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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

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Bookgirl Eco anxiety in Perth
  • replies: 101

Hi, we are in the middle of a horrible heatwave here and its causing me a lot of anxiety thinking about the future and generally just stressing out about it all. Just seems so insurmountable and i feel overwhelmed. My 15 year old son gets angry at me... View more

Hi, we are in the middle of a horrible heatwave here and its causing me a lot of anxiety thinking about the future and generally just stressing out about it all. Just seems so insurmountable and i feel overwhelmed. My 15 year old son gets angry at me for being pessimistic but its hard to be optimistic when its over 40 degrees for a long time. I just feel like i am sinking right now.

KFPDW Am I weak because I can't think of any comebacks?
  • replies: 1

Hey, so I have been bullied in the past when I was in highschool, at work and even at home by my younger sister, who is four years younger than me. I get stuck in a position where it feels like I can't think of any comebacks. It's like I freeze on th... View more

Hey, so I have been bullied in the past when I was in highschool, at work and even at home by my younger sister, who is four years younger than me. I get stuck in a position where it feels like I can't think of any comebacks. It's like I freeze on the spot and anything I do try to say gets dismissed or they have the upper hand. They have the satisfaction of winning the argument and get away with their negative actions. And I feel like such a a loser. It feels like no matter what I say to anyone, I would just get ignored or overlooked. Because what I have to say doesn't matter. Am I weak for never thinking of a comeback or something that would stop bullies in their tracks? And it feels like my Mum sides with my sister because I'm older and I'm usually the mature and reasonable one in the family. I always try to be kind to others so does that make me a easy target. A punching bag people can throttle so they can feel good about themselves. I know most people are going through a hard time like my sister but I don't think it's fair to take it out on me. But if I try to fight back, it suddenly feels like I am the one in the wrong because I'm told I need to be more considerate of those struggle even though they're taking it out on me. It's not fair. It's like I am in a catch 22. No matter what I do, it feels like things will always be unfair. Am I weak for not even thinking of a solid comeback?

BeBrave Assignment Anxiety
  • replies: 4

Hi, I'm new here but I'm not new to anxiety. When I was in high school I developed this fear of assignments and public speaking, at one point I went to the doctors and he diagnosed me with social anxiety, he prescribed me medication but I refused to ... View more

Hi, I'm new here but I'm not new to anxiety. When I was in high school I developed this fear of assignments and public speaking, at one point I went to the doctors and he diagnosed me with social anxiety, he prescribed me medication but I refused to take it. I didn't want to fight this with drugs, I just wanted to be able to over come it. Myself. And I did, well the public speaking part. One day in high school I had to do a long speech and ever since then I slowly got over my fear of speaking in public. (Sounds simple, but it wasn't!) Don't get me wrong I still get nervous but I've learnt to push my self into situations where I have to do presentations and speak in class discussions. But the anxiety when doing assignments has never really gone away. I procrastinate to the point where I either rush the assignment or I leave it completely for the next day (past the due date). I am in my final year at university and I am still absolutely terrified of doing my assignments, and I think its gotten worse because I have gotten more busy, with uni, on top of work, family stuff and searching for a job. Is this what I am going to be like when I start a job and have to complete tasks on a deadline? I don't understand this irrational fear and it frustrates me because I KNOW I can do it, its not like I don't have good grades. I think its the fact that I'm being judged that ultimately scares me. That people will be looking at my work and being like thats just not good enough or you haven't done it right. I think thats why I procrastinate, because If I leave it to the last minute then I don't have that time to sit and worry about it and all I care about is getting it done and submitting it. But I do care, I care about what marks I get and I end up hating myself for not being able to start it earlier or finishing it on time and thinking I could have done better if I started earlier. In the end I'm writing this because I need advice, how do I finally get over it? I have literally started smiling in the mirror every time I need to start/ continue an assignment because apparently you can trick yourself into thinking your not scared. Is it working? not yet. But hopefully soon. Otherwise if anyone has any suggestions on how I can overcome this anxiety that would be great, because I am sick and tired of repeating this cycle. I just don't want to feel this way anymore. Thanks in advance to anyone who replies to this - BeBrave

Von is lost Burnout
  • replies: 1

I’ve called in sick to work the last two days. I’ve had a sore throat but also just so tired and burnt out. I’ve realised I’ve taken one sick day per month since I started the job, is this bad? But if I’m burnt out there’s obviously a pattern here me... View more

I’ve called in sick to work the last two days. I’ve had a sore throat but also just so tired and burnt out. I’ve realised I’ve taken one sick day per month since I started the job, is this bad? But if I’m burnt out there’s obviously a pattern here meaning I’m not coping. Everyone at work has been fine with me not coming in but my mum has made me feel guilty. She has subtly suggested that maybe I’m not that sick/being lazy. She doesn’t understand that I’m so tired just from going to work. I’m on the hunt for a new job that will be better conditions and less stressful hopefully, but in the meantime I’m dealing with a job where I have to at least stay back an hour everyday to get everything done. On top of everything, I feel like I have ADHD and am keen to investigate this and whether this is contributing to my struggles at work.

