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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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bimmadude101 intrusive thoughts
  • replies: 25

Hi everyone, I am a 19 year old male who has now been suffering from intrusive thoughts ocd for close to a year. I approached my gp to referred me to a psychologist who i told about my intrusive thoughts but struggled to open up to about my harm thou... View more

Hi everyone, I am a 19 year old male who has now been suffering from intrusive thoughts ocd for close to a year. I approached my gp to referred me to a psychologist who i told about my intrusive thoughts but struggled to open up to about my harm thoughts. Recently have been seeing this girl who i seem to get regular harm thoughts towards and sometimes self talk in the back of my head saying things like i will kill ect, that freaks me out very much so. Its hard to convince myself that im a good person when im experiencing such terrible thoughts. Does anyone else experience this sort of self talk that randomly occurs? is this just a part of intrusive thoughts? I have learn't to handle my intrusive thoughts better then what i previously have but i dream of the day they just go away. I have been doing meditation, exercising every day and trying my best to eat healthy... this has significantly improved my anxiety but has has no effect on my intrusive thoughts. which brings me to my next question. The anxiety has almost nearly disappeared but i still have a frequent amount of intrusive thoughts which is scary becomes it seems as though these thoughts have become normal and not an intrusion anymore. I also have seemed to have developed depression being less motivated and tired from over sleeping. I have a appointment coming up soon with the physiologist who im thinking about trying to open up with about these harm thoughts ect. Any advise appreciated.

Gleaston Anxiety to depression to normal - The cycle?
  • replies: 2

Hi, First time on the forum and looking for other peoples experience. I've had a good 12months and thought that my medication had hit the nail on the head, but last night had a big (not the biggest) anxiety attach. I was asleep and rolled over to cha... View more

Hi, First time on the forum and looking for other peoples experience. I've had a good 12months and thought that my medication had hit the nail on the head, but last night had a big (not the biggest) anxiety attach. I was asleep and rolled over to change position. In that moment of being semi awake I saw some shapes on the wall that looked like a person. I ignored the thought, but instantly had another that I was losing control. This went into a kind of feedback loop of 'My mind is unravelling and I'm losing control. If I lose control my mind will unravel'. Not the best description. I managed to focus on something else (My feet moving in the sheets) and go back to sleep. When I woke up the depression was waiting for me. It's bad at first (Thought of the day was 'Will I make it to my daughters birthday', but eases off as the day progresses (general apathy). I've never really spoken to anyone else with Anxiety/Depression, and am sure I must be lucky if I can go 12 months since my last episode, but I'm curious if this 'cycle' is common for other people?

Needs_Help_2 Anxious about everything
  • replies: 1

I need some help. I get anxious about everything and it hs become so extreme that its hard for me to even leave the house. I can't even go to the dr cause it gives me sever anxiety. Even right now, at home, i am extremely anxious

I need some help. I get anxious about everything and it hs become so extreme that its hard for me to even leave the house. I can't even go to the dr cause it gives me sever anxiety. Even right now, at home, i am extremely anxious

Jane24 Health anxiety
  • replies: 10

I'm looking for advice on how people cope with anxiety/panic when they get physically sick?? I've had pretty severe anxiety & panic attacks for 11 years now (I'm only 25). Been through the works with psychologists, CBT, meds etc. I got completely on ... View more

I'm looking for advice on how people cope with anxiety/panic when they get physically sick?? I've had pretty severe anxiety & panic attacks for 11 years now (I'm only 25). Been through the works with psychologists, CBT, meds etc. I got completely on top of my anxiety for a year when I was 21, but then I had a health issue that really triggered it off again. The health issue has basically resolved, but now whenever I'm unwell I get extremely panicky & need someone with me. I've always had some health anxiety, but now it's so bad that I'm scared to go anywhere alone incase I get sick, including driving. I'm scared to go out alone, exercise, I'm unemployed, friends have left me because I always bail & can't drive to see them, boyfriend of 4 years broke up with me because the stress was making him miserable & he was becoming more like a carer. I live back with my parents & they are sick of my neediness & although try to help are fed up with me & let me know what a disappointment I am which makes me feel more depressed. I'm working on managing my anxiety when I'm feeling okay with CBT. But I get sick pretty much every week or 2 with bugs/viruses & the doctor has no answers as to why other than chronic stress suppressing my immune system. Any advice on how to cope when sick, being alone or just generally with health anxiety & getting confidence back would be so appreciated!

Vanessaknowles Anxiety and my goal to become a police officer
  • replies: 8

Hi all, I’m a newbie at posting in forums so bare with me, my spelling and punctuation is also horrible so if I make a mistake just keep reading! I was “diagnosed” with anxiety when I was 15 but I’ve had anxiety for as long as I can remember. Now tha... View more

Hi all, I’m a newbie at posting in forums so bare with me, my spelling and punctuation is also horrible so if I make a mistake just keep reading! I was “diagnosed” with anxiety when I was 15 but I’ve had anxiety for as long as I can remember. Now that I am 22 I am trying to aim toward my goal of becoming a police officer with the WA Police Force. I have struggled with attending a handful of interviews for various positions over my employment history due to my anxiety. I know my goal to be a police officer will be difficult to acheive because of my anxiety..I guess my question is... Can anyone offer any advice on being a police officer and dealing with anxiety? Any advice will be appreciated

Booklover17 Everything is an effort
  • replies: 6

Hi forum members, I just wanted to ask who else feels that everything is an effort right now? I feel depressed and isolated and even getting off the couch has been an effort these past couple of days. I don't feel like doing anything.

Hi forum members, I just wanted to ask who else feels that everything is an effort right now? I feel depressed and isolated and even getting off the couch has been an effort these past couple of days. I don't feel like doing anything.

