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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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Mattsmum Employment anxiety
  • replies: 2

Long story short I was fired a few days ago. Now trying to find a new job. I manage ok til I start job searching then it’s all downhill from there. I start looking and my stomach turns to sick knots and I become a mess. I’m booked in to see a psychol... View more

Long story short I was fired a few days ago. Now trying to find a new job. I manage ok til I start job searching then it’s all downhill from there. I start looking and my stomach turns to sick knots and I become a mess. I’m booked in to see a psychologist who can’t see me til November 21st 🤷🏼‍. So the longer story. Is me trying to work out where is this all coming from? Rewind 3 years ago I was happily employed had been with the same company 8 years when my marriage ended. My 45yo husband took off with a 21 yo! Needless to say I was stressed. Work kept me sane but I had noticed I was beginning to make mistakes, needless to say one of those mistakes cost me my job. I had been studying while at this job and was lucky enough to land a great job within 2 weeks. However this job was way way above any experience I had and the job lasted 9 months before I lost that job. It took 11 months to get the job I just lost and it was a much more simpler job than previously. The fear was there that I wasn’t good enough. I was trying to be careful not to make mistakes but surely enough the boss asked for a meeting and explained he wasn’t happy with my performance. Surely someone degree qualified would not make such mistakes. He gave me 2 weeks to fix everything up which I thought I did but during that time more mistakes had been found. I’d expect any new person to be simply given direction on how things were wanted done but it was expected that I just know these things. the whole 2 weeks I went to work feeling so sick and anxious. I knew it was just a question of him finding something wrong to get rid of me and he did. I was relieved to be let go so I could stop feeling sick not to mention the boss had some serious anger issues himself. I need a way to move forward somehow. I feel like my life has been painted a portrait of me that is a complete misrepresentation. I know even if I picked up a new job tomorrow I’d be faced with the same issues. I forgot to mention my parents moved in with me plus my sister when I separated. So I feel a duty of care to support them too.I need help! If it takes another year to find a job I’ll go nuts!!! thanks if you read all that Mattsmum

Semolinah Not Eating
  • replies: 3

Last month I started having anxiety and panic attacks. For this last months I've eaten about 1000kj a day, because I just don't want to eat. I was starting to eat but when they started me on medication last week I've gone back down to not eating. Is ... View more

Last month I started having anxiety and panic attacks. For this last months I've eaten about 1000kj a day, because I just don't want to eat. I was starting to eat but when they started me on medication last week I've gone back down to not eating. Is this okay in the short term? I'm also 'blocked' up because of it and have reflux. What can I do to eat more when I just don't want to eat?

Jemz14 Irrational fear of anaphylaxis- just started new medication
  • replies: 8

Hi im a 32 year old female with extreme anxiety and panic Attacks. I was on a medication for about 10 years which I think I build up a tolerance to. I started a new medication on Monday but it sparked severe anxiety about me getting a serious anaphyl... View more

Hi im a 32 year old female with extreme anxiety and panic Attacks. I was on a medication for about 10 years which I think I build up a tolerance to. I started a new medication on Monday but it sparked severe anxiety about me getting a serious anaphylaxis reaction. I took it and ended up so hysterical and distraught I was admitted into a emergency psych ward which was awful in there. Day 4 on the new meds now am I’m at home but I still fear so greatly that I will have anaphylaxis each time I take this tablet. I have been seeing my GP daily for reassurance and now it’s the weekend I can’t see her til Monday and I’m TERRIFIED can anyone help me with ways to get through the next couple of days. thanks heaps

SushiCat What Is Anxiety Really?
  • replies: 1

I know that everyone knows that anxiety is being anxious. But what exactly is being anxious? Sometimes, when I'm nervous or frustrated, I get these almost panic attack things where is start breathing really fast and only my imagination can calm me do... View more

I know that everyone knows that anxiety is being anxious. But what exactly is being anxious? Sometimes, when I'm nervous or frustrated, I get these almost panic attack things where is start breathing really fast and only my imagination can calm me down. Most people would suggest breathing deeply, or getting a stress ball. Normally, I wouldn't just breathe deeply. So breathing deeply while having one of these panic things just makes me more nervous, because I have to face the face that I am not in control. I hope I have explained this well enough. What I am trying to say is do I have anxiety? And also, do things that work for most people (ie: having a stress ball) not work for everyone? Is anxiety hardly ever the same in everyone?

