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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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Bunbun ALS or anxiety?
  • replies: 12

Hi everyone. I’ve been getting ALS like symptoms for the past 2 months. I’ve gone to the doctor/doctors a million times and they keep telling me it’s anxiety, but I truly feel like they are wrong.. nothing I do makes these symptoms go away, in fact I... View more

Hi everyone. I’ve been getting ALS like symptoms for the past 2 months. I’ve gone to the doctor/doctors a million times and they keep telling me it’s anxiety, but I truly feel like they are wrong.. nothing I do makes these symptoms go away, in fact I feel like they are even getting worse. Does this happen to anyone else?

sadvet New grad veterinarian and hating it
  • replies: 14

Hi everyone, I always thought it was my lifelong dream to become a vet. But after learning more about the profession at the end of my first year and into my second year, I realised that maybe this isn't something I wanted. Yes, I blame myself for not... View more

Hi everyone, I always thought it was my lifelong dream to become a vet. But after learning more about the profession at the end of my first year and into my second year, I realised that maybe this isn't something I wanted. Yes, I blame myself for not doing my research properly beforehand. I also stupidly thought I was strong enough to handle the challenges the industry throws at me, but was I ever wrong. It didn't help that during my placements, some of the vets actually told me if they had a second chance, they would never have chosen vet. I wasn't failing classes, but I did stop going to them in my second year, and had a talk to a professor that I'm considering for a year off to reassess. She just nonchalantly said I was just getting stressed from my exams. I told my parents this as well but they (especially my mum) strongly discouraged this and made me finish the remaining 2-3 years of the course. Flash forward, I somehow graduated. My partner (who was also a fellow classmate) has made school more bearable for me to actually finish it. However, I was not proud of myself on graduating. Instead, I felt more dread, just thinking that I have to practise soon after. I didn't care that I now have a 'Dr' in my name, heck I forget about it most of the time. I went for career counselling, but my degree is really only useful for landing me a job at a vet GP, unless I'm willing to try for an entry-level job with a corporate company (eg data entry or receptionist at Mars Petcare), which I'd rather not. Now I'm at a GP, hoping that it isn't as bad as I thought. However, my boss is just so harsh. She talks down on me, both in my face and behind my back. She tells clients that 'the new grad vet probably won't be able to do the venepuncture' and that she'll take over after I fail. She also tells me I fail repeatedly when I was unsuccessful at performing a task. Some of the clients come to the clinic because of her, and they act a lot like her too. They get angry when I wasn't able to do something (I already warned them I'm inexperienced) and treat me like dirt. Boss comes in to take over and says it's sad I couldn't do it. Day and night I'm just so anxious. Especially at night, I get panic attacks and I can't enjoy what I normally do cause I'm afraid of time passing by until work starts again. I went to a GP and got some medications. I am also starting counselling sessions soon, but thought I'd like to share my experience here and get some advise as well. Thank you!

Kish14 Struggling with meditation and mindfulness
  • replies: 11

Hey everyone, I've been told so many times how much meditation and mindfulness helps but I seem to really struggle with it to the point where meditation seems to make my anxiety worse. I dread practicing meditation because I get so restless and can't... View more

Hey everyone, I've been told so many times how much meditation and mindfulness helps but I seem to really struggle with it to the point where meditation seems to make my anxiety worse. I dread practicing meditation because I get so restless and can't focus or keep my eyes closed. Whenever it gets me to focus on breathing I struggle because no matter how hard I focus or how hard I try I can't seem to get those nice deep calming breaths that are supposed to help, I just get panic that I am struggling to get the oxygen my body so desperately needs. Also, everyone talks about getting out in the fresh air and going on nature walks, but I don't know about anyone else but this actually terrifies me and I have no idea why. My flight reaction is always triggered and I just need to get out of there as soon as possible, for example, I went on a walk yesterday and the further I got away from my car the more anxiety I would have because my escape route is so far away. I find that it's hard to leave my home because my home has become my safe place where my support is and I just can't seem to support myself, I always long for someone to come save me because I doubt my abilities and just want someone to tell me I'm not as crazy as I think I am. I know all of my fears are irrational, but I don't even understand why I have them because all of a sudden I have a crippling fear of heights or as mentioned before being in nature/outdoors. I just feel like I have no self-confidence with my bodies capabilities and experience so many physical side effects it terrifies me, the biggest one being my breathing all the time I catch myself breathless and I struggle to breathe and I just start to panic and can't stop it. I've been practicing different tools that are supposed to help but sometimes everything is a lost cause and nothing seems to help. I'm sorry I know it's long and disjointed but I've just felt so alone, numb and disconnected and I just want to enjoy the things I used to and not be afraid of living my life basically and I want to become my own main support system, I know it's good to have others around but at the moment I just go running to someone for help instead of helping myself because it freaks me out more when they don't say what I want them to say or don't understand what I'm feeling. Anyway thanks in advance from just another individual struggling to stay on top of anxiety