WhatSheHides People don't understand
  • replies: 3

Hey all... so for the past few months I've struggled quite badly with depression and anxiety. . Being switched from medication to medication whilst trying to juggle my job (which is up in the air with what they are doing with me) and trying to sort t... View more

Hey all... so for the past few months I've struggled quite badly with depression and anxiety. . Being switched from medication to medication whilst trying to juggle my job (which is up in the air with what they are doing with me) and trying to sort through so many family issues, also with being diagnosed with von wilderbrands (mild to moderate haemophilia) I've noticed though so many people don't understand what living with mental health is like, there i days as work where i literally cannot cope, i cannot function and so i just shut down and shut everyone out.. last week my boss pulled me into his office and was ready to call an ambulance because i was what he woul describe as "catatonic " i just was so overwhelmed with work and personal issues that i broke and i fell... but i fell hard and it's so hard to open up to people about everything because growing up everyone i have let in has let me down and has gossiped about the very secrets i let them know so i just ... when i break i feel like i cannot speak to people, i write poems but even that release lately doesn't seem to do much, my fiancé tries to help but he doesn't understand half of what i am going through simply because we are from 2 completely different upbringings, he is so close to his family and has such a great reationship with his parents yet I'm complete opposite. . My mums boufriend abused me for years and she blames me and my mum and dad split when i was 6 and he still to this day tells me he hates me because i look like her.. I'm sorry to air this all out but i just needed somewhere to turn

Guest_9870 Barely hanging on at work. Help!
  • replies: 17

I am anyday away now from doing the flight, leaving work completely once again. I have fought my demons, even spoke about them to the managers and now they have put pressure on me and i don't want to go back. Is there any way a doctor can give me a c... View more

I am anyday away now from doing the flight, leaving work completely once again. I have fought my demons, even spoke about them to the managers and now they have put pressure on me and i don't want to go back. Is there any way a doctor can give me a certificate for this matter, and what are my options? I really do not want to face the pressure. Its not fair that they did this to me after i told them my problems. Please help with advice if anyone can on what i can do, if i can leave without notice ( i know its not ideal but i feel theres no choice atm) Please and thankyou

Mumma7 Long time anxiety sufferer, first time poster!
  • replies: 5

Hi everyone! I’ve had anxiety and OCD since I was 12, worrying about everything! It got much worse after each time I had a child (hormones) and I suffered very badly after my first 2 children and had counselling and was put on and anti-depressant. My... View more

Hi everyone! I’ve had anxiety and OCD since I was 12, worrying about everything! It got much worse after each time I had a child (hormones) and I suffered very badly after my first 2 children and had counselling and was put on and anti-depressant. My third child is now 5 months old and I was perfectly fine until these past few weeks. I can tell my hormones have gone crazy again but also I’m talking myself in to going through bad anxiety again. I avoid going out because I’m scared of having an anxiety attack when I’m out and the horrible feeling it brings. I’ve been having random anxiety attacks over nothing, this feeling just comes over me and I feel like something horrible is about to happen and sometimes I struggle to control it. I feel like I can’t breath, get panicky and sweaty and just cant stop my mind from thinking horrible things. I also do this thing where I control my breathing, I breath in and out constantly to the point I don’t know how to not control it? Then I dread going out because I fear starting doing the breathing Thing again. I don’t want to be back here again as I’ve been doing so so well the past year and a half! I just want to be strong and push through this and not let it take over. Anyone else going through anything similar and have any tips to combat it? Thanks

Janey123 The fine line between growth and crippling discomfort
  • replies: 7

Hi I am going through a rough time and could really use some advice. A couple of years ago I was diagnosed with extremely severe anxiety. My issues were mostly around the insecurity of my new 'dream' job. I've been seeing a psychologist since then an... View more

Hi I am going through a rough time and could really use some advice. A couple of years ago I was diagnosed with extremely severe anxiety. My issues were mostly around the insecurity of my new 'dream' job. I've been seeing a psychologist since then and have made great strides to the point where I felt that I could start extending myself and begin to take on some elements of my job that scared me. I've never liked public speaking but when I'm comfortable, like at my old job, I can do it. My anxiety at this job however has morphed into an extreme fear of public speaking. When I was at my lowest, I had a melt down overnight and bailed on a 5 min talk the morning of the workshop, confessing my illness to my ex-boss (who was kind about it). With the improvements I have been making over the last year or two, I have even taken on a couple of local news radio interviews. The first one was terrible, but I lived, so I tried again and actually did a really good job of it. In both of these cases they were sprung on me at short notice, so there wasn't the time to freak out, or I should say, I only had a short time with which to freak out. I came to realise that this suited me, actually. Less time freaking out, more time celebrating the relief that it was over and I'd done it! Last month I was asked to do a presentation to 30-60 people in March, on the same topic at a lunch. I said yes, feeling good and believing that I could take it on now that I was growing and starting to tackle the things that scared me. My anxiety apparently had other ideas. I've had three spirals/meltdowns crying about it so far. I'm now fearing the anxiety melt downs more than I fear the talk I think. I leave my psychologists office feeling totally calm and capable, but the feeling wears off and I end up in a panic. I'm stuck now. Do I go through with it, knowing there is a chance I will melt down and bail on the commitment? My psychologist says I can do this, but speaking is easy for him... I wonder "What if I get up there, melt down, and entrench the fear even worse?!" Do I get out of it, and get a colleague to do it, and deal with the shame of letting someone see how my anxiety controls me over a seemingly simple talk? I am really hard on myself. I find myself wondering have I jumped a bit too far with this one, is this too big a thing to take on if this is the result? Or is this what I need to go through to grow? Thanks for reading xx Janey