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

All discussions

amyk365 Waking up in a panic repeatedly all night, every night.
  • replies: 4

Hi guys! This is my first post here, I really need to talk to someone about what's been going on with me.First a bit of backstory: for the past week or so I've been suffering from a burning sensation in my feet and thighs, doctor has run all the bloo... View more

Hi guys! This is my first post here, I really need to talk to someone about what's been going on with me.First a bit of backstory: for the past week or so I've been suffering from a burning sensation in my feet and thighs, doctor has run all the blood tests and I don't have anything serious, he thinks it's a virus of some kind & I just have to wait it out.At the start of the week I was waking up in a panic a couple of times a night because it felt like my feet were on fire. I was always able to get back to sleep after I'd calmed down. Now I'm immediately waking up with a jolt whenever I start to drop off. If I'm lucky enough to get through this stage I sleep for about half an hour then wake up in an absolute panic. At this point my feet are usually only mildly warm, so I don't think it's that causing me to wake up anymore.I'm at the end of my rope, I've had about 20 hours sleep in five days and my pain tolerance for my legs is way down. I know my tired scared brain is spiralling and coming up with all kinds of dreaded "what if's" like "I'm never going to sleep soundly again" and "all this lack of sleep is not helping me fight off this virus that's started the whole thing" but I don't know what to do. I have been trying desperately to employ some of the CBT techniques I learnt about panic surfing and whatnot but it's hard at 2am when I've been jolted awake for the fourth time already and I'm anxious about both my mystery burning feet pain and just about being anxious.I've tried writing my problems down before going to bed, I've tried relaxation tapes, they are all well and good to get me to sleep at first but it doesn't stop the panic response/jolting awake once I am. The only time I got a bit of relief was I took a sleeping tablet a couple of nights ago and that gave me a much-needed solid seven hours sleep, but I know thats not a long-term solution. I am going back to the doctor for a few more blood tests on Wed & I'll be asking for another referral to go back and see my psychologist again (it's been about a year... I thought I was coping well without her but obviously not) but that doesn't solve my immediate sleep issues. I am not on any meds, my psychologist has not thought them necessary so far.I'm not sure what I'm asking in this thread, I guess I just needed to vent to people who might understand and have some encouraging words or advice to make me feel like this isn't as terrifying as my exhausted brain is making it feel right now. Amy

CassieBun Help with anxiety disorder and ageing
  • replies: 10

Hi I am 61. I have generalized anxiety disorder. I work as a hairdresser and have multiple ailments. I went back to work today after a short break in 43 degree heat getting in and out a hot car to do hair in people's homes. I have been a mobile haird... View more

Hi I am 61. I have generalized anxiety disorder. I work as a hairdresser and have multiple ailments. I went back to work today after a short break in 43 degree heat getting in and out a hot car to do hair in people's homes. I have been a mobile hairdresser for 19 years with hardly any breaks due to being self employed. I am worn out and tired. Tonight I came home and literally broke down. I cried through exhaustion and the heat and had to go to bed. I can't cope anymore. My husband doesn't really understand, my doctor fobs me off. I do not want to go on anti depressants. I am not overweight and try to keep reasonably fit due to my job. I come from a family of depression, suicides and my three siblings have schizophrenia or bi polar disorder. (My brother suicided) I feel like I'm going mad most days. I am struggling with ageing and the thought of working another 6 years after working 45 years with very few breaks and being a single mother. I have retrained in various areas to try to get other work but to no avail I believe due to my age even though I present well (on the outside at least). I just want to know how other people cope with anxiety, over thinking and sadness almost daily and getting old. I am happy go lucky on the outside but broken inside. I have NOTHING left in me. My circle do not understand my sadness.

brendaa151 Anxiety / Depression- The Pill?
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Hey guys, So I went on the pill for about 6 months total, but it gave me insane anxiety and panic attacks so I cam off it it. Since coming off the pill almost 2 months ago I've suffered what I believe to be depression and the panic attacks / anxiety ... View more

