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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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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

Rorooo Panic attacks affecting sleep
  • replies: 5

Hi guys, I'll start by introducing myself. I'm 32 years old and have had some mild anxiety issues in the past, and one severe period in my early 20s where I was put on anti depressants when suffering severe panic attacks after a car accident which wa... View more

Hi guys, I'll start by introducing myself. I'm 32 years old and have had some mild anxiety issues in the past, and one severe period in my early 20s where I was put on anti depressants when suffering severe panic attacks after a car accident which was the last event in a period of me doing things I wasn't particularly happy about. Over the last few years I've been really happy and haven't had any issues with anxiety or depression at all. Late last year was interesting for me. I've been working in a corporate environment for a long time and in December I had a bit of a "mind awakening" where I realised I wanted to do something more with my life and was sick of being in the corporate grind, so I made a decision to resign from my job of 6 years and take some time off doing uber driving and looking for something part time that was semi in line with my passions. I ended up having a really good summer spending it with friends and being at the beach a lot but I quickly realised I had blown through too much money and was getting into debt quickly, a financial pattern that hasn't seemed to get better much in my life. Towards the end I realised I was almost behind on rent so I had to ask some people for money to help and did it behind my partners back to spare him the stress of it all. I took on too much and I think I'm feeling it all now. After the initial period of worry about money, I started to feel better when I had borrowed money and paid off all of the debts that were hounding at me, so now there is nothing immediate requiring payment just the usual things. I've just managed to secure 3 more months at the temp job I'm at which made me feel momentarily better but now I seem to be stuck in a pattern of waking up every night at about 2am experiencing quite severe panic attacks and not being able to go back to sleep at all. I'm feeling quite tired and needing to have a nap during the days and just trying to get this sleep and panic / anxiety situation under control. I guess I just wanted to share my story for now but there's obviously a lot more to explain which I think I'll do soon, by making a psychologist appointment. Does anyone have any advice or has anyone experienced anything similar? Feel free to ask any questions if it may help. I'm just feeling better getting it out and feel like I'm on the mend just very slowly. Thanks

minny89 Crippling Anxiety
  • replies: 3

I'm just curious to find out how do you go about getting help when you have crippling anxiety and almost everytime you leave the house you have major panic attacks. You know they are panic attacks. You feel like you might actually be dying. You consi... View more

I'm just curious to find out how do you go about getting help when you have crippling anxiety and almost everytime you leave the house you have major panic attacks. You know they are panic attacks. You feel like you might actually be dying. You consider sending yourself to the hospital but know you will undoubtedly be sent home again. So how do I go about getting help when I can't leave the house to go to the doctors to start the process?

sandycee Heart Palpitations
  • replies: 10

Hey all! I have been struggling with health anxiety for a very long time (years now, off and on but fairly consistent over the last 9 months or so), it has recently gotten worse. It has evolved continuously for just under a year now and has debilitat... View more

Hey all! I have been struggling with health anxiety for a very long time (years now, off and on but fairly consistent over the last 9 months or so), it has recently gotten worse. It has evolved continuously for just under a year now and has debilitated me on many occasions. Over the last few months, I have on and off on 3 occasions experienced heart palpitations whereby my heart feels like it flutters/ skips for a beat and it frightens me a lot. The thing is these palpitations have happened during times of high stress but also for example the most recent time which Im still going through right now, the first one was just out of the blue when I wasn't stressed or anxious or drinking caffeine which makes me panic even more thinking somethings wrong with my heart. I am 19 years old, have a vegan diet and last got my heart properly checked when I was 14 to which I was told I had a perfectly healthy heart. Since then Ive been to two doctors and mentioned it. One saw my results from my test when I was 14 and said he wasn't worried about my heart because my risk factors are little to none and because I dont experience pains when exercising (which could indicate a blockage) and said if I started feeling pains when exercising to come in for an ECG but other than that its my anxiety playing tricks on me. My other doctor said I should get my heart checked due to my poor sleep (which is anxiety related) which I think was the initial trigger for thinking I have heart problems. I later brought this up with her in another appt. to which she replied she is not worried about my heart and merely said it incase of a condition such as sleep apnea (which i have been tested for years ago and dont have) which could be linked to heart disease. I just want to know if anyone else experiences random flutters and a randomly skipping heart even when they're not actively stressed or anxious. It has happened a lot more this time round than the last two occasions and has been on and off for a few days now, I think because I have been predicting it and waiting for the palpitations I also kind of put it on myself. The last two times it happened they lasted for a few days or maybe a week and then just stopped again. Just got one right now whilst talking about it but trying not to let it get to me! Feels like someones gone BOO! and startled me for a quick second. Any advice would be helpful, thank you!!!

Disneygirl Newly diagnosed with anxiety
  • replies: 3

Hi all, A bit of background about me. I’m a 25yo female who’s had a difficult relationship with my dad (non existent relationship). I’ve been experiencing anxiety for a number of years, probably since I was a child. I’ve recently seen a councillor an... View more

Hi all, A bit of background about me. I’m a 25yo female who’s had a difficult relationship with my dad (non existent relationship). I’ve been experiencing anxiety for a number of years, probably since I was a child. I’ve recently seen a councillor and been put on meds to treat anxiety. Last week I was at a crisis point in my life where I didn’t get proper sleep for a week and ended up in ER. I felt very debilitated by my anxiety and lack of sleep. Barely being able to function. I’ve since taken time off work to focus on my mental state. I do feel like things have been put into perspective for me and my anxiety is a lot more manageable. It’s now been a week on meds for me. Just looking for support and advice from others in sharing what helps them with managing their anxiety. I’m really glad I’ve found a safe place to share my experience and hope to help others in the future. It’s amazing how such a dramatic experience opens your eyes to how important your mental health is. I would also like to hear your positive experiences of starting antidepressants. Thanks!

