Immediate support
Immediate support

Anxiety

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

Start a discussion

FAQ

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

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

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

View the guidelines
Jump to
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

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

Start a discussion

thwaites Social Anxiety under cover
  • replies: 4

Hi, I have somehow hidden my social anxiety all of my life. I can appear quite comfortable socially when forced to interact with others, but I am secretly struggling. I feel like normal life is becoming more difficult and I’ve reached the point where... View more

Hi, I have somehow hidden my social anxiety all of my life. I can appear quite comfortable socially when forced to interact with others, but I am secretly struggling. I feel like normal life is becoming more difficult and I’ve reached the point where I decline most invitations - including from close friends.thanks

Mary5256 Nausea and abdomen psin
  • replies: 5

My anxiety seemingly appears from nowhere and presents right chronic nausea and abdomen pain. Started 2 years ago after a frightening food bolus which took a long time to get help for ad I live in the country. My nausea is so bad I often feel like I’... View more

My anxiety seemingly appears from nowhere and presents right chronic nausea and abdomen pain. Started 2 years ago after a frightening food bolus which took a long time to get help for ad I live in the country. My nausea is so bad I often feel like I’m dying and it won’t stop until it wants to. I take nexium and gavascon to no avail it’s got a mind of its own. I’m taking a small anti psychotic drug which doesn’t help. All other meds I’ve tried make me even more ill. Sometimes I just don’t know what to do I go to doctors and leave hopeful but nothing works.

JacintaMarie Was a dickhead
  • replies: 6

HiI did something wrong, by being "argumentative". The lower lifts weren't working but the higher lifts were working & I tried to say we could go down lift K. But Team Leader said we couldn't, I shouldn't have said it, but I did & she had firm voice ... View more

HiI did something wrong, by being "argumentative". The lower lifts weren't working but the higher lifts were working & I tried to say we could go down lift K. But Team Leader said we couldn't, I shouldn't have said it, but I did & she had firm voice & I had form voice.I've got my period so am extra sensitive. Hate this, how it makes me sensitive & I do wrong things. I use my initiative & it's wrong. I am looking for another job, but it's going to be the same, it's hopeless, the same people are everywhere & I can't quit my job, I need the money! Sorry beyond blue! I've used you twice after so long, I am on tablets, I thought I was done with these thoughts, Am going to have cry to get it outThanks & I'll get there & I don't mind waiting for replies, there are others that need it.

Elephant86 The challengers of mental health and how I overcame it
  • replies: 2

I was diagnosed with epilepsy at 11 and Bipolar 15 I made a concious chioce to face my difficulty and adversity by looking after my health and making healthy decision. I don't drink and don't smoke. Looking after your mental health is important and t... View more

I was diagnosed with epilepsy at 11 and Bipolar 15 I made a concious chioce to face my difficulty and adversity by looking after my health and making healthy decision. I don't drink and don't smoke. Looking after your mental health is important and this is the way I have helped myself to recover from my ailing health condition. I cycle everyday and I do meditation everyday. I love to cook for the family especially at christmas. I love reading on different topics. I like treating myself to dinner once in a while. If you make the right healthy decisions you will definitly live long and prosper. I find listening to great music my fav is the temptation I guess Im old school. The most important people in my life are my parents I have learnt everything from them. My favourite show is Masterchef. As human beings we all have challengers but it is how we face adversity that proves our inner strength. You must beleive you are powerful beyond measure and beleive that you can defeat and rise from your situation. FearAt times you will face fear and doubt in yourself. I faced it when I had my bipolar episode. I decided to look internally for strength using the mindfulness tequnique to to focus and realise there are things in life I can't control you mustn't worry you must only worry about what is in your control because if your worry it will make you more sick. This is the reason I have a holistic health and exercise program to support my recovery. Love I think surrounding yourself with a powerful network of family and friends who will climb the mountain with you is important. It is important that you are surrounded by love and always ask for guidance from those who love you. Always have a safety net to support you I reakon the best thing is to watch a movie and relax and laugh my favourites are polite comedians . Laughter is the best medicine and to share a movie night with family and friends. The most important thing is I say to my family and friends how much I appreciate them. I don't forget my dog cuddles every day of the week. You must have positive self talk and try not to be negative about your condition even though it is hard sometimes to put a positive spin on your situation. My personal experience with diabetes where I lost the weight and was taken of medication. The exercise everyday was very important to defeating my diabetes Every adversity, Every failureevery heart ache carries with it the seed of greater benifit

Michaelhc Depersonalisation.. HELP!!!!
  • replies: 14

Hi Guys. Firstly thank you for taking the time to read this post. My name is Michael and 24 years of age from Melbourne, Victoria. Today i'd like to reach out to those in the community and ask for some guidance on what can I do with my life!!! For ne... View more

