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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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James2018 Not sure if FIBROMYALGIA or ANXIETY....please HELP?
  • replies: 9

Hi everyone New member here - my first day actually. I too suffer health anxiety. people always ask what's bothering you? what causes the anxiety? I know very well it's health issues. Apart from how i feel health wise I have a pretty good life and no... View more

Hi everyone New member here - my first day actually. I too suffer health anxiety. people always ask what's bothering you? what causes the anxiety? I know very well it's health issues. Apart from how i feel health wise I have a pretty good life and nothing I should feel fearful about. I've had Health Anxiety for at least 10 years. Im wondering if its mainly or all anxiety or if it may be FIBORMYALGIA? My symptoms are: * Sore/aching legs, feet * Sore/aching lower back * Sore/aching stomach/pelvis area * Sore/aching and sometimes stinging bladder area * Sore/aching rectum area? THIS CONCERNS ME THE MOST I have had two cystoscopys and a colonoscopy and they found nothing of real interest. Ive had about 10 blood tests recently, urine tests, bone density scans, x rays, ultrasounds etc and nothing is ever found. I do have scoliosis but besides that nothing that can really warrant constant aching day and night. I worry and obsess about it all day and everyday. Does this sound like health anxiety? Does anyone have any tips that WORK....and/or want to talk to me about it via email? Feeling pretty down and hopeless J

Amanda 1956 Past issues causing anxiety
  • replies: 3

Hello I really need to talk to someone During my first marriage I was subjected to the worst kind of cruelty from not only my husband but also from his mother who encouraged him to beat me up sometimes very badly. I was beaten up because my firstborn... View more

Hello I really need to talk to someone During my first marriage I was subjected to the worst kind of cruelty from not only my husband but also from his mother who encouraged him to beat me up sometimes very badly. I was beaten up because my firstborn was a female, not a male like that family wanted, like it was my fault My ex mother in law labeled me unfit as a mother while she beat her sons. She told me I deserved to be beaten up, and to stop complaining She is dead now and so is my first husband but that hasn't stopped the memories of that awful time 4 years I will never get back How do I ever forget that time 40 years ago , I need to move on and I have a wonderful man now in my life but not even he knows the hell I'm going through I may have to go into hospital again, I have a wonderful psychiatrist but I haven't really opened up to him as I couldn't put it into words the torture going on in my head Please can someone advise me ?

Aussie.Girl Advice Please? How to quit job without burning bridges?
  • replies: 5

I have finally decided to leave my job because there is too much pressure to do more, go faster, be perfect etc and I just can't handle it anymore. I am the only employee and work closely with my boss. I had planned to stay until the end of the year ... View more

I have finally decided to leave my job because there is too much pressure to do more, go faster, be perfect etc and I just can't handle it anymore. I am the only employee and work closely with my boss. I had planned to stay until the end of the year (as we haven't started booking for 2024 yet), so there would be no argument from my boss about having too much work for her to handle alone. However, she is already pressuring me about doing extra days and covering for her holiday in April 2024 (which isn't even finalised yet), so I need to tell her I'm leaving ASAP. So that she only books what she can handle for 2024. My boss is the reason I want to leave (one eg. she blames me for everything - even customers turning up late). I don't want to burn bridges though because she is close friends with my ex-boss who I don't want to think badly of me. So what am I supposed to tell her when she asked why I'm leaving?I'm not good with confrontation so I'd like to avoid lying but I can't tell her she's the problem. Also, when would be best to tell her? At the start or end of the week? Thanks in advance for any advice.Please wish me luck... I really don't want to have 'the talk' about quitting but I know I have to leave...

ozziebear Washing day causing great stress
  • replies: 2

I live in a community housing where there are 20 people on my floor with 2 washing machines and 2 dryers. I do my washing on a sunday if I can last out that long. I am forever thinking what if I go to do my washing at the equipment is being used. I k... View more