Tiny_fish Anxiety has changed me
  • replies: 8

Hi, I'm new to this all but it already feels good to be able to write this all down and see that I might not be alone. Anxiety has decreased my personality. I find that I don't talk as much is some social situations but worse is that is has made me t... View more

Hi, I'm new to this all but it already feels good to be able to write this all down and see that I might not be alone. Anxiety has decreased my personality. I find that I don't talk as much is some social situations but worse is that is has made me think I'm not a good person. I struggle with anxiety on and off and off and when it's at it's peak it turns my thoughts negative especially towards people who might have done something to upset me. I focus on the thing they have done towards me and I start to dislike them. Then once the episode is over I feel extreme guilt and like I'm not a very nice person for thinking mean thoughts about them. Anxiety also affects the way I sleep. I can lay in bed and my mind is just racing I know it's so unhealthy and I really wish I could live my life in a more positive and happy nature. I really want to find find a way to manage my anxiety and to feel when I'm happy and nice to people that's the real me and not an act. I no no longer want to feel unsure as to whether the nice happy me is the real me or the person I can be when having an anxiety episode. Can anyone relate? It can feel very lonely suffering from a mental illness

Andy21 Has my life turned to crap?
  • replies: 2

Okay guys. I'll give you a lowdown: - I recently left a job (and taken up a freelance position with the same company) and moved overseas to be with my partner. We recently agreed to end it (mutually) and now I'm alone overseas. I have a bummy not-hig... View more

Okay guys. I'll give you a lowdown: - I recently left a job (and taken up a freelance position with the same company) and moved overseas to be with my partner. We recently agreed to end it (mutually) and now I'm alone overseas. I have a bummy not-high paying freelance job that has seen my finances, I've spend more money than I can imagine cause I don't care. I've lost my confidence completely that I barely can conversate with people. On top of that, I found out my ex of several years ago is successful and for some reason it bothers me greatly. Now, yes I know, I can turn it around. But energy-wise, I'm so spend that I honestly can't be bothered. I have become apathetic to another level. I really struggle to find something that interests me or I care about. I just need to know: Has my my life has gone to the crapper? Like, is it as horrible as I am experiencing it, a mere blimp or have I truly hit rock bottom? Thoughts & Opinions are required!

KCMil Residual headaches or am I still anxious
  • replies: 5

Hi everyone. I'm new to the anxiety world. Whilst not clinically diagnosed with health anxiety disorder, my doc and I agree it's an issue for me. Without dragging on about the past, my recent experience is a spike in my blood pressure. I'm already me... View more

Hi everyone. I'm new to the anxiety world. Whilst not clinically diagnosed with health anxiety disorder, my doc and I agree it's an issue for me. Without dragging on about the past, my recent experience is a spike in my blood pressure. I'm already medicated for hypertension, when I discovered the spike in bp6 days ago, I collapsed in on myself. I had many anxiety symptoms. I quickly realised that anxiety was a big issue. And of course this will be exacerbating my high bp. Finally last night and today I'm feeling as though my anxiety has subsided. I no longer feel like I'm "loosing control", my stomach has settled and I'm looking at what I need to do with more clarity. I had a massage this morning to help with my back and shoulder aches. However I still have a headache in the back of my head, occasionally feeling as though it travels to my forehead above my eyes. My question to all of you is, does this make sense that despite feeling so much calmer, is this still a tension headache from the last 6 days of tough going? Or should I put it down to my elevated bp? Or am I possibly still suffering with anxiety in some weird way? I am not that experienced with these particular symptoms. Your experiences and thoughts may help me sort it out. Thanks in advance for your input.

