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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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twelve12 Misophonia treatment?
  • replies: 2

Hello, I've seen a few posts in the search about misophonia and just wanted to introduce myself as another sufferer. I've had it since probably age 11 ish. I'm now 32 and am really keen to get some help with it. I search google for treatment options ... View more

Hello, I've seen a few posts in the search about misophonia and just wanted to introduce myself as another sufferer. I've had it since probably age 11 ish. I'm now 32 and am really keen to get some help with it. I search google for treatment options but since I have not had much success getting help for depression through psychiatrists and psychologists I don't hold much hope that a great treatment program exists for this fairly newly discovered disorder. Has anyone sought treatment? If so, what did you have to do and can you recommend a Dr or program? A main concern I have is that they'll offer exposure therapy and I really disagree that will help, otherwise I probably would have gotten over it by now! This coming from someone who has had social anxiety and saw great results with exposure therapy. But misophonia is different, I almost feel like I need a medication that will reduce stimulation in some part of my brain. Thanks for reading!

EllsieElizabeth Work anxiety taking over my life
  • replies: 4

Questions: Is it me/my anxiety or is it my boss/workplace? Will quitting and finding a new job relieve my anxiety? Or will I find the same anxiety issues/be unhappy where ever I go? Details: I am in my mid 20s and I have had anxiety for as long as I ... View more

Questions: Is it me/my anxiety or is it my boss/workplace? Will quitting and finding a new job relieve my anxiety? Or will I find the same anxiety issues/be unhappy where ever I go? Details: I am in my mid 20s and I have had anxiety for as long as I can remember. My anxiety goes up and down; really bad for months, then really good for months/years. For the last few years I have been pretty good, hardly any anxiety attacks, that was until recently when I was blindsided in my 3 month probation review at my new job. I thought I was doing an excellent job and meeting expectations, the review was not good, basically saying my professionalism and attendance were the only things I was meeting expections on, none of my other tasks I have completed successfully were mentioned. She has extended my probation for another 3 months and review from there. Now I feel I can’t trust my boss, I feel like because I wasn’t her pick (HR and her boss picked me) I will never be good enough, she is terrible at communicating (example: every Friday at around 4pm I get an urgent request to sort something which takes hours to sort, I am meant to finish at 4pm) she also never gives feedback even when I ask for it. From that day of the review I have anxiety attacks every morning, and have anxiety 100% of my days. I can hardly eat, I am not sleeping very well; go to sleep at midnight, up at 2am, go back to sleep at 4am, alarm for work at 6am. I can never stop thinking about work/meeting expectations, can’t stop thinking about all the things I’ve stuffed up, can’t focus properly, and it is effecting my long term relationship with my boyfriend. Basically, I feel overwhelmed 100% of the time. Work have set out too many daily tasks to fit into my schedule, and I have raised this with my boss and HR asking for assistance and I receive no support. My boss also never has time to catch up or have a meeting with me and she is always out of the office. I also do huge hours, overtime not paid (salary) and I feel like I am being set up to fail. To add to my work stresses my dad is about to die from cancer, last few weeks of his life. I haven’t had the mental strength to see him for a few months now, he has brain cancer and is hugely different to the father I use to know...he’s pretty confused, has no hair or beard, plus in a wheel chair. I want to quit work now, but I can’t due to depts. So I have to suck it up, but I am really struggling and need guidence.

Kathy85 Pregnant and anxiety increasing which is cresting havoc on my life
  • replies: 2

Hi all. I am nearly 6 months pregnant and am getting terrible anxiety and now some depressive symptoms. I had anxiety before pregnancy but was able to treat it with exercise and just trying to stay positive. I have had bad bouts in the past and it ha... View more

Hi all. I am nearly 6 months pregnant and am getting terrible anxiety and now some depressive symptoms. I had anxiety before pregnancy but was able to treat it with exercise and just trying to stay positive. I have had bad bouts in the past and it has caused me to pull out my hair and just lose it at friends or family. My anxiety is getting so much worse. I am telling my partner off for all sorts and am feeling flat some days. I fidget and have started picking at my split ends and pulling at my hair. I know this all sounds so silly. I feel like I am self sabotaging myself and my husband has taken off his wedding ring and says he does not know how long he can handle this for. The fear of losing him and being a single mother is making me even more anxious. I am going to talk to my GP about this and try and get some help. I have tried to get support off my husband but he says I am crying crocodile tears. The worst thing that is happening is I am craving cigarettes and things that can help my stress such as sleeping tablets. But I love my baby and don't want to hurt him or her. So I grapple with all this each time my anxiety takes hold of me. I just wanted to share this and thought sharing this with you all may help.

