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

Scott_B2002 I’m 23 soon to be 24 I have no friends no car no career no savings no nothing I’m struggling bad
  • replies: 10

I’m struggling I’m a 23 year old male aithmy plans no friends and I’m stuck at home all day I really would just like someone to see n have a coffee with and have good conversations I just wanna feel important and get out there I have no car no saving... View more

I’m struggling I’m a 23 year old male aithmy plans no friends and I’m stuck at home all day I really would just like someone to see n have a coffee with and have good conversations I just wanna feel important and get out there I have no car no savings no life plans n just wanna know I’m not alone

Guest_10277 I suffer with anxiety
  • replies: 3

Hi I suffer with anxiety and need someone to talk too

Hi I suffer with anxiety and need someone to talk too

mgb_panda Anxiously waiting
  • replies: 2

I recently had a mammogram that found an abnormality and I’ve been called into hospital for further tests to determine what it is. I panicked but the day after I got the email, I spoke with a really kind nurse at the hospital clinic who reassured me ... View more

I recently had a mammogram that found an abnormality and I’ve been called into hospital for further tests to determine what it is. I panicked but the day after I got the email, I spoke with a really kind nurse at the hospital clinic who reassured me that in my state it’s normal to recall women if it’s their first exam (no prior imaging to base off of) and that for most women it’s not cancer. After I spoke with her I felt so much better. But last week I came down with flu and have spent the last 3+ days in bed, and my mind has gone to thinking the worst. My mum died from secondary breast cancer age 61. I am 51, and since my mum died I’ve been very afraid of getting cancer (my brother died of malignant melanoma when he was 28; he passed 18mo before my mum). I am feeling scared and I keep having the thought that it’s cancer and I’m going to die. Worse, I keep having the thought that I deserve it because I haven’t always been a nice person or made the best decisions, and I’m being punished. I have depression and I have learned skills to manage it but generally speaking, when I am very low, I think I don’t deserve to live. Now that I’m facing this ambiguity — waiting for tests and results — I know absolutely I do not want to die. This is also why I have the thought I am being punished. I have a wonderful therapist and a supportive husband, but I don’t have any friends and have struggled with intense loneliness. I can talk to my husband, but I don’t have any girlfriends. I feel very alone. Logically, I know I do not have a diagnosis, that this additional testing is routine practice, that 9+/10 women recalled don't have cancer, that even if I have cancer it’s not a death sentence. Emotionally, I am so afraid. I am doing grounding exercises and journalling. I tell myself my mum’s story is not my story. But with my tests in a couple of days’ time, my anxiety and fear is growing. I have read other posts here similar to mine so in a way I know I’m not alone. I wish I was a really resilient woman who could face anything with strength and grace, but I’m just feeling scared and alone.

Katabi Grief after losing my brother has turned into severe anxiety
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My brother passed away from cancer a little over three weeks ago. His illness progressed extremely quickly, and since his death I have been struggling with intense anxiety, particularly from the time I wake up until late afternoon.My mind keeps going... View more

My brother passed away from cancer a little over three weeks ago. His illness progressed extremely quickly, and since his death I have been struggling with intense anxiety, particularly from the time I wake up until late afternoon.My mind keeps going to worst-case scenarios about my own health and what would happen to my wife and children if something suddenly happened to me. I feel overwhelmed by everything I still need to finish and all the responsibilities I carry.At times I feel okay, but then the anxiety suddenly returns. I struggle to settle, focus, eat normally or decide whether I should rest or keep busy. I have spoken with a doctor and have another follow-up appointment booked. I am also waiting to see my regular GP about professional grief and mental-health support.I am not looking for medical advice. I would really like to hear from people who experienced severe anxiety after a bereavement. Did it come in waves like this? What helped you get through the difficult daytime hours while you were waiting for professional support?

