Anxiety

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. Share your own story and learn about other member’s experiences with anxiety.

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

Pinned discussions

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

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.

Nicole73 Adjustment Disorder and Quit Job After 1 Week
  • replies: 13

Hi, Thanks for taking the time to read my post. I'm a newbie and feeling very lost, anxious and down at the moment. I will be making an appointment to see the GP but to be honest I get as much from hearing other peoples stories and knowing that I'm n... View more

Hi, Thanks for taking the time to read my post. I'm a newbie and feeling very lost, anxious and down at the moment. I will be making an appointment to see the GP but to be honest I get as much from hearing other peoples stories and knowing that I'm not alone. I don't really want to go back on medication as I find it doesn't do much for me, but I get more out of talking about my situation with people who understand. About 3 months ago we moved 300klm (back to where I grew up) and I'm find adjusting WAY harder than I ever expected. I didn't know that an Adjustment Disorder even existed until I stumbled across the meaning of it lately and I feel this disorder was named after me. I'm extremely overwhelmed, I can't settle, my stomach is in constant knots, I don't want to leave the house or talk to anyone, I've lost my appetite, I cry at the drop of a hat...and I even quit my new job just 1 week after starting (to which I am highly embarrassed). I have always suffered from Anxiety but never had anything hit me quite this hard (again to which I am highly embarrassed). I seem to have lost all confidence and I'm actually scared to even apply for another job in case I find it is all too much again (I wish I could put on my application...'high anxiety sufferer on board but once settled will be the perfect employee'...lol). I am still applying as bills need to get paid, but I'm hoping that I might be able to get something casual or part time instead of full time hours. Although my husband is supportive, he doesn't know what to say or how to handle the situation and his advice is to drink more beer (said tongue in cheek as I don't really drink). He doesn't really mean this, but he just doesn't know what to say. Although I have a couple of good friends, I find it too hard and embarrassing to talk to them about it all in detail. I know I shouldn't, but I feel like I'm being a big waa-waa sook and need to toughen up. Plus I honestly don't feel people completely understand unless they have been through it. And although they listen, I feel like I'm being laughed at behind my back...ah, the joys of that anxiety showing it's ugly head again (I worry immensely of what others think. Worst still, I'm in my 40's and I still cry if someone says something horrible to me at work). Anyhow, long story short...I was hoping that someone here may have been in a similar situation to mine and has came through the other end unscathed? Thanks for reading. Nicole.

hanmnro alone, and lonely.
  • replies: 1

Hello this is my first time doing this. So I don’t know how open and vulnerable we’re supposed to be. I’m also not so sure where to start. I feel lonely all the time, i don’t have any friends. I’m engaged and I live with my partner and when he’s here... View more

Hello this is my first time doing this. So I don’t know how open and vulnerable we’re supposed to be. I’m also not so sure where to start. I feel lonely all the time, i don’t have any friends. I’m engaged and I live with my partner and when he’s here I still feel alone. I’m scared that I’m not doing the right thing by being with him because I don’t love myself, I’m constantly thinking “I’m fat” I’m not good enough. I’ve talked to him about this and it hasn’t gone well, he has said in the past that boys would find me more attractive if i lost weight, I’ve never been spoken to like that before. I was brought up to forgive and forget and to treat others how you want to be treated. So of course, I want to move past this comment.. but I’m struggling very much. He has apologised and says I shouldn’t hold a grudge. Which I agree with, it’s just easier said then done. There’s been a few more comments made, like he’s attracted to my “inner beauty” more.. and the old me would of been like yes inner beauty, you go girl.. because you’re beautiful on the outside too! This Hannah “Me” doesn’t love my body or what I see in the mirror. I’ve become “too comfortable” while he’s stayed thin and muscly.. while eating all the same things I do. I’m afraid to go to the gym by myself, I have high anxiety going anywhere. My anti depressants make me gain weight too, so I’m in a lose lose situation! Does anyone have any advice? Or have been in a similar position? thank you for reading! x

CJnewme Does anybody drink to cover anxiety?
  • replies: 8

Hi I have had anxiety all my life and started to drink alcohol to mask it. I no longer want to drink alcohol ever again and would like to chat with others who are suffering and have used alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Hi I have had anxiety all my life and started to drink alcohol to mask it. I no longer want to drink alcohol ever again and would like to chat with others who are suffering and have used alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Immortalwookie Lonely, anxious and slightly depressed
  • replies: 1

Hi all, new to this forum. Ive been slowly heading into anxiety the last week or two, I have a history of anxiety and depression. Was going really well the last couple of months. Seperated from wife of 20 years over a year ago. Just started have happ... View more

Hi all, new to this forum. Ive been slowly heading into anxiety the last week or two, I have a history of anxiety and depression. Was going really well the last couple of months. Seperated from wife of 20 years over a year ago. Just started have happy and joyful thoughts however the last week I have been really down about life. I've cut my drinking down from every day to 1-2 days a fornight. But now I'm starting to feel lonely, at age 47 I'm now living with my mum, and the only thing I really have to live for is my son. I have many thoughts about beening alone for the rest of my life and if anyone will ever love me again, because I have so much crap from the past. I don't won't to be alone for the rest of my life. Is anyone in a similar situation.