Getmeoutofhere Business anxiety
  • replies: 2

Hello. I am finding it really difficult to function atm. I have had anxiety like this for 2 years. My husband and i own our own automotive workshop, which I wanted to sell 9 years ago. So doing something I don't want to has been a stress. Then his me... View more

Hello. I am finding it really difficult to function atm. I have had anxiety like this for 2 years. My husband and i own our own automotive workshop, which I wanted to sell 9 years ago. So doing something I don't want to has been a stress. Then his mental health and health problems added to that. 2 years ago I hit a wall as one of our employees was thinking of leaving, and I lost all thought and function. I rely on him alot and panicked, but a week later with mods and some belt tightening he stayed. Have had a few really good years and in a better position then ever, then last year things slowed down and it flared up again, the panic of going back to juggling everything, but all came good. No it's happening again and this time it feels worse. I can't bring myself to do my work and I just don't want to be here. It's been almost a week but this is the 3rd day like this. I just want the panic to go away. I can handle things without the panic. I don't know what I want from this but I am trapped. BTW the business is on the market and has been for 2.5 years. Good business just no one has the cash. Thanks for reading if you made it this far.

Guest_77905965 Anxiety
  • replies: 2

Hi, right now I’m living in Australia. But back in home I’m from India I had an incident back in my country i had carbon monoxide poisoning which lead me all down. this is around in year 2021 january when I open my eyes in hospital I realise that Why... View more

Hi, right now I’m living in Australia. But back in home I’m from India I had an incident back in my country i had carbon monoxide poisoning which lead me all down. this is around in year 2021 january when I open my eyes in hospital I realise that Why I’m in hospital all my family members are around and crying and saying are you Ok. after that I start realising that I had memory issue I started forgetting things even dates, days and minute before things. I had my medicine from that after this in 2023 I came in Australia and here You know so much of struggle stress It makes my life worse . I cry, forget things and some time make mistakes in my work place I even forget the things so I started writing on my calendar That this day I had my this work and that work. please let me know the solution. thank you

Guest_48003732 Work Anxiety and Medication
  • replies: 2

When I think about it, I've always had anxiety. But this year it has spiked and made working very difficult. I am a teacher, and feel like there is no space for mental health conditions. You can't just leave your students for a quick break. You need ... View more

When I think about it, I've always had anxiety. But this year it has spiked and made working very difficult. I am a teacher, and feel like there is no space for mental health conditions. You can't just leave your students for a quick break. You need to show up and put on a facade. Every. Single. Day. Last year I found teaching and my general life very easy and fulfilling. But this year, every day is so hard. I bought a house at the end of last year and am struggling to make ends meet. I've had a lot of sick leave without pay and can't keep doing this. I started taking antidepressants at the beginning of the year and don't feel like they are helping. I am experiencing depression and suicidal thoughts, which I've never had before. I used to love life. Part of me wants to run away, sell my house and live out of the car. But I don't know how I can come back from that. Has anyone else had a similar experience with antidepressants? How do you keep pushing through the discomfort and go to work every day when it makes you physically sick? I can't keep doing this for the rest of my working life.

Chris o Self help group or psychologist
  • replies: 14

Hi everyone, For the last month I have been suffering from panic attacks (maybe anxiety). It is all very new to me and troubling. I have tried breathing techniques ‘smiling minds’ and Dr prescription medication, which is helping. Next step was a psyc... View more

Hi everyone, For the last month I have been suffering from panic attacks (maybe anxiety). It is all very new to me and troubling. I have tried breathing techniques ‘smiling minds’ and Dr prescription medication, which is helping. Next step was a psychologist but none are available right now. So I tried a self help group in my area. It was a very rewarding time and would recommend it. My question, is a self help group a good substitute for a psychologist?

K_Ley Struggling
  • replies: 4

Hi, well what a few months it has been. Last Friday was the first anniversary of my sisters passing and although it was difficult, it was nice to be surrounded by family. It did bring up a lot of feelings and emotions though. lots of sadness, anger w... View more

Hi, well what a few months it has been. Last Friday was the first anniversary of my sisters passing and although it was difficult, it was nice to be surrounded by family. It did bring up a lot of feelings and emotions though. lots of sadness, anger why it had to happen at all and I miss her dearly. On top of that work is getting worse by the day, the constant behaviour management all day every day, the copious amounts of reports, data collection and emails, the phone calls to parents, and writing behaviour records. Then there is the everyday prep work to be ready for lessons. It is never ending and it is nothing for me to complete another 4+ hours of work at home each night. So how is my mental health in all of this?? Not great. I feel like I am slowly drowning - the water level is lapping at my chin and soon I won't be able to breathe. I am attending therapy once a week and whilst it helps, its the days in between that are difficult. Some days I just want to stand on a mountain somewhere and just yell and scream until I feel better. And other days I just want to crawl up in a ball and cry my eyes out and wait for the world to pass on by. I am in two minds about returning to my doctor and going back on anti-depressants. I stopped taking them about 6 months ago. Anyway, I should probably try and get some sleep......

Guest_55233920 Worrying at night and cannot sleep
  • replies: 1

Hi allMy first time doing this but wanted help with dealing with night time worries which I cannot switch off and then means I cannot sleep. Any ideas will be welcome.I have a fair amount on my plate like a lot of people including being a carer for 2... View more

Hi allMy first time doing this but wanted help with dealing with night time worries which I cannot switch off and then means I cannot sleep. Any ideas will be welcome.I have a fair amount on my plate like a lot of people including being a carer for 2 family members both of whom I live with and love very much.But still find it all a lot at times and I need to deal with the NDIS which is an ongoing burden which I cannot say is easy.I Have also retired recently after a fulfilling 42 year career so finding that a bit difficult as well.Any how I hope someone can make a helpful comment or idea. Look forward to the discussions.thankyouPat