HarlowWynter Health anxiety help!
  • replies: 8

Hi everyone, I have been dealing with health anxiety for the last 4 months, i have tried meditation, yoga and therapy however i just feel like in the last couple of days i am back to square one. When the anxiety started i would bet racing heart etc a... View more

Hi everyone, I have been dealing with health anxiety for the last 4 months, i have tried meditation, yoga and therapy however i just feel like in the last couple of days i am back to square one. When the anxiety started i would bet racing heart etc and was so worried i would have a heart attack then it changed to stroke like symtoms, head aches and thinking i was either about to have an annuerysm or a brain tumor. Now the last couple of days i have been getting head zaps especially when i am in the shops with bright lights, i start panicking and thinking I'm about to have a seizure. Does anyone else experience brain zaps is it a normal part of anxiety? They last for one to two seconds. I am just terrified.

Danni554 My anxiety is winning
  • replies: 7

Hi I'm 24 and I've suffered from anxiety problems most of my life but I'm feeling very defeated right now. I just started my first full time job at a really great place after graduating and I feel very lonely and stressed. Every morning I wake up I i... View more

Hi I'm 24 and I've suffered from anxiety problems most of my life but I'm feeling very defeated right now. I just started my first full time job at a really great place after graduating and I feel very lonely and stressed. Every morning I wake up I instantly feel anxious and like vomiting and that I'm unwelcome at work. Every day I sit at my desk and thoughts of I'm a failure and that everyone wants me gone run through my head. I'm constantly told what a great opportunity I've been given and not to mess it up but I'm pretty sure I have. I'm the youngest at work and am struggling to make friends with most of them, its a small team of people and I do think they are all lovely but it feels like most of them aren't interested in talking to me unless they need to. I go out of my way to say good morning which most don't do back and I'm feeling left out and isolated, when I go to join in conversations most of them will stop talking and turn away. Sometimes they will stand as far away from me as possible so I don't even get the opportunity to say hi and start a conversation. Two weeks ago I had to leave work early because I was having an anxiety attack and started crying from being overwhelmed with stress and loneliness and feeling like I'm failing at my job, as soon as I got home I regretted leaving because I felt defeated that I couldn't fight through it that morning. I still try every day to make a dent socially but sometimes it feels like I go miles for the smallest response. I'm always wondering if it's because I'm bad at my job and no one is telling me or if they just want someone else more outgoing there. A few days ago I found an article about being the newbie in my field and it said it'll be really lonely for a long time while working through the grunt stuff and learning the ropes, which I am struggling to accept because this anxiety is starting to affect my life outside of work. I'm struggling with doing things I love and my relationship is starting to take a toll because I'm so run down from fighting internally with myself at work. If anyone has any advice I'd love to hear and would greatly appreciate it, I've worked hard to start a career for years and don't want to lose this. I'm determined to fight but it's getting harder each day.

Lone Parenting with social anxiety
  • replies: 5

Hi, i am a mum of a 6 year old with social anxiety. I am having trouble dealing with social aspects of parenting, play dates and parties and socialising with other parents. It is so bad that I often cancel engagements or withdraw as I have to talk to... View more

Hi, i am a mum of a 6 year old with social anxiety. I am having trouble dealing with social aspects of parenting, play dates and parties and socialising with other parents. It is so bad that I often cancel engagements or withdraw as I have to talk to other parents. I am so sad that I am making my daughter suffer because of me. I don't know what to do. Should I tell the other parents of my daughters friends. I am sure they think I am weird or strange anyway.

emmielou00 Bad chest pain only at night
  • replies: 2

Hi, I have Generalised Anxiety disorder and usually it's okay, but every now and then I wake up in the middle of the night with a sharp pain in my chest and i am unable to go back to sleep due to the discomfort. I am also a massive hypochondriac so I... View more

Hi, I have Generalised Anxiety disorder and usually it's okay, but every now and then I wake up in the middle of the night with a sharp pain in my chest and i am unable to go back to sleep due to the discomfort. I am also a massive hypochondriac so I have already looked up all the possible reasons for the pain but have been told by my doctor and my mum that it is just my anxiety. The pain is sharp but not sharp enough to be extremely painful, but it stops me from being able to get comfortable while lying down or falling back asleep. I was just wondering if there is anyone else who also experiences this and how they manage it. I usually just have to stay awake until it passes but I am in year 12 right now and need to sleep so i can study for my exams. Any help is useful.