Hey guys, So I went on the pill for about 6 months total, but it gave me insane anxiety and panic attacks so I cam off it it. Since coming off the pill almost 2 months ago I've suffered what I believe to be depression and the panic attacks / anxiety has continued, if not gotten more intense. I'm just wondering if anyone out there has or is experiencing the same thing and if so, how long from being off the pill did you somewhat return to normal? my dr and some people I know that went through similar said 2-3months. I was just wondering if anyone had an experience like this of their own that could enlighten me. I am so so worried that this will never change and I have this dooming feeling that I will be trapped forever like this. It's very scary. Thanks so much everyone

Stanlee14 Accumulative Effects Of Panic Attacks
  • replies: 4

Hello All Im reasonably new to the forum, I first posted to the forum around late December after my first of what would be many panic attacks since. I was first diagnosed with GAD and PTSD when I was 12 and have for the most part been able to manage ... View more

Hello All Im reasonably new to the forum, I first posted to the forum around late December after my first of what would be many panic attacks since. I was first diagnosed with GAD and PTSD when I was 12 and have for the most part been able to manage it. However in the last 12 months I have noticed a significant change in my anxiety as it started to take on a physical form aka panic attacks and dizziness. The later which swiftly landed me back into my gp and subsequently my phycologist, the latter who thinks my my health anxiety has evolved into a panic disorder. Just this week I think I may have had at least 3 or 4 attacks and the last few days my muscles feel quite sore and weak as though I’ve been lifting weights with my arms and legs. I do cycle so I’m familiar with with muscle tiredness, on top of this I’ve got a strange twitch in my calf muscles which I know can be a sign of stress or muscle fatigue. My question is- is it normal to feel physically tired and sore after multiple panic attacks, what kind of physical symptoms have people out there experienced and how long can it take to recover from one. Any advice and support is much appreciated thanks in advance.

lillphilt HEALTH ANXIETY WHILE TRAVELLING OVERSEAS
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Evening All! As a person who loves to travel - I’ve noticed a couple of things on my last 4 International trips that are not becoming more common each trip and more frequency. I have general Health Anxiety which is quite pronounced at home and i live... View more

Evening All! As a person who loves to travel - I’ve noticed a couple of things on my last 4 International trips that are not becoming more common each trip and more frequency. I have general Health Anxiety which is quite pronounced at home and i live like 5 minutes from the best Hospitals in Melbourne... (yes i do use that to calm myself LOL) But I’m noticing my enjoyement of trips is being effected. Im worried about having some health emergency and not be able to get to a hospital. It started mostly on USA trips - silly as its the USA, with a Western Medicine but i was travelling in quite remote areas and i started to wonder “if something went wrong I’m hours and hours away from a Hospital - Ill die” this then is turn resurfaced on 2 family trips to Thailand - (panicked also about level of medical care and state of the hospitals, and how far they were and that they wont understand me.....as i write i realise how unrealistic it is....) Mostly i start to panic and hyperventilate on trips at night when i cant sleep and my partner and family are in bed and i cant get my mind off it....then give it an hour or so and i am so exhausted I usually finally fall asleep. SO! I want to hear from anyone with similar experiences and how they’ve helped themselves or any tips for travel to cope with this? I have a family trip to vietnam (I’ve looked up hospitals already lol) but i want to enjoy more remote areas like Sapa that really test my Health anxiety paranoia! Thanks in advance

Lisblue Anxiety with my job
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I actually love my job but I feel that its causing more harm than good. I have had anxiety issues for some time and my ex made them worse because although I didnt realise it at the time he was financially and emotionally abusive towards me and our gi... View more

I actually love my job but I feel that its causing more harm than good. I have had anxiety issues for some time and my ex made them worse because although I didnt realise it at the time he was financially and emotionally abusive towards me and our girls. When he left he completely blamed me and still does although it was his choice not mine that he leave. It made realise just how bad my anxiety had become. But still 2 years later my anxiety has not improved in fact I think it's worse. I have anxiety attacks constantly at work and I know its effecting my work. So much so that I make a lot of fixable errors. I go home at the end of the day and I cant even let the anxiety from the day go instead it gets worse as I know I have to face it all again tomorrow. I have taken a week off work to try to relax and just let go but I still have the dread of what will I face when I go back so much so that I thought about telling my boss I wont be coming back but even that gives me anxiety. I am really lost at what to do.

