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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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Tragic_Swan Neighbour is causing my anxiety to flare up again.
  • replies: 1

First a bit of background on me. I'm 34 and having being living with Anxiety and depression for all of my adult life (first diagnosed with depression and GAD at 16). 5 years ago things got so bad that I lost my job as a social worker. I was self harm... View more

First a bit of background on me. I'm 34 and having being living with Anxiety and depression for all of my adult life (first diagnosed with depression and GAD at 16). 5 years ago things got so bad that I lost my job as a social worker. I was self harming and abusing alcohol and prescription meds. My life was a mess really. With the help and support of my incredible family and amazing friends I started seeing a psyc, moved into my parents investment property and got a furry companion (Foxie X Jack Russell, my cuddly ball of happiness). I have spent a lot of time over the 5 years getting myself mentally and emotionally ready to reenter the workforce, even returning to university to retrain for a career change in office administration and accounting. I have quite happily and confidently been managing 2 days a week of volunteer work, and was even thinking about adding some extra days. but now I am fearful that all this good work will come crashing down all because of one neighbour who seems intent on making my life miserable. For the second time in 2 and a half year he has lodged a complaint with council that my dog is barking at all hours of the night, and while I am reasonably sure nothing will come of it (the last complaint fell through and if anything my dog barks less then she did then) the constant worry is starting to affect my day to day. Most nights I have very poor quality sleep as I'm constantly trying to listen for her barking (I should point out I am a little deaf and her barking has to be pretty loud at night to bother me). Quite often I am convicted I am hearing barking and wake up only to find my dog asleep in her bean bag. I have done everything I can think off, letting her sleep inside at night, bringing her food bowls in, putting up a curtain on the window facing his property and have even brought a device that I can put outside that is meant to deter barking. My neighbour has not come to speak to me about her barking since before the first complaint but I often hear him yelling abuse over the fence. I'm am very worried about what he will do if his complaint again falls flat i feel like I am constantly on the verge of a full fledge anxiety attack and am at a loss of what I can do. I live alone now days and I don't feel like speaking to him is something I could safely do. I've already had to miss a couple of volunteer days because I've just felt too tired and anxious to leave the house. I don't want all the good work I've done to just go away.

Struggle_town lost and dazed
  • replies: 4

Hi never posted on here before but at a loss and at my wits end. Of late my anxiety has hit worse than ever before. Effecting my work, relationship and pretty much everything in my life. Struggling to complete a day I feel so nauseated and suffocatin... View more

Hi never posted on here before but at a loss and at my wits end. Of late my anxiety has hit worse than ever before. Effecting my work, relationship and pretty much everything in my life. Struggling to complete a day I feel so nauseated and suffocating with my thoughts. My mind won't stop, I can't thoughts that have no truth or backing. I have recently started a relationship with a lady I totally adore but my anxiety is pushing her away. I just don't know what else to do. I'm drowning. Can anyone here help

Mel... Relapsed..again.
  • replies: 5

Hi BB community, I haven't posted for 3 years, almost exactly to the day. I logged in to look at my previous posts to see if I could gain any guidance from them. It seems my current situation is almost exactly as it was 3 years ago - anxious, panic a... View more

Hi BB community, I haven't posted for 3 years, almost exactly to the day. I logged in to look at my previous posts to see if I could gain any guidance from them. It seems my current situation is almost exactly as it was 3 years ago - anxious, panic attacks, tired, scared, depressed. I thought reading back on my posts from 3 years ago would be provide me with some assurance that everything is going to be okay, but for some reason they just made me feel sadder than I am having to face this all again. I recently finished university and am struggling to find a job, I have been 6 months without work now. I feel like sitting at home all day alone is bad for my mental health but I struggle to leave the house unless it is walking my dog, or visiting friends. I was suppose to work for a friend this morning but ended up having a panic attack and couldn't go. Instead I spent today making appointments - doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist. Man, it's so hard being back here again, knowing what the next month holds. Any words of wisdom or success stories would be greatly appreciated especially in regards to relapsing, changing anti-depressants etc. Thanks team.

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