Maryjane1 OCD housecleaning husband
  • replies: 9

Hi, I’m struggling and hoping someone can offer opinions. I‘ve been married for 23 years and have two children to him. I love him but....he has ocd when iT comes to house cleaning. I noticed it when we first married, but put it down to pride in his h... View more

Hi, I’m struggling and hoping someone can offer opinions. I‘ve been married for 23 years and have two children to him. I love him but....he has ocd when iT comes to house cleaning. I noticed it when we first married, but put it down to pride in his house. After having children it became progressively worse. He cleanS before work in the morning, he comes home from work And cleans again. he Has dinner and cleans for another 1.5hs min. Weekends he cleans. He so t come for an icecream with the kids and I becasue ‘someone has to clean!’ THe house is scrubbed and disinfected from top to bottom Daily . We can’t use the kitchen once cleaned. We can’t sit inthe lounge room as he will notice the cushions have been moved. Throw blankets need to be folded neatly before bed. He remakes the bed after me as it’s not neat enough. If we drop something the house (even water) it needs to be vacuumed and floors washed again. He constantly tells me I’m lazy and I live like a slob. It’s made me anxious to the point I Now clean constantly on my days off and after work so I don’t get yelled at. I fret if I or the girls drop something or if an item isOut of place. My house is like a display home. He never has time for us. He always needs to clean because according to him, I don’t clean! I don’t feel this is normal. I’ve tried talking to him but it ends up in an argument as he believes his behaviour is normal and it’s because I don’t clean enough. my 17 year old daughter wants to move out as she can’t handle it anymore. My 14 year old is starting to show ocd tendencies. She s become anxious too. My children won’t have friends over because of it. I could list more but I hope you get the general idea...I’m tired, mentally exhausted and struggling to continue with his controlling behaviour... May I add, I tried talking to a few imof my family members and there repl was ‘you are so lucky he cleans, I wish I had that’. They’ve no idea how controlling it is. I’m starting to resent him. Cleaning is one this but ocd cleaning is another. He is the same with MY CAR. Watches and vaccines every week. The kids and I can’t drive my car to the beach or anywhere it may get dirty or scratched. He checks it for scratches constantly and tells us off if it’s dirty inside. Dirty means sand on our shoes that has ended on the floor mats or lolly wrapper Left in the door etc.

Whattodoooo Can't stop eating
  • replies: 10

Hi guys, this is my first post here. I'm looking for advice on over eating. At any inconvenience I just stuff my face and I hate it my stomach hurts so much and I feel so uncomfortable from not just all the food but with myself for not having any sel... View more

Hi guys, this is my first post here. I'm looking for advice on over eating. At any inconvenience I just stuff my face and I hate it my stomach hurts so much and I feel so uncomfortable from not just all the food but with myself for not having any self control. I know it's an unhealthy method of dealing with my emotions but I can't stop at all. Has anyone gotten over this?

Guest_47661078 Phobia of alcohol and boyfriend drinking
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My boyfriend drinks and we are 18 so of course he drinks a bit. He grew up in a place where drinking is normal but for me I’m terrified. I have. Full phobia of alcohol to the point where this weekend I am going up for his birthday and he is going to ... View more

My boyfriend drinks and we are 18 so of course he drinks a bit. He grew up in a place where drinking is normal but for me I’m terrified. I have. Full phobia of alcohol to the point where this weekend I am going up for his birthday and he is going to drink and I don’t know if I will even be able to sleep next to him in the same bed after he drinks because I know he has. It’s not me worried about him cheating or anything I’m just so afraid of alcohol. He is not a bad drunk at all so it’s not like he is bad or aggressive but I hate it and don’t know how to over come it. We have spoken about it and it’s not like he drinks often but the thought of at all is scary

udontknome I just need some help rn
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This is my first time doing something like this, but I'm not in a good headspace and thought I would just try it and see if anything comes out of it. I'm 21, in university, living at home with my parents. I don't know how long that'll last for. I'm t... View more

This is my first time doing something like this, but I'm not in a good headspace and thought I would just try it and see if anything comes out of it. I'm 21, in university, living at home with my parents. I don't know how long that'll last for. I'm trying to be a teacher through my degree, but I've been failing my Maths classes ever since enrolling. I try studying, nothing works. I reach out to teachers, nothing useful. I'm also at risk of being kicked out of home if my parents don't see a change in better grades, so doing so I took up more classes. I'm retaking a Maths test next week as of typing this. I don't know how confident I feel, but if I fail again, it might just be the last time. I can't do that again. Any support will be greatly appreciated. I'm at my wits end.

Guest_82648021 Anxiety and loss
  • replies: 5

Feeling really low and sad and crying all time what can be done to contain my crying

Feeling really low and sad and crying all time what can be done to contain my crying