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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.

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Guest_294 Feeling anxious but no motivation left
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, I hope this gets posted as I had some issues with my account before but should work this time I think...I just wanted to see what your thoughts are on this situation. I have recently entered into the second semester of my first year of u... View more

Hi everyone, I hope this gets posted as I had some issues with my account before but should work this time I think...I just wanted to see what your thoughts are on this situation. I have recently entered into the second semester of my first year of university. As I have said in other posts, I experience infrequent but intensive panic attacks that typically nowadays will culminate in shortness of breath, a feeling of drowning in/being overwhelmed by my emotions and anxiety, and from time to time, bouts of derealisation. I sat down two days ago, made a to-do list, took one look at it from afar and proceeded to have a panic attack. My mum told me to "stop being so ridiculous" and "its just a bit of work". After this experience, I woke up the next morning and found I had no motivation to do anything. I was feeling incredibly anxious but just couldn't bring myself to complete any tasks. It's not laziness - I am getting small parts of my work done - i'll read this section of the chapter or complete this question for the assignment - i'm just really finding it difficult to sit down and get anything substantial done. And the worst part is I know I am a time bomb waiting to explode with the stress. I don't know...has anyone experienced this before? Feeling so anxious you can't do any of the work? Any and all advice is appreciated, Regards, Mills

Stina2 Is this ostracising/bullying or just my anxiety
  • replies: 5

I work as a teacher in a small regional school. I am and always have been socially awkward and introverted but still very passionate out my job. I am increasingly finding that staff are excluding me, ignoring me, leaving me out of organisational acti... View more

I work as a teacher in a small regional school. I am and always have been socially awkward and introverted but still very passionate out my job. I am increasingly finding that staff are excluding me, ignoring me, leaving me out of organisational activities at school or given crap jobs. I was actually left behind on an excursion, staff back stab, delay doing things I need done, try to take over events that I start, don't talk to me, never offer to assist with events I put events on, play silly games of socialising in front of me and leaving me out. I just feel like it is me and my personality. I don't seem to get on with people but this is insane. I have approached my boss about feeling that I am being ostracised and he does nothing beyond referring me to a policy document on Bullying.i have been through a similar thing about 10 years ago and walked out of my job. I am not sleeping, anxious and second guessing everything. What should I do.?

HappyEm Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome
  • replies: 11

Hi friends, I wanted to post about my experience with Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome as during the worst of my withdrawal I spent a lot of time on forums researching other peoples experiences. I hope that this benefits others going through it. Th... View more

Hi friends, I wanted to post about my experience with Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome as during the worst of my withdrawal I spent a lot of time on forums researching other peoples experiences. I hope that this benefits others going through it. The first piece of advice that I want to share is to ensure that you connect with a GP before you begin this process. I did not do this as I had just moved interstate, and it left me feeling very scared and alone when the symptoms were horrible. Make sure that this GP knows your history and that you feel as though you can trust them. I tapered slightly off medication, however, I probably did not do it slowly enough. I began on a low dose for 2 weeks, and then went completely off it after that. During this time my main question was 'how long will this last!?'. I saw 2 different GP's who told me that everyone was different and that essentially, they didn't really know. During the first two weeks I did not feel any different. It was not until I completely stopped that the symptoms began. My symptoms started 2 days after stopping, and heightened on day 7 and 8. The symptoms that I experienced were nausea, dizziness/head spins, stomach cramps, lethargy, sensitivity to smell, and body aches. Strangely, although I felt extremely nauseous, when I was eating I felt better. On day 7 and 8 I could not do anything productive. I mostly slept. However, after these two peak days, my symptoms finally slowly diminished. I am now on day 11. I still do not feel fantastic, however I am able to study for my uni courses, eat properly, read, and think more clearly. I am hoping that by Monday (which would make it 2 weeks off AD) I will have fully recovered. If anyone has questions please ask me I would love to help anyone going through this.

geekgirl0000 The Pattern Continues
  • replies: 2

So I'm back on the forums after three years and I'm still going around in circles. My anxiety has gone from waking up with a solid 7 to waking up with a 2 which is great. No medication, just changed my living situation and it got lots better. I've sp... View more

So I'm back on the forums after three years and I'm still going around in circles. My anxiety has gone from waking up with a solid 7 to waking up with a 2 which is great. No medication, just changed my living situation and it got lots better. I've spent the last 9 months or so thinking that it was almost gone and that I would be able to make real change in my life. But it looks like it is heading the same way as before. Anxiety in the workplace is going to cost me my job / I will quit in shame and then go back to staying on the dole for a few months and start the cycle over again. I have no friends as I burnt every single bridge I have because of my reactions to things and now I moved ages away, I don't know anyone here and there is nothing to do. How do I get this cycle to stop ? I tried to start a mental health plan but for some reason they just wanted to keep talking about how my parents abused me when I was little (THEY DIDNT !!). How do I break this cycle ?

Roobot I went to the Dr
  • replies: 1

I went to my GP after posting here for the first time about my anxiety. She referred me to a psychologist who just happened to have a cancellation the same day. So I've been already! She was lovely but now it's 4am and I've woken up and can't get bac... View more

I went to my GP after posting here for the first time about my anxiety. She referred me to a psychologist who just happened to have a cancellation the same day. So I've been already! She was lovely but now it's 4am and I've woken up and can't get back to sleep. Thinking about what we spoke about, thinking about what we didn't speak about, thinking, thinking, thinking...