in_search Constant unrest and loud reactions - What is happening to me ?
  • replies: 4

O.K. Here is my problem: I am 34 years old. A male. My mind is at constant unrest. I have had a blessed life with all professional success, great family and good friends. My family is very loving and peaceful. From about 10 years, I keep constantly r... View more

O.K. Here is my problem: I am 34 years old. A male. My mind is at constant unrest. I have had a blessed life with all professional success, great family and good friends. My family is very loving and peaceful. From about 10 years, I keep constantly remembering people (the ones whom I would have met a couple of days ago, or from a surprisingly distant past - triggered based on a situation) and frame situations in my mind and have 'loud' conversations with them. Please note that I know this is not happening in real - but just in my mind. So, I don't think I am hallucinating at all. But I am obsessed with conversing with one or the other person - almost every minute of the day. And I do it 'loudly'. Over the last few years, I have started picking on people who have hurt or insulted me, and undergo the above mentioned cycle of mental unrest. I frame tough and challenging situations in my head and constantly fight them verbally 'aloud'. I use swear words. I cannot control it and I am unable to calm myself down when I do that. Sometimes, I bang my fist, slap people and kick around in thin air. Again, even in this, I am constantly aware that this is not happening in real but just my obsessed behavior of living various situation in my head - but reacting and talking in physical reality. People in my work have noticed it (just talking part, I don't hit or kick anything in public) - and they try not to make me uncomfortable and so, never speak about it. I do this - even knowing that they are aware - but I cannot stop myself. 90% I am fighting with people and other 10% of the time, I am having nice, funny or excited discussing - all 'aloud'. And I can't stop myself in the middle of it - even when I am telling myself to stop it. I need to get it out. I did consult a psychologist - who said this is 'psychosis' - but he wasted time by just telling me lame stuf like, 'be in the present' - without any tips and expert advice on how to 'achieve' it. I don't want to blame him, but I did not find it helpful and I want to seek out for help here and see how it goes. I used to do this in my adolescence or childhood, but had disappeared and this came back to me in my mid-twenties again. What's happening to me ?

Spud48 I am going to get a Jack Russell
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HI all, I am thinking of getting a dog, I really think it would be good for my anxiety . Like a companion dog. I am lucky that I will be able to take him or her to work and my kids love the idea. A friend is going to have a litter with their JR but j... View more

HI all, I am thinking of getting a dog, I really think it would be good for my anxiety . Like a companion dog. I am lucky that I will be able to take him or her to work and my kids love the idea. A friend is going to have a litter with their JR but just have to wait. Any pros and cons to my thoughts other then handling the first 3 months of puppy stuff? Spud!

BE51 Understand the condidtion for others
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Hi All, Newbie here, how do you help the people around you understand you? I am trying to get people around me to understand the struggles of everyday tasks/planning and just getting through the day. I have been asking that they try to look things up... View more

Hi All, Newbie here, how do you help the people around you understand you? I am trying to get people around me to understand the struggles of everyday tasks/planning and just getting through the day. I have been asking that they try to look things up to educate themselves on these debilitating conditions but they seem to think that I’m not an extreme case like some of the story’s they read. Little do they know how hard things are for me and how hard it is to talk and explain it. That brings even more exhaustion, and makes the problem even more real.

leash182 Seperation Anxiety
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Hi Everyone, first time poster Ive got pretty bad anxiety, specifically separation anxiety from my husband. Day to day things like going to work are fine but I cannot spend a night away from him without getting extremely upset and nervous. Its taking... View more

Hi Everyone, first time poster Ive got pretty bad anxiety, specifically separation anxiety from my husband. Day to day things like going to work are fine but I cannot spend a night away from him without getting extremely upset and nervous. Its taking a toll on our relationship and I feel extremely guilty as I hate holding him back from doing things. I don't think he understands that I actually have a mental illness and im not just being clingy. I don't know how to go about getting help and fixing this situation. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.