Immediate support
Immediate support

Anxiety

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. Share your own story and learn about other member’s experiences with anxiety.

Start a discussion

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Categories
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

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

Start a discussion

itsBoof Think I've developed an Eating Disorder & might need help.
  • replies: 3

A year ago, I weighed in at 128.2kg. I have always been big but never that big so I did something about it, I got married on the 28th April this year so with that goal in mind I dieted like crazy & began exercising. By my wedding day, I had lost 53kg... View more

A year ago, I weighed in at 128.2kg. I have always been big but never that big so I did something about it, I got married on the 28th April this year so with that goal in mind I dieted like crazy & began exercising. By my wedding day, I had lost 53kg and weighed 75kg. Sounds great right? Yes, I’m unbelievably proud of myself, every time I’ve tried dieting I would last 6 weeks & lose 10-15kg then fall off the wagon & pile it all back on. But aside from physically feeling fantastic & having more self-confidence than ever before (gone from size XXL to S) it has become incredibly mentally draining on me to stay strict on myself. Let me explain, I’ve always loved food, like really loved food. But now I feel like I can’t have a cheat meal or ingredient without feeling guilty or like I’ll pile it all back on. I weigh myself twice a day & stress about the number that awaits me. My current diet is, every day: -2 boiled eggs or muesli & fruit for breakfast -Tin of tuna or salmon & some vegetables for lunch -Either salmon/steak/chicken/lamb & vegetables for dinner -Snacks include a banana or some nuts I exercise at least 6 days a week by either walking/running/rowing/gym as well as do 120-150 push ups & sit ups every day. What I need is to feel like I can get back into some sense of normal. It is affecting my social relationships & social life. I just got back from my honeymoon where I stuck to the same diet as above & didn’t touch an alcoholic beverage (I lost 1.5kg in 3 weeks). I avoid going out with friends because generally that involves drinks and/or bad food. My family & friends are worried about me & think I look borderline sick skinny at times, though I look down and still somewhat see that huge guy. I feel like if I eat bread again or some ice cream I’ll balloon out again so I avoid it all together. My fear is that the routine I have has me maintaining this weight so if I slack, I’ll blow back out. The couple of times I have slipped I can’t help myself and end up pigging out because I can’t avoid turning 1-2 slices of pizza into 6-7. I’m stuck with the problem of ‘how do I convince myself to become ‘normal’ again. People continue to ask me when I am going to stop & how much longer, but I just can’t find the courage to try a healthy balance. I know I should be allowed a cheat meal here or there, I want to be able to go out with friends or to a restaurant & not have to look up the menu beforehand to see if it has something I’m allowed to eat.

Gloria___ Good relaxation apps
  • replies: 4

My anxiety is through the roof , I am I need of some good relaxation apps to download so I can try and relax and stop overthinking so I can go to bloody sleep,I am exhausted, started back on my anxiety tablets today but I think I am going to need som... View more

My anxiety is through the roof , I am I need of some good relaxation apps to download so I can try and relax and stop overthinking so I can go to bloody sleep,I am exhausted, started back on my anxiety tablets today but I think I am going to need something to help In the meantime:(

WorriedDad13 My health Anxiety
  • replies: 8

Hi everyone, I’m at the end of my rope, im exhausted every day, im worried every day, im illogical with myself every day and I just can’t seem to turn any of it around. Every day I go to work and put on a brave face, meanwhile I am ‘testing’ any symp... View more

Hi everyone, I’m at the end of my rope, im exhausted every day, im worried every day, im illogical with myself every day and I just can’t seem to turn any of it around. Every day I go to work and put on a brave face, meanwhile I am ‘testing’ any symptoms I think I have or do have and am attributing to a major issue. Most recently 4 months ago my baby boy started day care, since then my wife and I have been sick pretty much non stop. I currently have swollen glands in my body, so does my wife. Logically I know that we most likely both have the same thing and we’re both run down so it’s lasting a while (over a month so far) however my anxious mind is telling me I have cancer and my wife is going through her own non lethal illness. I’ve been to a psychologist before, I gave up after 4 sessions because I couldn’t see it working. I don’t know what to do anymore. theres no question in any of that, I’m not hoping for much to come of me writing it, I just had to get it off my chest.