Guest_4513 Getting a Job with Social Anxiety
  • replies: 2

I'm 20 with mild social anxiety and I’ve never had a job before. At the moment I'm not working, I'm not studying, I don't have friends, therefore I don't leave my house ever. I sold my car because I actually didn't have anywhere to go and now I don't... View more

I'm 20 with mild social anxiety and I’ve never had a job before. At the moment I'm not working, I'm not studying, I don't have friends, therefore I don't leave my house ever. I sold my car because I actually didn't have anywhere to go and now I don't have the confidence to drive. Conclusion: I need a job My biggest problem seems to be avoidance. I've seen a psychiatrist and a psychologist who've both suggested I get a job but here's the thing: I'm scared. I’m really, really, really scared. I’m scared of where do I even start? How do I even apply? I’m scared of what do I say if I get a call back? I’m scared of getting an interview. How will I be judged? Why would anybody want me? I feel like anyone who decides to hire me would be making a mistake. I can only bring a company down with my lack of skill. I’m slow, I’m not hard working. I’m scared of working and seeing people I know from school. I’m scared that the people that I’ll be working with won’t like me and will probably trash talk behind my back. I'm scared that because I'm so shy, I literally can't make conversation with people. I’m scared of having dissatisfied, angry customers yelling at me. I will definitely cry.

Kempus Confused about my feelings
  • replies: 8

Hi there - trigger warning I have had severe anxiety 2 years ago following a miscarriage. At that point in time one of my beat friends told us a month after we had lost our baby that they were expecting and were due the same time we would have been. ... View more

Hi there - trigger warning I have had severe anxiety 2 years ago following a miscarriage. At that point in time one of my beat friends told us a month after we had lost our baby that they were expecting and were due the same time we would have been. It was a tough time, work was stressful and I struggled to sleep and was constantly panicking/on edge. flash forward to now and we have a 4 month old daughter, and I have completed many hours of therapy and have felt really good for at least a year. Anyway, today that same friend told us she is expecting her 2nd child and I felt the same wave of anxiety that I felt last time crash over me now. The thing is that last time it was hard because I was so angry that it was so easy for them and awful for us, but now I have my family and my life is really lovely at the moment (new parent sleep deprivation aside) anyway, I think this just reminded me about how terrible that year of my life was, and now I have the same physical anxiety symptoms and wanted to type/talk it out as I thought that might help. Anyone have any advice? i hope this is the right forum as well.

AnushaD Mum& wife Dealing with Anxiety
  • replies: 2

Hi guys!!! I'm 34 years old, I have a husband and a 8 month old baby. I have had anxiety issues in the past but I feel like now it's really taking over my life. Couple months ago we had to call the ambulance because I thought I was going to die but t... View more

Hi guys!!! I'm 34 years old, I have a husband and a 8 month old baby. I have had anxiety issues in the past but I feel like now it's really taking over my life. Couple months ago we had to call the ambulance because I thought I was going to die but turns out it was a panic attack. I feel like I'm going to die if I fall asleep and constantly I feel my chest very tight and I can't breathe. Please do share with me if you have any advice. Thank you, Anusha

Muddlee Strange or weird feelings/sensations and panic attacks
  • replies: 6

Hi everyone, Has anyone ever experienced these really strange sensations, thoughts or feelings? I'll give an example. Past few months have been quite good for me as my anxiety is in proportion and actively managed. But the last couple of days have be... View more

Hi everyone, Has anyone ever experienced these really strange sensations, thoughts or feelings? I'll give an example. Past few months have been quite good for me as my anxiety is in proportion and actively managed. But the last couple of days have been really strange. I had this tight bladder sensation which makes me want to go to the toilet every hour or so. I've experienced this before and know the symptoms - eg. excessive worrying, tightness in my pelvis, particularly my bladder, general discomfort and mental cloudiness etc). But after this I began to have some very strange thoughts. My anxiety went bananas and conjured up thoughts like the walls were disappearing, people had no necks, I was going to hurt someone and many more. I know I have problems with intrusive thoughts and my brain went right into fight/flight panic mode - i.e what do these thoughts mean, am I going crazy/have schizophrenia, are these thoughts true, will I have more or will they get worse etc. And after that it felt like a wave of confusion, anxiety and a general strange/weird sensation hit me. I felt dizzy, nauseous, very withdrawn and lightheaded. Capped the night off with a panic attack just before bed, but was easily able to manage it with some controlled and calm breathing, gentle thoughts and mindfulness. There's my story and here's my question - has anyone else experienced these really strange or weird sensations and thoughts? If so, describe them vividly please, and if so, what did you do to cope? Thought challenging, acceptance and controlled breathing can only take me so far. Many thanks in advance, Muddleee

DeserveBetter Disclosure Stigma & Workplace
  • replies: 9

Hi everyone. I'm new on here. I have a long term anxiety condition which I take medication and have counselling for. I have been off work a few times over the years because of it. I'm now thinking about trying some possible volunteering (even though ... View more

Hi everyone. I'm new on here. I have a long term anxiety condition which I take medication and have counselling for. I have been off work a few times over the years because of it. I'm now thinking about trying some possible volunteering (even though I'm quite anxious about it) to try to get some confidence. My question is how do I explain the gap in my CV for the period I've been off work (over 4 years now) or should I disclose my condition? I know I am under no obligation to do so but I'm unsure how to go about explaining what I've been doing since my last job unless I make something up and hope for the best. A family member suggested I talk to my psychologist about whether or not to disclose and ever since they said that I've been feeling confused and worried about what I should do. Anyone been in this situation with some positive feedback that won't freak me out would be very appreciative?