Hi Guys. Firstly thank you for taking the time to read this post. My name is Michael and 24 years of age from Melbourne, Victoria. Today i'd like to reach out to those in the community and ask for some guidance on what can I do with my life!!! For nearly 3 years now i've suffered from chronic anxiety and DEPERSONALISATION. This has made life incredibly difficult!!.I've lived what most would call a relatively normal life, e.g uni, work, friends etc... HOWEVER, the last two or three months have proven to be very tough. Whilst my anxiety remains constant, its these feelings of detachment and living in a dream like state that are associated with depersonalisation that are causing me the most grief. For those who haven't experienced depersonalisation, its awful!!! It's like living in an alternate universe and watching your life as if it were a movie of sorts. Below is a list of steps that I am currently taking to aid me in my recovery: I've arranged to have a meeting with a psychiatrist next Tuesday. The doctor himself came highly recommended by my GP. Yoga/Mindfulness Practice Running/Jogging/Walking Healthy Eating I would love to know of any other therapies or exercises that those in the community would consider beneficial. Any feedback would be much appreciated. Please do not be shy!!!! At this stage in my life I am happy to take on any suggestions.

Fairmaiden64 Hello everyone Part 2
  • replies: 1

I would have hoped there was some form of medication for Anxiety these days, nothing addictive is better than fine. So no help there, but another gap to pay. I then called my old GP's office back to receive yet another phone consultation gap, while a... View more

I would have hoped there was some form of medication for Anxiety these days, nothing addictive is better than fine. So no help there, but another gap to pay. I then called my old GP's office back to receive yet another phone consultation gap, while attempting to obtain the correct 3 month Centrelink Certificate for Jobseeker that they have asked me for. So, another GP (as mine is on leave remember) and was of course not able to receive this yet again, because apparently, you can't get a Centrelink Certificate on a phone consultation, even though you've been diagnosed with this 17 years ago, have had it for over 45 years and all the documentation of my file is right in front of the GP speaking to you. Well, that's news to me. So, after all of this, I have a lot of money taken out of my rent, with still no certificate. I actually have no idea why they even placed me with DES, when they have provided no assistance as I was told they'd be able to. There is absolutely no difference in being with them, compared to being with a "normal" job provider. I thought perhaps they had psychiatrists/psychologists to assist with your mental health so you can go back to work, but no. So, I guess DES is only there for physical disability. I don't know. This provider basically read me the riot act on the 2nd appointment because I was not able to get myself as together as he wanted me to be to take on work immediately. I really wish I had a magic wand to change my brain's activity but I don't. So, all I am doing is going around in circles: no money for specialists or GPs, but I will be forced into something that I will not be able to do reliably enough until I am well, to which my payment will be cut. The system is a farce. Thank you for listening to my lengthy rant

Fairmaiden64 Mental Health
  • replies: 4

Things are supposed to be getting better for those suffering from Mental Health issues, but I have trouble believing this. Even trying to get some help or any documentation regarding your conditions is still a maze of red tape and too much for alread... View more

Things are supposed to be getting better for those suffering from Mental Health issues, but I have trouble believing this. Even trying to get some help or any documentation regarding your conditions is still a maze of red tape and too much for already mentally worn out people to handle. I suffer from Major Depression, Social Phobia, OCD, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Agoraphobia, Hodophobia just to name a few. Life is hell on my best day. Nobody understands unless theyre going through the same thing. It's like being in a prison you can never escape from. You think you're as intelligent as the next person, so why can you not get past this? Some days I just stay in bed altogether and some days I struggle just to do the most basic thing that others take for granted. Then I have to pat myself on the back repeatedly so that I can do another minor task. My brain is exhausting. Some people think you're just lazy. Would anyone really want to be this way if they had a choice? If I stay inside for a few days, I can't even get them mail because I have to check if anyone's outside first. I can't go to the shops anymore because of the Social Phobia. I have not been out anywhere in like, forever (decades), and I continually cancel appointments because I just can't do it. I find myself having short term memory issues frequently and I often wonder what I'm doing or what I was about to do. I've been called 'thin skinned' and plenty of other things due to not coping as well as others in normal situations. I procrastinate enormously. Two thirds of my hair has fallen out in the last few years, just something else to worry about. I always worry about what others think. Just like someone else on here I read a post from, no one likes me, no family either and I am all alone. I don't like people, and I can't tolerate them for very long, I just want to run (unfortunately people think I'm arrogant because of this). But I'm also lonely and wish there was a group where I could meet others who understood. You don't want to be constantly moaning or be negative all the time. And I HATE being the centre of attention with a passion. I just want to merge right into the back of the group and hope noone sees I'm there. People have told me I'm "weird". And I don't even know why. I try to always be a good person, but sometimes I think to myself that even serial killers have friends and family, so I must just be really really bad.