mynameismaddie Advice needed
  • replies: 3

I suffer with anorexia, anxiety, depression and OCD. I have been receiving treatment for the last 10 years but am still struggling. Anyway I wanted some advice about an upcoming dinner. I can’t eat in front of people and have to eat at the same time ... View more

I suffer with anorexia, anxiety, depression and OCD. I have been receiving treatment for the last 10 years but am still struggling. Anyway I wanted some advice about an upcoming dinner. I can’t eat in front of people and have to eat at the same time and eat the same things everyday. Usually I just avoid social occasions which are sit down meals but I would really like to go to this dinner as it involves a presentation I am interested in. I am also sick of missing out on everything. I don’t know how to go though without it being very embarrassing and I don’t know how to explain the fact I am not eating. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I could still attend without making a scene or is it best just not to go?

Elizabeth2601 Health Anxiety - Colonoscopy
  • replies: 4

Hi all, I am hoping that someone can help me. I suffer with serious health anxiety - I have been seeing a psychologist but it is not seeming to help, she suggests trying to be mindful but I can't concentrate on anything. There are factors that have m... View more

Hi all, I am hoping that someone can help me. I suffer with serious health anxiety - I have been seeing a psychologist but it is not seeming to help, she suggests trying to be mindful but I can't concentrate on anything. There are factors that have me concerned, I am so worried that I have cancer. I have a colonoscopy scheduled for tomorrow and I can't breathe I am so stressed about what it will find. I am 33 years old, overweight and have a one year old little girl, I keep imagining not making it to her 5th birthday or even her 2nd birthday. I feel like I have brought cancer on myself because of an unhealthy lifestyle. I just wish I could calm down and stop thinking about it.

pip123 I feel like im going crazy.
  • replies: 2

Hi guys, Im new to these forums. Just seeking some advice. I feel like im causing myself to feel like im going crazy. My brain just keeps over thinking and over thinking and then i think because my brain just wont stop i am going crazy. Someone pleas... View more

Hi guys, Im new to these forums. Just seeking some advice. I feel like im causing myself to feel like im going crazy. My brain just keeps over thinking and over thinking and then i think because my brain just wont stop i am going crazy. Someone please tell me this is just my anxiety?

CE36 My anxiety keeps me from leaving the house
  • replies: 2

I am 28 and have had anxiety for about 10 years. Although I do wonder if I had it even longer but the real symptoms started to show around 18 -19 years old. In the last 4-5 years it has gotten worse to the point where I avoid leaving the house. I don... View more

I am 28 and have had anxiety for about 10 years. Although I do wonder if I had it even longer but the real symptoms started to show around 18 -19 years old. In the last 4-5 years it has gotten worse to the point where I avoid leaving the house. I don’t have a job because of this and it’s really starting to effect me financially. Because of the financial worry it’s then making my anxiety even worse. I’m aware of it, I know it’s a problem, I know what I need to do, I listen to words of advice. But then I do nothing about it. It’s been like this for years and I just can’t break the habit. I have been to a GP to get a mental health plan - about 6 years ago when I first realised it was a big problem and then again about 3-4 years ago. They were two different doctors and also two different psychologists that I saw. I had about 5 sessions with the first one and 2 with the second one. Although it was nice to unleash some emotions, and hear some of their ideas for grounding and breathing exercises, I didn’t exactly find any of it helpful. Like I said before, I listen to advice but it’s like it goes in one ear and out the other and my mind doesn’t absorb it as something that would help/fix me. Both of the GP’s suggested I go on antidepressants. The first I said no to and the second I said ok. Got the pills from the chemist. Took one pill then left the box in the cupboard. I hear a lot of people saying don’t take anti depressants as it’s just a bandaid etc and not good for you so I suppose that’s why I am hesitant to take them. I’ve been thinking about getting a new script for some and giving them a go but just to make things worse for myself I also hate the idea of going to see a GP and telling them my story. The thought of it makes me sick to the stomach. I wish there was a way I could do it online, I’m very easily able to write everything down but I hate the thought of speaking about it. It makes my throat go tight like there’s a ball in there just thinking about it. I really need to get a job so I need to get my anxiety under control. I’ve had jobs In the past (just casual jobs at supermarkets, warehouses etc) I had trouble going to basically every shift and I guess I think about how I hated those jobs and that probably makes me assume I’m going to hate any job and therefore I just avoid it. But i really want to change this thought pattern! I cant expect my partner to keep paying for things I can’t afford etc.