Ezzaegg I didn't know who to talk with....
  • replies: 2

Hello, I'm currently studying my Masters in Teaching (secondary) alongside working part-time (four days a week). I having an awful time and I don't know what to do. It impedes with my exercising schedule - the one thing that actually makes me happy -... View more

Hello, I'm currently studying my Masters in Teaching (secondary) alongside working part-time (four days a week). I having an awful time and I don't know what to do. It impedes with my exercising schedule - the one thing that actually makes me happy - my weekends are dedicated to staring in front of the computer screen, I feel tired all the time, and I'm extremely anxious about gaining weight on my placement periods. I have one coming up at the end of August. I do have an eating disorder that I have been living with for almost 11 years now. What's worse, I don't even know if I want to be a teacher anymore and I have no idea what else I could pursue. I feel tired and cranky all time. I feel like I would be letting myself down and the people supporting me. Sometimes I wish I could rewind a couple of years and change a few decisions I had made that have caused to end up where I am now. Sometimes I get so sad and I know it effects my partner. I don't know what to do or who to talk with. I feel a little bit alone with my feelings.

Lee_Miller Voices in my head
  • replies: 1

I was wondering if anyone else has had similar experiences to me. Ever since I was young I remember very rarely (like once a year.. maybe less) having these experiences where I will be sitting or lying down and I will get whispering muffled voices in... View more

I was wondering if anyone else has had similar experiences to me. Ever since I was young I remember very rarely (like once a year.. maybe less) having these experiences where I will be sitting or lying down and I will get whispering muffled voices in my head. They start off as thought it's two people or more having an overlapping and verg fast conversation but I can't understand what they are saying because theyre mumbling. The voices get angrier and louder until it becomes almost auditory and they suddenly stop. The experiences usually happen for 3 - 5 minutes at a time. I'm not usually particularly worried or anxious at the time, quite the opposite. I don't see things or anything, just the angry muffled voices. They are very intrusive and very frightening. I remember having dreams at night exactly the same as these experiences throughout my life as well. I'm guessing they were night terrors because I'd wake up in a cold sweat with the voices still there a little bit. Like I said, never lasts for long and only like once a year.

Roobot Driving anxiety
  • replies: 7

First time poster, thanks for having me. I've was diagnosed with GAD when I went into therapy after being diagnosed with epilepsy. I'm not currently on any medication or in any talking therapies. My anxiety is again getting out of control lately main... View more

First time poster, thanks for having me. I've was diagnosed with GAD when I went into therapy after being diagnosed with epilepsy. I'm not currently on any medication or in any talking therapies. My anxiety is again getting out of control lately mainly around driving. I drive to shops, kids school, friends house and that's about it. Anything else is just too much for me. My question is can medication really help me? I'm not averse to it in any way but I can't, at this time, see how it can physically stop me from thinking about all the bad things that could happen or stop me about finding a park or getting lost. It's hard to explain what I mean, I hope I'm making sense. Thanks X Roo

Ukrose Always having worrying thoughts
  • replies: 8

Hi there. First time for me joining in on discussions but I feel like I'm going crazy. I had a bad panic attack some weeks ago, it was the worst thing I have ever felt. Since that day I worry constantly about having another one. I try to keep busy to... View more

Hi there. First time for me joining in on discussions but I feel like I'm going crazy. I had a bad panic attack some weeks ago, it was the worst thing I have ever felt. Since that day I worry constantly about having another one. I try to keep busy to keep my mind active but I find these negative thoughts just pop into my head. I think about things that happened years ago and beat myself up about how I should have done things differently and if I did my life would be better. Night time is the worse when the house is quiet thats when I panic. Has anyone else felt like this and how did you help yourself?

jack85 Overwhelmed
  • replies: 4

Hi there, Never discussed out loud my experiences with mental health issues but here goes. Ive been struggling with feelings of depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember but just kept a lid on it and never sought out help. I can feel reall... View more

Hi there, Never discussed out loud my experiences with mental health issues but here goes. Ive been struggling with feelings of depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember but just kept a lid on it and never sought out help. I can feel really low and miserable (with feelings of guilt for anything I do) with no motivation to do anything while at the same time sweating bullets and stressing about everything, my mind also goes to the worst case scenario all the time no matter how outlandish it is I convince myself it’s going to end up that way. It’s exhausting and kinda feels like my brain is being dragged in two different directions. The last year or so these feelings have been overwhelming and becoming more difficult to control and keep on top of. I work 3 jobs and been doing 60+ hours a week. Admittedly this year has been a bit hectic with family medical emergencies and a relationship breakup. So working as much as I have with everything going on has taken its toll and left me completely burnt out. I work as a Group Fitness Instructor a few times a week and am also a full time personal trainer which is my dream job and something I absolutely love. I also work full time supervising a bar most nights of the week to bring in some cash while I build my PT business. This job I absolutely hate; the hours are hectic and long, patrons are difficult and horrible to deal with and most of the staff and management are just unpleasant to deal with. It makes me miserable and leaves me exhausted as I work long hours into the night and usually only get 2-3 hours sleep a night. I’ve taken few days off from the bar and starting to feel a little better as I can focus on my PT role which makes me much happier. I’m thinking about resigning from the bar which has triggered my feelings of anxiety as I just don’t want to deal with them anymore and their inevitable displeased reaction when I tell them I’m done and I want to leave. I know it’s jyst going to be a lot of drama I don’t want to deal with when I talk to them. just starting to feel like everything is just a bit much and need a break.