Fairmaiden64 :(
  • replies: 4

I was diagnosed 17 years ago with Major Depression and Generalised Anxiety disorder. But I can remember feeling this way over 40 years ago. I am on anti depressants which appear to work for the depression side of things but all of the different anxie... View more

I was diagnosed 17 years ago with Major Depression and Generalised Anxiety disorder. But I can remember feeling this way over 40 years ago. I am on anti depressants which appear to work for the depression side of things but all of the different anxiety disorders are off the wall. I awake filled with terror every morning, some days unable to get out of bed at all. It is difficult to explain to anyone. Every second of life is just terrifying for me. I don't know why. Nothing has just happened. I just know it will. I don't cope well with any difficult situation arising. I always have a "doomed" feeling. I try not to be negative, but I've always been a worrier, even as a little girl. I have experienced that those things "unlikely" to happen, always do in my life and so my brain needs to always prepare for the very worst scenario. I have OCD to the extreme. It sometimes takes me days to clean a room because it needs to be as close to perfect as possible. I have in fact, had a nervous breakdown over this not happening several times. Sometimes, I just let things go in a way that others don't. Because I can't do things "by halves". I wish so much I could just look at that cleaning job and 'let it go' saying 'that's enough'. Because of this pressure on myself, I procrastinate immensely. This makes me seem lazy. But I just want to be a good person. I come from a very abusive and critical background, where I was always told that "near enough is NOT good enough". I was relieved when I finally left home, although I was 19, I still call it "running away", not "moving out". I was told that if I left I was never to come back, even though it was required for my job. Despite leaving this behind me, my life has been littered with DV situations. I left the last one 6 and a half years ago and made the decision to live alone, without a relationship for the first time in life. I like living alone, I am not a social person and don't understand how to be, and in most things relating to behaviour, I don't understand "where the line is". I did try to obtain help with medication for my anxiety issues but the G.P said I was on the highest possible amount he could give me, of this anti depressant. I was given something extra, but it was only to be used if absolutely necessary due to being addictive. So its been useless to me, because I need a regular medication. I have had to go onto Centrelink which does not even cover my rent, but I do want to go back to work asap. Unfortunately, you're now thrown in with job providers. I've just started out with one for disability (DES) and he treated me in an outrageous fashion. My eyes were swollen shut when I left there. The expectation that I be fully functional for a job right now is an impossiblity when I struggle to get to the shower. There is no money for the doctor, or a psychiatrist or psychologist, or anyone who can help with medication for the terrorising, debilitating anxiety I feel 24/7. Let alone for medical certificates that they want. I even went to emergency at the local hospital for a medical certificate for them for the 3 months they are asking for, but they said they couldn't give me one, after waiting for hours and hours with many many people pushing my social phobia over the top. I came home and vomited.

RML No one likes me
  • replies: 6

Hi, does anyone have this experience and how to deal with it? No one likes me, and I know if they do seem to now, it will end when they get to know me or I make a mistake. I've had repeated experiences of this with my family over the years where I th... View more

Hi, does anyone have this experience and how to deal with it? No one likes me, and I know if they do seem to now, it will end when they get to know me or I make a mistake. I've had repeated experiences of this with my family over the years where I think they like me and then I realise they don't because of something they say or do. Its gotten to the point where I don't have anything to do with them anymore. At first I thought it was them and not me, and I could find a different experience outside my family, in work and friends. But I have had this experience now repeatedly at work and I feel like I need to constantly move fast enough (before they realise I am shit) to a different job where people don't yet hate me. I have a few friends but I am withdrawing from them because I don't want to have them hate me. I have seen psychologists to try to understand this but it always ends with me realising they don't like me either and I stop seeing them. I feel like I can't seek support for this because I don't want to reach out to someone else who will ultimately hate me again. I have always asked psychologists whats wrong with me, what am I doing wrong that people don't like me and they keep telling me I am doing nothing wrong to make people not like me, but there must be a big something because this just happens over and over repeatedly. I wish I could find out what that thing is but every time whatever I do I seem to get it wrong and there is just a multitude of things I can do wrong for people to not like me.

Maisie-E Anxiety issues I think
  • replies: 2

Always feeling run down, tired, heart rate fast, sore neck and shoulders, and headache, and patience isn’t great, don’t sleep well

Always feeling run down, tired, heart rate fast, sore neck and shoulders, and headache, and patience isn’t great, don’t sleep well