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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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GlitterRose Going back to work
  • replies: 5

I have had almost 4 weeks off work caring for my elderly mother and dealing with some other difficult family issues. I need to go back to work this week and I am terrified. Due to the anxiety my brain is functioning he best and I am very scared about... View more

I have had almost 4 weeks off work caring for my elderly mother and dealing with some other difficult family issues. I need to go back to work this week and I am terrified. Due to the anxiety my brain is functioning he best and I am very scared about being around people. Any advice on ow to ease back into work after severe anxiety and depression is appreciated.

Kmart96 Physical anxiety symptoms
  • replies: 4

Hi, I’ve been suffering from anxiety for nearly ten years now but it’s only recently that I’ve started getting really bad physical symptoms. I get severe aches and pains throughout my whole body, especially in my ribs which makes me more anxious and ... View more

Hi, I’ve been suffering from anxiety for nearly ten years now but it’s only recently that I’ve started getting really bad physical symptoms. I get severe aches and pains throughout my whole body, especially in my ribs which makes me more anxious and worried about my health. Just wondering if anyone else has had this sort of experience with it as I feel like I’m the only one

worrywarrior Experiences in overcoming phobias
  • replies: 2

Hi All This is my first post...I have been living with anxiety for many years but there is one thing I have never fully addressed and now has come a time where I need to face it which scares me greatly! I once had a panic attack at traffic lights whi... View more

Hi All This is my first post...I have been living with anxiety for many years but there is one thing I have never fully addressed and now has come a time where I need to face it which scares me greatly! I once had a panic attack at traffic lights while driving. I then became scared of traffic lights and avoided them, then I became nervous of driving in the city, and then after moving to country it became fear of driving in any large town. I know that avoidance just makes it worse but 10 years on from my original panic attack I have recently started a job which is going to force me to drive in a city. I guess I have been ashamed and never truly admitted this fear to any of my psychologists or anyone other than my husband. It was also never really necessary to overcome it. But now I am petrified and am realising it has possibly turned into a phobia. I am seeing a psychologist again soon with whom I plan to discuss this sole issue and face it once and for all. I was hoping to maybe gain some insights or tips from those who may have overcome their phobias or immense fears of things? I have moments of thinking 'how hard can it be?' but other times of thinking I am going to have to quit my job. But I like every other aspect of my job so really don't want to go down this path, just because of an irrational fear! I would love any words of wisdoms or even stories to inspire me and realise it is possible to move forward from this... Thanks everyone

Zevon Night time panic attacks
  • replies: 1

Have just started experiencing panic attacks, generally related to my claustrophobia . I wake up several times a night fearing death or worse, being in a confined space. I use DBT techniques and yin yoga to try and sort it out. At the end of the day,... View more

Have just started experiencing panic attacks, generally related to my claustrophobia . I wake up several times a night fearing death or worse, being in a confined space. I use DBT techniques and yin yoga to try and sort it out. At the end of the day, with all my “skills” and practice, I can’t sleep properly. The unsubstantiated fears have overcome my ability to sleep, and disrupt my life. Does anyone else experience this? It’s my worst waking nightmare. Any ideas?

Hey_ Hangxiety - help!
  • replies: 5

I suffer from anxiety generally, but it is at it's worst after a night of drinking. Obviously there is a simple solution there - don't drink! I have been working hard to try and limit my alcohol consumption to save myself the panic attacks next day. ... View more

I suffer from anxiety generally, but it is at it's worst after a night of drinking. Obviously there is a simple solution there - don't drink! I have been working hard to try and limit my alcohol consumption to save myself the panic attacks next day. However sometimes it is hard and you slip up. I had a big night last night and am lying in bed absolutely hating myself, going over and over and over the events of last night in my head. My heart is racing and I feel completely beside myself and at a loss of what to do. Which is why I'm here posting I guess! This time is particularly bad - we were at a friend's wedding and the night ended unpleasantly with an altercation between some friends. I wasn't directly involved, i dont think i did anything wrong but the memory is fuzzy. I was part of the group involved and can't help but feel like it was my fault and I ruined people's night. When you do have hangxiety, what do you do to get you through those hours of hell?

LadyS Derealisation
  • replies: 9

Hi guys, I recently had an incident where I took a drug and have since suffered from derealisation and feel like I’m stuck in a dream. I have lost a great job, my anxiety is bad and depression is also prevalent. I have lost a lot of confidence within... View more

Hi guys, I recently had an incident where I took a drug and have since suffered from derealisation and feel like I’m stuck in a dream. I have lost a great job, my anxiety is bad and depression is also prevalent. I have lost a lot of confidence within myself. I used to be so outgoing and loved life so much but since taking that drug I have spiralled down and feel like there is no hope for me. Everyday life feels like a dream and I feel like I can’t enjoy life to its fullest now. Has anyone had a similar situation happen to them or someone they know? Thanks guys.

WolfRito Does any one know why we get anxious?
  • replies: 2

I need to know why we get anxious if you know or think you know post it here

I need to know why we get anxious if you know or think you know post it here

Scruffy1 Will I ever be normal?
  • replies: 5

I know it’s like asking how long is a piece of string but is recovery possible and how long does it take on average when I have been suffering untreated anxiety for most of my life. I have sought treatment 12 months ago and have been having therapy o... View more

I know it’s like asking how long is a piece of string but is recovery possible and how long does it take on average when I have been suffering untreated anxiety for most of my life. I have sought treatment 12 months ago and have been having therapy on a regular basis and have made tiny improvements but the anxiety still has control and as much as I want to I can’t seem to let go of my past Will I ever be normal or am I destined to have this the rest of my life?

DanTheMan001 Scared of bullying?
  • replies: 3

Is there anyone here at school who is being bullied? I feel that I have to do everything right or else people will treat me like a joke. If there is anyone out there in the huge universe that is the internet, that would be awesome. Dan

Is there anyone here at school who is being bullied? I feel that I have to do everything right or else people will treat me like a joke. If there is anyone out there in the huge universe that is the internet, that would be awesome. Dan

Bec2014 Success stories - returning to work post-baby and rebuilding self-confidence
  • replies: 1

Hi Everyone, I'm a first-time mum who's returning to work slowly - freelancing one day a week plus a couple of days at home with bub. I've been excited to get back into things, but I am completely lacking any self-confidence (imposter syndrome at its... View more

Hi Everyone, I'm a first-time mum who's returning to work slowly - freelancing one day a week plus a couple of days at home with bub. I've been excited to get back into things, but I am completely lacking any self-confidence (imposter syndrome at its best) and I am quietly terrified at the thought of being social in an office of adults. Prior to baby I've struggled a lot with anxiety and depression, and I feel the mat leave 'gap' has left me feeling even more out of sorts. I have some work lined up, which I am happy about, but I am scared it won't last because I have next to no social skills and am lacking that self-belief. Enter: you lovely folk who have found success in regaining self-belief and overcoming social anxiety. At this point I am feeling pretty isolated about it all and I would love to hear of anyone who has some tried-and-tested tricks they can share. Thanks!