I live in a community housing where there are 20 people on my floor with 2 washing machines and 2 dryers. I do my washing on a sunday if I can last out that long. I am forever thinking what if I go to do my washing at the equipment is being used. I know this is no big deal but its truly ruining my life its all i think about. Please give me some advice

Elephant86 The powerful and loving connection of family
  • replies: 1

There are those times in life where we can't see the candle or the light out of our dark path. We are always guided and protected by the circle of love and the beautiful relationships we have with our family and with those we love and adore you must ... View more

There are those times in life where we can't see the candle or the light out of our dark path. We are always guided and protected by the circle of love and the beautiful relationships we have with our family and with those we love and adore you must always and forever hold your family close and stand unified as one body and one mind. There love is always there to light my path in the darkness so you can find hope and the light where it shines bright like a beacon bringing the ships back to shore in the turbulent turmultious ocean to a peaceful and calm where there is serenity and peace for all who seek it. Jion us on this journey love and compassionate connection. We need to walk together on this beautiful journey towards the sunlight on our boat to a peaceful and more prosperous future. I was at my mum's birthday and said would you like to give a speech I thought about it long and hard then I decided to go in the other derection and I decided to dance and show my skills as a performer and I enjoyed my self listening to the music and laughing and dancing with my wonderful and beautiful family. There is times when you have fear but you must have faith that all will come right. I thought I would walk around my community and have beautiful conversations with everyone and talk to them about there lives and there day always look outside yourself and look at how you can support and show love to other's and the most vunerable in the community and society. It's you that can make a difference to your community and society The power exists within us to step outside ourselves and make a difference to those we love in our society and our community. The power to unify the community is in your hands and remember you have a choice to make an endeminable difference to others the power is in your hands. Leadership is not inherited it is earned through hard work, persiverance and discipline . Remember to treasure and love your family and always be appreciative and ther love and guidance. Show love and share a meal with your family and be the change maker not the destroyer That is how you make a true difference to those you love and care for. Compassionate humanity is always the right pathway and that is the path we need to take to heal and bring peace and harmony to our community. Remember to hug and embrace your family and love them with all your heart. The power comes from being together in society with all the love, joy, laughter. It doesn't matter if you become a comedian because it unifies people us as a society because laughter is the best medicine. Remember to love your family through the difficult times so you can celebrate the great time. This is what I did on the weekend PS I love you and always appreciate those who look after you.

Bella87 Advice for anxiety spiral
  • replies: 1

A month ago I got diagnosed anxiety and depression I had a rough 2 weeks once starting meds and then come out of a cloud feeling better.I then went back to work and am worse than evershaking hot and cold vomiting this is resulting in more anxiety and... View more

A month ago I got diagnosed anxiety and depression I had a rough 2 weeks once starting meds and then come out of a cloud feeling better.I then went back to work and am worse than evershaking hot and cold vomiting this is resulting in more anxiety and loss of appetite. I feel week and stiff all over. Tried breathing and stretching but I only feel better for a little and then anxiety come back. Any suggestions would welcome

StartingOutSlow Life feels overwhelming
  • replies: 4

I started out life with high functioning anxiety and depression, survived that way until I had my first child and post natal depression (6 years ago). These days I feel like I can still present as high functioning to most people, but inside my home a... View more