Scotty2013 Anyone with dual diagnosis?
  • replies: 1

Hi guys been a while, curious anyone else with dual diagnosis? substance abuse issues. Sometimes i find it so difficult managing the both, keeping stable mentally, mood swings etc thanks.

Hi guys been a while, curious anyone else with dual diagnosis? substance abuse issues. Sometimes i find it so difficult managing the both, keeping stable mentally, mood swings etc thanks.

WCollins Anxiety after drinking feel like I cheated
  • replies: 2

Im 30 years old and in a great relationship with my partner. I went for some office drinks last night and was chatting to one of the girls at work.We were having a good time just talking and in all honesty I was trying to guide her in the direction o... View more

Im 30 years old and in a great relationship with my partner. I went for some office drinks last night and was chatting to one of the girls at work.We were having a good time just talking and in all honesty I was trying to guide her in the direction of one of my Colleagues as I think they would be a good match. The night went on and we had some more drinks went to a club and and then all decided to go home. When I was almost at my door I decided to message one of my colleagues to ask for the girls number. I don't know why but I did. I have woken up today with the anxiety that I have cheated or betrayed my partner. I have and will not have any intention of ever leaving my partner but this alcohol anxiety is filling my brain with thoughts and scenarios that I have cheated. I know this doesn't seem like a major issue but I am climbing the walls with fear. I have had reassurance already from my co-wokers nothing happened and we all had a good night but every-time I drink this happens. I think it stems from an early relationship I had when I was 18 I cheated on my then Girlfriend after drinking to much and ever since the paranoia has been rearing its head.

andylen First post
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, I've known about beyondblue for quite some time because a trusted friend recommended it to me years ago, but it took me a while to actually connect to and decide to explore this place. I suppose I just figured how any forum could help wi... View more

Hi everyone, I've known about beyondblue for quite some time because a trusted friend recommended it to me years ago, but it took me a while to actually connect to and decide to explore this place. I suppose I just figured how any forum could help with the feelings I was experiencing through just talking about them. Eventually, I decided since nothing else seemed to be helping, what did I have to lose to take a look around. I'm male, married and in my late 50's, and work in IT support from home when I can. Health conditions prevent me from going on-site to see clients anymore and my income potential has suffered severely as a result. I have many issues that I'm not sure just talking will be able to help, but I'm willing to give it a try. Thank you.

KC12 Scared of giving notice at work
  • replies: 1

Hi all, this is my first time posting so I don't know if is the right forum. I have been dealing with anxiety and depression since I arrived in Australia. I came here because of my partner but I don't feel I belong which has caused me anxiety and hav... View more

Hi all, this is my first time posting so I don't know if is the right forum. I have been dealing with anxiety and depression since I arrived in Australia. I came here because of my partner but I don't feel I belong which has caused me anxiety and haven't been able to enjoy the change. I have been away from home for nearly 2 years now and I really need some time back to be with my family and I am about to tell my boss and I am really scared of his reaction. I am in a casual contract but the commitment is just as a permanent role and I feel they rely on me to do a lot of things as it is a small company with only 2 employees. I have been feeling very anxious about telling him as I fear his reaction and having to stay for 4 weeks more in such an environment is not ideal. If anyone has gone through something similar and can give some advice and how to deal with this fear it would be appreciated.

