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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Chris_B Forums etiquette: give support to receive support
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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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Elephant86 The true magical power of the healing heart
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There are many different ways you can come back to healing and coming back to peace. The journey that each of us have to walk is different and unique and no one pathway in life is the same so we all need different guidance and support on our journey.... View more

There are many different ways you can come back to healing and coming back to peace. The journey that each of us have to walk is different and unique and no one pathway in life is the same so we all need different guidance and support on our journey. It is like your going on a journey like harry potter or even cinderalla. Cinderalla didn't become cinderalla with out challengers. The adversity you face can be difficult but it is how you rise through it that defines your inner strength a and fortitude. There will be times on your journey you will want to turn around and walk in the other derection and give up but the hero didn't become the hero with out looking inside themselves and finding the magical powers to stand up to there demons. saying to yourself I more powerful then merlin and I beleive that I will not let this mountain in the front of me defeat me I choose to realise my true power by not letting my disability define who I am and who I will become. You must look into your magical heart and realise you have power with in you and every one has this magical power with in. Your self belief in your magical powers that you have more power then you realise. You have to realise your true purpose in life. What am I truly meant to acheive and I mustn't give up? There are many things you can do to heal for example there might be a sport you would like to play to help you. You might love cooking for the family it is important you do what you find helps you to heal with the guidance of your family. In the land of magic there are dragons but no these dragons are great healers and protectors of the realm. If you beleive magic exists in your heart it does. Many times I was scared that my illness was going to defeat me but many times but I beleived my dragon was protecting me. You must beleive in the good whit magic within and remember you are nver alone.

Water_baby Dealing with ongoing anxiety due to childhood issues and domestic violence issues with ex partner
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I was diagnosed with anxiety 6 years ago (as well as PTSD). This was partially due to having a mother that was in and out of my life from the time I was 3 weeks old (brought up by my grandparents), did not know who my father was (found out in 2018) a... View more

I was diagnosed with anxiety 6 years ago (as well as PTSD). This was partially due to having a mother that was in and out of my life from the time I was 3 weeks old (brought up by my grandparents), did not know who my father was (found out in 2018) and an abusive ex partner. My grandmother was a very controlling person who dominated my life, she used me as a method of trying to control my mother (who was 21 and a single mother when I was born), this was the main cause of my anxiety. My ex partner was a lovely person until he smoked weed and drank at the same time, this would lead to him getting very violent, the first time was just after we had bought our house. The problem is now at the slightest hint of any stressors I spiral into anxiety very quickly, I have been given strategies by psychologists to deal with this, however it seems like my brain just short circuits. This is now causing major issues with my husband who is on the receiving end of this behavour. He has a really hard time understanding (although he does know my situation). I don't want to lose this relationship but I am worried that if I cannot get this under control I will. I also have a big problem showing any type of affection, I feel like I've tried to deal with these issues but being a bit of a people pleaser when talking to psychologists, have just not dealt with things as I should have. Not sure what I'm looking to get out of this, just want to get off the treadmill I seem to be on

bigaloo Anxiety + Comparing oneself
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Hi all, I just wanted another person's opinion on how exactly do I overcome my issue of comparing myself with others? I know the harm of it, and I can very much feel the pain that it gives me but I just can't stop. For instance, I either feel like I'... View more

Hi all, I just wanted another person's opinion on how exactly do I overcome my issue of comparing myself with others? I know the harm of it, and I can very much feel the pain that it gives me but I just can't stop. For instance, I either feel like I'm never doing enough / never achieving enough / my life isn't where I expect it to be etc. It's really messing with my head and has led to quite bad anxiety and I'm not too sure what to do. Open to any input and advice.

Sisyphus666 Pushing that same boulder
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I’m first time writing on here. I am unsure if I’m in the right place. you see I’ve been pushing that same boulder up the hill, I’m Sisyphus,I did the right thing I helped someone and all it did was allow me to have everything taken from me. I’m not ... View more

I’m first time writing on here. I am unsure if I’m in the right place. you see I’ve been pushing that same boulder up the hill, I’m Sisyphus,I did the right thing I helped someone and all it did was allow me to have everything taken from me. I’m not feeling sorry for myself, I’ve been given a task. I’ve been doing that task and it’s been horrible but familiar. Now I don’t have to do that task anymore and I’m trying to work out what I’m here for and why it’s still hurting so badly if I’m not doing it anymore?I’ve read all the books i know all the answers, I mean anyone on here willing to talk does. (Let me give anyone advice and a diagnosis).That’s not what I’m after. I want to know how do you do it? Where do you start?what exactly is the answer?I’ve checked the back of all of those books, it’s not in there. Now that I can move in any direction I can’t move. I’m not having trouble taking steps I’m having trouble making any sense of my steps, they don’t have meaning. I don’t have direction. I used to be strong and powerful with direction, now who am I?who is Sisyphus without a hill?

blues23 Is it ever helpful to run away
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As above is it ? im having struggles same issues as b4 sometimes I want to run away just run never come back , Is it possible to restart your life elsewhere be a nomad while I realise this is impossible I have a young child I want to pick up roots an... View more