I started out life with high functioning anxiety and depression, survived that way until I had my first child and post natal depression (6 years ago). These days I feel like I can still present as high functioning to most people, but inside my home and day to day life I am struggling. I lost the high functioning part in my personal life and now people close to me can see the cracks (really just my husband and kids, not that the kids know what they’re seeing). I get the stuff done that is urgent, like the laundry and groceries, the kids are well cared for, my husband is involved in childcare and chores. But whenever I have a moment with no urgent needs I just end up wasting the time – numbing, scrolling my phone. The list of things that need doing seems never ending, and despite wanting to make progress (like fixing a leaking tap or replacing a light globe) I just can’t seem to find the energy to start. It’s like life is overwhelming and the never ending list of things that need to be repeated every day or week is overwhelming. I know I need to improve my self care, but no matter how hard I try I can’t seem to make progress, I don’t get as much sleep as I need, I don’t eat well unless it involves feeding the kids too, I’m not as active as I’d like to be. I know I will feel better if I improve these things, yet I don’t. I also don’t have enough fun in life, mostly because I don’t know how to have fun, I don’t really know what my hobbies are. For the last couple of years I’ve always talked to my psychiatrist and psychologist as though I’m doing okay, yes I have anxiety but a normal level for things that were happening in life, yes I’m tired but I have a baby. To them I would have presented well with good insight. I really did believe I was doing well, but now I’m not so sure. What is a normal level of anxiety or stress? I see my psychiatrist next week, and a new psychologist in 3 weeks, but I’m not even sure how to explain to them what the problem is. I don’t feel like I can articulate it well. It’s like I want to be better but can’t do the things that I need to do to achieve that because I’m working so hard to stay afloat. Has anyone else had this experience? What helped you?

ozziebear This sounds ridiculous but it is creating great anxiety for me
  • replies: 11

I know how pathetic this sounds and there is so much more in the world to worry about but I can't get over this issue. I have a 65" smart tv which is now out of warranty Every now and then it goes blank for a few seconds. This is causing such stress ... View more

I know how pathetic this sounds and there is so much more in the world to worry about but I can't get over this issue. I have a 65" smart tv which is now out of warranty Every now and then it goes blank for a few seconds. This is causing such stress and anxiety for me that I hardly watch my tv anymore. I know this sounds so childish and I need to grow up but when it happens I totally fall apart. I wish this did not affect me the way it does. What do I do I can't call for help as it only happens about every 2 weeks. Please don't put me down but any advice on what I should do would be so appreciated it. Should I try to live without a tv perhaps?

Beaser Feeling overwhelmed and need to talk.
  • replies: 114

I wish this wasnt the case but things are getting overwhelming for me again . The world just seems a lonely place at the moment. I have friends who i seen on the weekend and i do get relief then. Its when i get back to being by myself that i crash. I... View more

I wish this wasnt the case but things are getting overwhelming for me again . The world just seems a lonely place at the moment. I have friends who i seen on the weekend and i do get relief then. Its when i get back to being by myself that i crash. I have an appt with my psychologist today and had GP appt but he cancelled on me . I have had recent life events that have really made me distraught and lonely the main being a relationship breakup. Im also unhappy at work and i feel like everything is so grey for me. I have been a life time sufferer of anxiety and depression and being 56 it has tired me out. Im actually quietly proud of how i have managed to keep going and get as far as i have . Im scared about where i will end up from all this as i dont know where to turn . I have tried all my life to be a good person and think i have been .. I have always helped where i could and been a good citizen. My family seem to have a history of depression and anxiety but i feel i have copped the worst of it . Ive always been oversensitive and let things affect me. I just want all this anxiety and depression to go away. I have turned to these forums recently and its been a help to me . My anxiety and depression just gets so tough at times. Where do i turn too in this place i just want to be happy again and want the same for others. Brett I

Owlingo Can't get a psychologist and I'm scared
  • replies: 1

After talking to my psychiatrist about my thoughts and how I'm finding it hard to handle the side effects of my medication, she told me to try getting a psychologist. But I'm not being paid by centerlink and don't know if i ever will unless I work, w... View more

After talking to my psychiatrist about my thoughts and how I'm finding it hard to handle the side effects of my medication, she told me to try getting a psychologist. But I'm not being paid by centerlink and don't know if i ever will unless I work, which I can't because I'm struggling with severe depression and anxiety. So I can't afford to get a psychologist and I'm afraid I'll never get better. What if I can't cope or do this on my own? What if my anxiety and depression keep coming back? What if I do things wrong? What if I'll never get over my fears and my trauma? What if I go crazy? I really feel like I need a professional to talk to. I can't stop stressing when things like this happen. I'm just constantly overthinking. I can't believe in myself to get through this. I feel like I need someone to tell me what to do and how to think.