, lack of sleep and her mental wellbeing in general. I have tried to have conversations with him in regards to how bad things are with her mental health and anxiety and I am constantly shut down. I live with this daily and it breaks my heart to see what my daughter is going through. Am I doing the right thing for her in regards to considering homeschooling? I feel like I am constantly bashing my head against a brick wall. Every time she gets off the phone to him, she becomes withdrawn. I have tried suggesting having a break from their phone calls or reducing them to every couple of days, instead of daily BUT she feels the need to please him. She feels she will get into trouble if she doesn't call him. I am just so, so sad for her.He can no longer control me but now seems to be controlling our daughter. I just want to do the right thing for her. I just don't know where to go from here.My heart is breaking!!!

Guest_9210 Trying to change habits
  • replies: 3

I’m just trying to change habits that have not been good, I particularly get anxiety when Im driving in unfamiliar places and in stressful situations, it would be good to develop some strategies to feel better!

I’m just trying to change habits that have not been good, I particularly get anxiety when Im driving in unfamiliar places and in stressful situations, it would be good to develop some strategies to feel better!

Andre_cbr Daily extreme Anxiety for 4 months
  • replies: 1

Suffering the same though everyday for 4 months. Anxiety is paralysing me, it feels like life is “not real”, sometimes. Only break I have is when I am able to sleep..tried;1) letting go, surrendering 2) meditation 3) reading about the topic and learn... View more

Suffering the same though everyday for 4 months. Anxiety is paralysing me, it feels like life is “not real”, sometimes. Only break I have is when I am able to sleep..tried;1) letting go, surrendering 2) meditation 3) reading about the topic and learning more about it. nothing is working…

Vegemitewizard Feel like im going manic or crazy
  • replies: 4

Hi im a 21 year old male. Most nights i have alot of trouble sleeping i feel foggy, depressed and anxious sometimes odd. No matter how hard it try to sleep i can't. I turn on my computer, play a video and lay with my eyea close till i passout. Alot o... View more

Hi im a 21 year old male. Most nights i have alot of trouble sleeping i feel foggy, depressed and anxious sometimes odd. No matter how hard it try to sleep i can't. I turn on my computer, play a video and lay with my eyea close till i passout. Alot of the times when i do sleep i experience these vivid horrific dreams. Sometimes the dreams negatively affect oh i feel when i wake up, these dreams stick with me. I can remember them like they just happend it makes me want to not sleep. I feel like there is something wrong with me all the time whether it be psychological or physical i have no idea. I feel worried alot, i have such a hard time going to the doctors, ive been putting it off for years beacuse im so anxious. My anxiety is negatively affecting my life in different ways and keeps me up at night. I smoke alot of marijuana to stop dreaming and go to sleep easier. Just curious if anyone else is experiencing this.

StephenLRobinson Twitching in legs and feet
  • replies: 3

Hi Guys, mI really need a calming mind right now! 2 and a half weeks ago I started with twitching in both legs. I have been extremely anxious for months now and this is just another symptom I have got! it’s like vibrating twitching in both feet and r... View more

Hi Guys, mI really need a calming mind right now! 2 and a half weeks ago I started with twitching in both legs. I have been extremely anxious for months now and this is just another symptom I have got! it’s like vibrating twitching in both feet and random twitching in legs that sometimes moves to lips and arms and eyes. I have a really tight leg but the tightness moves around the leg. Has anyone had these symptoms before?

Mel78 Health anxiety
  • replies: 1

I'm a 45 year old woman with health anxiety, it started when i was about 22 years old i had a very traumatic experience with a family member passing away from a horrible disease and i went from never thinking about death to thinking about it constant... View more

I'm a 45 year old woman with health anxiety, it started when i was about 22 years old i had a very traumatic experience with a family member passing away from a horrible disease and i went from never thinking about death to thinking about it constantly. I worried about my children and my husband and how they would cope without me around and would they be ok, i started to get lots of different symptoms and was very scared what was happening, i saw my doctor and specialists and everytging came back normal it was then that i became very sick i couldnt eat or sleep i lost heaps of weight and i couldnt function or get out of bed i felt like i was going crazy and loosing my mind. The doctor diagnosed me with generalised anxiety disorder and somatic delusional disorder and for a few years everything was getting better with the medication i was taking, i relapsed a few times but was able to overcome it each time so instead of it taking me weeks to get over it it became days instead and i was able to get on with my life. But in the last few months it has started creeping up on me again im convinced i have MS because both of my pinky fingers go numb every night while im sleeping and i have night sweats. Im seeing my doctor today to talk about my concerns but i took the day off work because i cant think about anything else its getting a real hold on me and i dont want to feel like this , is there anyone out there who feels the same or can put my mind at ease about my symptoms because i dont want to consumed by this again i just want to enjoy my life.

ds4 Brain tumour worry
  • replies: 4

Hey, I am a 25 year old. just jumping on as I have got the worst anxiety about having a brain tumour, I have been to the doctors as I have been having severe dizziness and balance issues for over a year now. I got all my bloods tested and everything ... View more

Hey, I am a 25 year old. just jumping on as I have got the worst anxiety about having a brain tumour, I have been to the doctors as I have been having severe dizziness and balance issues for over a year now. I got all my bloods tested and everything was really good, she has told me it could be my health anxiety which could be the issue but I have been spending hours on Google and it has told me the worst as I am showing symptoms of a brain tumour I am getting back on medication to see and if not I will need to get a scan which I am really really worried about… has anyone had this experience if so would any one have any tips

Mumma12 Anxiety & Depression
  • replies: 2

Hi allI’ve recently started suffering from Anxiety and Depression and last night I hit rock bottom. I really struggle day by day to get out of bed I have no energy I’m emotionally exhausted.I was hoping if there are people like me who know how to acc... View more

Hi allI’ve recently started suffering from Anxiety and Depression and last night I hit rock bottom. I really struggle day by day to get out of bed I have no energy I’m emotionally exhausted.I was hoping if there are people like me who know how to accept these emotions and push through, I’m on a mental health plan but I feel like it’s failing me. Any advice would be appreciated

jacky78 Work place harassment & Anxiety
  • replies: 2

Hi all, My first post here first of all this is a great forum and never thought I would use it but here I am. I have worked in a company for more than 2 years, I'm a shy person and socially awkward so I don't interact as much with colleague and new c... View more

Hi all, My first post here first of all this is a great forum and never thought I would use it but here I am. I have worked in a company for more than 2 years, I'm a shy person and socially awkward so I don't interact as much with colleague and new comer. However I perform my task as required and no performance issues ever raised to me. For the past 6 month I felt like suddenly I'm being sidelined at work and my Team leader stop introducing me to new comer and on meeting I was never acknowledged. Is this normal at workplace considering I'm a shy person. I just don't feel its right and I felt like I'm isolated at work and my anxiety is getting worse to a point where I start withdrawing at work. I'm a full time student with quite a bit of pressure and I'm doing full time work. As mentioned I don't have any performance issues and I work in healthcare environment. I don't want to jump to conclusion but I cannot understand why am I being sidelined. Thank you all for reading, thought I just let this out make me feel better You are all a legend here