JaneMansfield Chemical or Acutal Anxiety
  • replies: 4

Hello, This is my first time here, so a little nervous. Over the last week I have been dealing with horrible physical anxiety which I can’t get a hold on. Can’t sleep well. Am awake early in the morning and have a constant pounding heart. The back st... View more

Hello, This is my first time here, so a little nervous. Over the last week I have been dealing with horrible physical anxiety which I can’t get a hold on. Can’t sleep well. Am awake early in the morning and have a constant pounding heart. The back story is I’ve been dealing with a nerve condition for many years and have been on two different types of antidepressants for about 4 years to help with the condition. I also get headaches due to TMJ. The issue is that lately pain meds and even anti anxiety meds have the opposite effect of what they use to have. They make me awake and wired instead of calm. I need to take them from time to time but I’m so scared to due to their opposite effects. I had a pretty emotional week last week and almost had what felt like a nervous break down and now I’m finding even a drowsy antihistamine makes we feel wired not sleepy or calm. And I now have these constant physical anxiety symptoms. I just don’t feel calm or tired. I’m exhausted but not tired and I’ve lost weight. My Dr said I can come off the two antidepressants I take for nerve pain as they are a low dose but I’m scared of the nerve pain and just stopping then all of a sudden. I feel like they are now contributing to this feeling of restlessness, and severe anxiety, but I don’t know if my symptoms are due to the chemicals in the drugs or it’s just me going through a rough patch. I don’t deny I have anxiety but I’ve never had such strong symptoms especially whilst taking antidepressants even at their low dose. They usually keep me stable and help me sleep. I usually sleep a lot. I’m doing Headspace and trying to keep calm but I’m worried that i’ll never feel normal or calm again. I don’t want to go outside or socialise. I just feel so scattered and exhausted.

Itzaprocess Trust Issues
  • replies: 1

I already had a shakey relationship with trust from past experiences. Going through a relationship break up last year, I am now finding that in these past weeks my trust issues are starting to morph into a fear to interact with anyone, even the thoug... View more

I already had a shakey relationship with trust from past experiences. Going through a relationship break up last year, I am now finding that in these past weeks my trust issues are starting to morph into a fear to interact with anyone, even the thought of leaving my house/my room brings about a heavy, tight feeling in my chest, knots in my stomach and a shaking in my knees. Does anyone have any knowledge on what would help me work through this so that this doesn't progress any further and reverse itself?

louisaoooo emetephobia
  • replies: 2

Hi, I am 16 years old and I have had emetephobia (fear of vomit) for as long as I could remember. This is a common phobia that still sounds very odd to many people. A few years ago, it got so bad that I wouldn't eat anything although I am able to eat... View more

Hi, I am 16 years old and I have had emetephobia (fear of vomit) for as long as I could remember. This is a common phobia that still sounds very odd to many people. A few years ago, it got so bad that I wouldn't eat anything although I am able to eat most days now (sometimes I can't still), it is staring to get really bad again and I feel helpless. I have seen a psychologist for about 5 years and done many forms of therapy (CBT, hypnotherapy, EMDR), none of which has worked to stop my phobia from taking over my life. I have strategies that help my panic attacks and ways to make my thoughts more rational, none of which has stopped this debilitating fear from letting me live my life happily. My doctor prescribed me with antidepressants and I had to stop taking them as they made me feel suicidal and I had really bad emetephobia panic attacks that made me feel like i was going to faint. I am having a breakdown today because it is getting to a point where I am finding it hard to cope everyday with this constant fear in my head. I got prescribed the contraceptive pill for medical reasons and I took one pill and had countless panic attacks because it was listed as a side-effect, after reading that I could not stop worrying and panicking so I now refuse to take the medication. I have trouble taking prescribed medication because I read to much into it. My doctor tells me to stop doing it but I can't stop myself. I feel like to reduce my anxiety I need to know what could happen but it only makes me anxiety worse. I feel like I am letting myself down as I can not bring myself to do things that I want to do/need to do. I am feeling helpless, I feel like I can't be happy encase I somehow jinx myself and get unwell. I know its irrational but I just can not stop thinking about it and I feel depressed because of it. It's difficult because nobody in my close circle of people understand and just say things like "just eat" or medication is not that bad" or "your just making it worse for yourself" which I understand all of those statements are true but that doesn't stop the constant worry I deal with everyday. Any advice? Thanks for taking the time to read this.