Romy Anxious about being anxious
  • replies: 6

I have generalised anxiety disorder. I am in the very early stages of dating a guy and I can't stop the anxiety. He is so great, he has said he really likes me and I like him. He knows about my anxiety and I have told him that it might take me some t... View more

I have generalised anxiety disorder. I am in the very early stages of dating a guy and I can't stop the anxiety. He is so great, he has said he really likes me and I like him. He knows about my anxiety and I have told him that it might take me some time to be 100% comfortable. I don't even know what I am anxious about. I have never been in a relationship so it's all very new and exciting. Most of the problem I am dealing with at the moment is due to the fact that I'm anxious about being anxious. Leading up to dates I worry, "What if I'm anxious? What if I have a panic attack? What if I vomit in front of him? What if I ruin the date and then I feel even worse?" My biggest fear is never being comfortable, and feeling this anxiety forever. I want to see him, I like him so much, I just can't shift this anxiety. I should probably also add that I've only been seeing him for a couple of weeks. I am on medication which most of the time works well. I am completely anxiety free until I start dating someone.

Bridgetjane1980 How to overcome this and get my life back
  • replies: 3

Hi I was diagnosed with anxiety and panic disorder. I have been having daily panic attacks since January. I started medication 4 weeks ago and no improvement. The physical symptoms I go through multiple times a day are terrifying, I live in a constan... View more

Hi I was diagnosed with anxiety and panic disorder. I have been having daily panic attacks since January. I started medication 4 weeks ago and no improvement. The physical symptoms I go through multiple times a day are terrifying, I live in a constant state of panic having dizziness to the point I feel like passing out, heart palpitations, nausea so bad I cannot eat, tingling in hands and feet, chest pain and a few other symptoms. I have ended up at the emergency department a few times thinking I'm dying and have had a few ecg's and blood tests and all have been fine. I can't seem to accept that this is all just anxiety. I go through this from the moment I wake up until I go to sleep, it's no way to live it's affecting my life I can't even function properly and don't want to leave my house. I have 3 kids to care for and I feel I'm letting them down because I can't seem to get better. Can anyone else relate? I just want my life back. I'm fast loosing hope things will ever get better.

Anxietyandme Work and life - shrouded by anxiety
  • replies: 3

Hello everyone. This is my first time posting - feeling particularly emotional, tired and raw at the moment, so thought it a good time to post. Some background about me - I'm 28, and have suffered from depression and anxiety for the majority of my li... View more

Hello everyone. This is my first time posting - feeling particularly emotional, tired and raw at the moment, so thought it a good time to post. Some background about me - I'm 28, and have suffered from depression and anxiety for the majority of my life. I experienced some childhood trauma which left me depressed in my adolescence and early twenties. Anxiety was intermittent during these times, and came in full blown after 24 I'd say. I would describe myself as being a high functioning anxious person, and I managed it fairly well up until I was 26. I began full-time work after graduating at 25, and fairly quickly was promoted and secured several new roles at the same company. I moved into one role that I really liked, however my Manager at the time did not fully understand the nature of my anxiety, or had any empathy or consideration for that matter, which became evident after a few instances at work. This role was temporary, and when I interviewed to be in the role permanently, despite being in the role for over a year, having my contract extended twice, and having great feedback, I did not get the role. Through the 'grapevine' afterwards (totally in breach of Staff code of conduct) I found out it was due to me taking too much leave (mind you, it was within the amount I was entitled to as a full-time staff member). I was devastated. I left the company shortly after. Fast forward now, having moved into a new role where I am in a management position, and I feel like an anxious wreck. There is so much stigma around taking a 'mental health day' for me, in my head. My new role is highly stressful, and I am overwhelmed. I am already burnt out, and just feel as though I am hopeless. I desperately worry I am about to 'lose it' everyday. I feel dread about going to work, and I don't think I am capable in the role. I have received no feedback to the contrary, however, anxious minds breed deceit, don't they? I constantly worry about what my staff think of me, and if they think I am useful. I just feel I have been absolutely ruined by my last experience at my old company. It plays in my mind constantly, and I feel so much pressure to perform at my new role. Add to this - my new role is not permanent, and I was given a week of training and then left to my own devices essentially. I panic every day about going to work. If anything, I needed to just vent all this. However, if any of you have have experienced anything similar, or are struggling at work. Please post.

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