As above is it ? im having struggles same issues as b4 sometimes I want to run away just run never come back , Is it possible to restart your life elsewhere be a nomad while I realise this is impossible I have a young child I want to pick up roots and run it’s been calling to me that feeling of restarting my life but also feel stuck and afraid to do so but it still calls to me the solution is to leave and restart elsewhere, but is it really the answer or will it create more problems? If I run away

Sue_ Opinions about "This Way Up" Online Anxiety Treatment?
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I tried to search for "this way up" in search box, but it didn't pay attention to the quotes and returned too many irrelevant matches. But what I am wondering is if anyone has worked with the anxiety programs on that site, and what your experience wa... View more

I tried to search for "this way up" in search box, but it didn't pay attention to the quotes and returned too many irrelevant matches. But what I am wondering is if anyone has worked with the anxiety programs on that site, and what your experience was like? Or if you want to share a different (moodgym, mindspot, etc) site that you used and liked that would be helpful too!

redaire59 Severe anxiety
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Hi new here suffered anxiety constantly8 yrs I'm in the fear of fear cycle I can't help think this will harm me need someone to talk to

Hi new here suffered anxiety constantly8 yrs I'm in the fear of fear cycle I can't help think this will harm me need someone to talk to

Ashii Social anxiety, day to day life, and issues with food
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I’ve had long term issues with social anxiety. I think it stems from a lack of control, particularly from childhood trauma. I have symptoms of PTSD and have emotional flashbacks occasionally. My anxiety issues have improved over the last 7 years, mai... View more

I’ve had long term issues with social anxiety. I think it stems from a lack of control, particularly from childhood trauma. I have symptoms of PTSD and have emotional flashbacks occasionally. My anxiety issues have improved over the last 7 years, mainly due to my work. The last two years that I spent living with family made me think it was completely gone, but it turns out that because I was mostly living with people who I have long and established relationships with, I don’t experience anxiety with them. I’ve always felt dread when I’ve had to interact with people I don’t have a comfortable or long relationship with and I thought this was normal. But I’ve had to move away from family this year for my mental health and I’ve noticed how bad my anxiety actually is. I can’t leave my room if my housemate is home. I can’t do it even if I need the bathroom or to make food, especially if their door is open or they’re in the common areas. I would rather starve and experience discomfort than leave the room and interact with them. It has nothing to do with them personally, but I just can’t. At this point, I wonder if it’s creating some kind of temporary eating issues. I can’t eat or even cook in front of them or even if they’re in the house. The one time I did cook was when they walked in from work. It made me so distressed I gave up. Sometimes I’ll feel panicked when I hear them coming into the house and rush to hide items of food. I know rationally I shouldn’t, but I don’t feel safe and I feel like I’m doing something wrong. I’m currently seeing a psychologist, so I’m getting help. But I’d love to know if anyone has any advice around managing this or if I need to pay attention to my issues with food.

Elephant86 The internal and healing power of the mind to help us overcome our situation
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The mind is a powerful thing when you say you want to do something it will tell you to do something else. The question iswhat can I do to control the mind and my thoughts? how do I get control of my thoughts so it doesn't over whelm me? It is a matte... View more

The mind is a powerful thing when you say you want to do something it will tell you to do something else. The question iswhat can I do to control the mind and my thoughts? how do I get control of my thoughts so it doesn't over whelm me? It is a matter of teaching yourself to be disciplined and step by step doing things that help you heal and bring back control. Beleive me I know how hard it is to get control of life and to keep your mind under control. There are many things you can do to help yourself it is just finding out what works and helps you recover from your situation. Ill use me as an example since being diagnosed with bipolar at 15 my life changed but I had to adapt I have to be willing to accept change and work with it. Life will sometimes give you lemons you just create lemonade. The way i use to control my thoughts is through having a practice of meditation everyday you can start with just 10-15 minutes a day. With the bipolar it was always hard to keep control of thoughts so I coose to practise my meditation and focus on what I can change not what I can't. A great example I am epileptic and the doctor said I can't drive but you know what I told myself despite my set back I decided to have a positive thought and a forward thinking percpective. I knew in my heart this happened to me for a reason so I could experience this so I can help others through there difficulties because I have walked in there shoes and struggled but I always had a positive spin on life. I tell myself you need to keep walking because you havn't reached the top of the mountain. I could have chossen to be ill all my life but I made a defining powerful decision to just focus on what I can control not what I can't. Live in the moment and by gratful for the sunshine and every meal you eat because not everyone has what you have. There are people in third world countries who would love to have your plate of food so be gratful for what you posses and never take it for granted. There are times where you will feel powerless but you must realise the inner strength of the mind and the power of love in your heart and the power of powerful self talk will help you through the dark night. I think giving to others and thinking how do I help someone else and looking outside yourself is important. Looking around and see who needs you help. I think find you skill harness it to help and support your community. I beleive disability is a word you can choose to let it define you or you can define it by standing up to your adversity and facing your challengers a step at a time. Have a wonderful day

CMF If you could describe your anxiety in one word, what would it be?
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There is a thread under Depression just like this so I thought why not start an anxiety one? My word is: Attacking

There is a thread under Depression just like this so I thought why not start an anxiety one? My word is: Attacking