SJ17 Do i have relationship anxiety??
  • replies: 3

Hi all, i have been in a happy and loving relationship for the past 2.5 years. Never before have i had doubts...in fact i have always thought i have found the one. Ive been in a long term relationship before and in that i knew deep down he wasnt the ... View more

Hi all, i have been in a happy and loving relationship for the past 2.5 years. Never before have i had doubts...in fact i have always thought i have found the one. Ive been in a long term relationship before and in that i knew deep down he wasnt the one. The last 4 months of my current relationship i have been experiencing anxiety for the first time. Its only now ive realised that i have probably always had that anxious tendency. Always worrying, incredibly indecisive and a perfectionist. There has been some stressors including my partners lack of work but our relationship has always been strong. I trust him 100% and he is been an amazing support. I can talk to him about everything. I dont know where these doubts have stemmed from but they have caused so much distress for me! Thoughts like... do i really LOVE him? Are we ment to be together? Do i want to be single? I feel now these doubts have a hold and constantly popping up in my day to day life! I 100% see a future with him (and feel i want that!) but why do these doubts keep arising? Is this normal? I feel occassional doubts are normal but when they are so constant its horrible. They sometimes prevent me from feeling 100% happy when im with him and any little thing wrong i get irritable and frustrated When i look at him i think gosh im lucky, i dont want to be without you! And occassionally i just get annoyed at him for no reason. I have been unhappy in myself lately in my career, life direction etc just feeling generally lost. Thats where it all started to be honest. I keep having negative dreams too. Please help shed some light! I want to overcome this.

Halzxxx1 Trigger warning Anxiety/palpitations/constant fear of death/ heart issues
  • replies: 1

Hi all, First time posting here, I suffer anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD, trauma and depression, I found my father passed away in 2013 and let's say it destroyed the person I was, the past 6 years have been hell for me, I have lost myself, my life, my... View more

Hi all, First time posting here, I suffer anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD, trauma and depression, I found my father passed away in 2013 and let's say it destroyed the person I was, the past 6 years have been hell for me, I have lost myself, my life, my friends, I went from been a happy, bubbly out there girl with lots of friends, out every weekend to staying at home too scared to leave home, at least once a day I'm convinced I'm having a heart attack and dying, come night time and the palpitations kick in, I live in constant fear, I do have diagnosed angina and have GTN spray for that and diagnosed tachycardia and on beta blockers, everyone close to me has died of heart issues, extensive family history plus my added history and I'm convinced that is how I'll die, I get one small pain in my left arm and I'm in complete panic, but lately the palpitations have been horrible, constant for hours on end, medication does not help and I find I'm taking it more then before, I'm.presecibed 2 a day but before I was lucky to use 1 a week now I'm taking what I'm prescribe a day mainly at night, I'm struggling with my relationship because of all of this, I need help I don't know what to do! I just want these palpitations to stop, I'm not sleeping, I can't think straight, I'm going crazy!

SkipSkip Ongoing chest pains, left side only (not heart attack)
  • replies: 2

Hello all I’m a married 32 year old male with two kids. About 3 years ago I had what I know believe was my first panic attack. Lying in bed and all of a sudden getting a sore chest, tingle in my left arm and also a ‘weird’ sensation/feeling all over.... View more

Hello all I’m a married 32 year old male with two kids. About 3 years ago I had what I know believe was my first panic attack. Lying in bed and all of a sudden getting a sore chest, tingle in my left arm and also a ‘weird’ sensation/feeling all over. Long story short, I’ve had many tests to thankfully rule out any heart problems. I’m fit and doctors say I’m at good weight and healthy. I’m been told I have anxiety by my gp and for the second time gone on medication which sometimes helps but still on most days will have a constant ache in my chest (left side). I have found my temper getting shorter and shorter and the need to have things tidy doesn’t help with having two small kids at home I’m a musician and even starting to find that singing (what I love doing) is starting to set my chest off and I find myself worrying more about how and if that will affect me every time I do music. Is anyone else out there experiencing the same issues? Or has anyone had this same thing and come through the other side?? having good and bad weeks over the past 3 years is really starting to get to me and affect my life and family life i have seen doctors, specialists, chiropractors, physiotherpists, hypnotherapists. I’ve changed diets, lost weight, done headspace apps etc too I need to find a permanent fix to my anxiety so any help or advice would be greatly appreciated TIA