michc04 New to this level of Anxiety
  • replies: 3

Hi, Im brand new to the forums but have been battling with a severe anxiety and panic attacks for the last two weeks or so. I believe this all started with my problems with sleep that was becoming a big point of anxiety for me before I got these full... View more

Hi, Im brand new to the forums but have been battling with a severe anxiety and panic attacks for the last two weeks or so. I believe this all started with my problems with sleep that was becoming a big point of anxiety for me before I got these full blow attacks. I saw my doctor regarding sleep and the anxiety who tried a few natural methods before prescribing medication for sleep which was a terrible choice for me as I reacted very bad to the medication such as uncontrollable crying, heightend panic and anxiety as well as the feeling of being "out of it" I came off the medication after 3 days but still have the heightened panic and anxiety. I am married with a happy life where I enjoy my workplace and hobbies but when I get these waves of panic and anxiety I lose all care and feel trapped and that I won't ever get rid of this feeling. I have found beyond blue online chat to be invaluable and really like what I have read of some of these forums and how supportive everyone is. I feel I have become more accepting of my panic/anxiety over the last week but still struggle day to day. I just want to know that it gets better and that I should keep at it. Medication is a last resort for me.

cakeboss nausea from anxiety
  • replies: 2

Hi there does anyone else suffer with early morning nausea mine comes and goes and is back again.Ive got relaxation cds and breathing exercises to do .I dont know why its back again any tips be great .

Hi there does anyone else suffer with early morning nausea mine comes and goes and is back again.Ive got relaxation cds and breathing exercises to do .I dont know why its back again any tips be great .

Jaymc This might help with health anxiety
  • replies: 3

Hi guys, I've been suffering from health anxiety for around 8 years and just recently it's been at it's worst! I had no idea there were so many of us in the same boat! It's been so bad that I feel like it is totally taking over my life. I've been doi... View more

Hi guys, I've been suffering from health anxiety for around 8 years and just recently it's been at it's worst! I had no idea there were so many of us in the same boat! It's been so bad that I feel like it is totally taking over my life. I've been doing all of the common things associated with health anxiety... googling symptoms etc, up to 20 times per day, constantly seeking reassurance from my partner and family (I'm sure it must be driving them crazy), hearing news stories about people's health problems and freaking out... the list goes on. On the weekend I read a great post that has helped a little bit and I thought I'd share what I learnt on this forum in the hope that it might help other people as well. The guy who posted the helpful tips is also a sufferer of health anxiety... he said: "stop googling, google is not going to help you, it will only make you feel worse"!!!! I can't stress this point enough! I've stopped googling completely since I read the post on the weekend and it has made a difference (resist the temptation).. secondly, he said "stop seeking constant reassurance about your health from your friends and family", i am finding this one a little harder but I've probably cut it in half. He went on to say "avoid triggers like health-related news stories, social media, etc"... I've taken Facebook off my phone (every time I saw something on Facebook about health issues I'd be diagnosing myself with it). The other things he suggested which I've taken on board are: keep busy... I've been distracting myself with work, kids, reading, walking, meditation app on my phone, started taking a yoga class, anything to keep my mind off it. Another thing that doesn't help me personally is reading everyone's stories about what they "think" is wrong with them, it makes me freak out. This is the reason I haven't mentioned on here any of the hundreds of things I've self diagnosed as I believe you are better off not reading it (trigger). It's been 4 days since I put all of these small things into practice and I'm seeing some small improvements. It's probably going to take a long time to work through the anxiety but I'm so committed to getting my life back and the thought of having to go through this for the rest of my life is horrendous. I hope these tips can help some of you too and I'd love to hear some success stories from people who have overcome this awful experience! xx