Immediate support
Immediate support

Anxiety

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. Share your own story and learn about other member’s experiences with anxiety.

Start a discussion

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Jump to
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

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.

All discussions

Start a discussion

cakesnpies BECAUSE! I can't always control it...
  • replies: 6

Hi Guys, Please forgive me if this post is not in the right spot. I'm furious, desperate, depressed, isolated, etc. to the point where I hate myself... This all gravitates around my ADHD, I loathe it. It's the 2nd time I've lost a job, all because I ... View more

Hi Guys, Please forgive me if this post is not in the right spot. I'm furious, desperate, depressed, isolated, etc. to the point where I hate myself... This all gravitates around my ADHD, I loathe it. It's the 2nd time I've lost a job, all because I don't say the right thing or interpret what people say. I feel like the victim of prejudice, corporate intolerance & a pariah. I'm trying to believe that I'm not worthless, but even the rocks against the waves give way to the timeless battering. Last year I approached my employer & declared I had ADHD, because felt I could trust them. Because the staff felt genuine & nice, to add to it I inquired subtly how they felt about staff with individuals with different neuro-diverse mindsets. It was very optimistic to say the least. So this whole big process was set in motion where my psychiatrist & another they organised gave insight into my condition & made some suggestions to accommodate. 1 of the BIG issues I have is my communication, which both specialists STRESSED, needed my emp. to liaise with my therapist. I wanted a bit of a buffer to clarify what I try to say... I don't like hurting people, I've been hurt my whole life, why would I want to continue the cycle? All they did was hand me the Discrim. & Bullying policy... I accepted it, out of respect because we've gotten this far, I'll play the game WIN : WIN... Anyway, I started to feeling isolated, slowly. I got pigeon holed into a role for 14 mth. I couldn't apply for other roles when I asked my manager, acknowledging my ADHD & the process. I had to wait till last July for my review but I was told the role is nowhere near where it should be, while seeing my colleagues progress & do other things I envied. I was being watched, I had to tell them when I was away from my desk if I needed a smoke or work related. I COULDN'T do password resets for staff??? I still had faith even though I was miserable... because I believe in the company. I now started "offending" people because I was alone. Eventually, I got a final written warning for a sent link (clean humour at my expense) to a "friend" & my then TL because it offended? Next were false allegations about making 2 colleagues uncomfortable because I spoke badly of a TL & some of the team. I don't know what to do, I just want to do the right thing, but it NEVER is... I'm tired of having to understand others when they don't want to acknowledge me for me. I think highly of the company except the soft "normals".

Missberri Freaking out about graduating
  • replies: 6

Hi everyone, I'm just freaking out a bit lately and would love to hear some support and advice if anyone has any! I'm about to finish my university degree and it has been a long time coming. I've always struggled with anxiety and depression and other... View more

Hi everyone, I'm just freaking out a bit lately and would love to hear some support and advice if anyone has any! I'm about to finish my university degree and it has been a long time coming. I've always struggled with anxiety and depression and other problems throughout my degree and it's made getting through it extremely difficult! This past year though I've really worked hard and done the best I could and I'm happy it's finally nearly over. I'm freaking out though because I'm really worried about what it's going to be like in a proper work place and if I'll even get a job or if I'll even do well. Sometimes when I talk to other students at uni they've already got so much experience and are doing all these side projects and extra curricular activities and I feel like I'm just not good enough or maybe I won't do well. I don't even know if I really enjoy what I'm studying but it's a bit too late to change it now.. I'm not sure if anyone else experiences this but it's really starting to get to me. I'm supposed to be doing an internship soon for one of my last subjects but even that is freaking me out.. I just don't feel like I'm up to the standard that people want in the workplace and I don't know how to feel more confident. It's making me feel extremely unmotivated and depressed with these last few subjects I'm doing and that's really not how I wanted to feel! I would really appreciate any advice though or experiences anyone else has with this because I am just feeling so lost right now

jon_88 High Anxiety
  • replies: 1

G'day all, this is the first time I've ever reached out to any mental illness platform. I have a increasing level of Anxiety due to some intrusive though, they do vary but most of the time its an overwhelming fear that i could be gay, even though I h... View more

G'day all, this is the first time I've ever reached out to any mental illness platform. I have a increasing level of Anxiety due to some intrusive though, they do vary but most of the time its an overwhelming fear that i could be gay, even though I have never been homo erotically attracted to another man. Its hell for me. Im not homophobic, I have gay friends and family whom I love and respect all people for who they are. The thought first popped into my head when I was around 20 and dealt with it fine coming to terms with the fact that i wasn't into guys. I fell in love with a girl, she's now my wife I was fine for 5 or 6 years, no homosexual tendencies I'm not curious or anything like that. I didn't marry my wife to try and bury my true desire on being gay. I married this girl because i love her. The past few weeks these fears have been popping up daily and the anxiety is starting to effect me physically The whole thing is crazy, I feel like an idiot. But if anyone could share any light or help me somehow I would really appreciate it.

Reasonstosmile Infidelity and anxiety - where to start
  • replies: 2

I have always been a naturally anxious person (constant worrying, zoning out, easily panicked etc) which has often interfered with every day life, though I have not sought help in the past for it. However I have recently moved to Australia from the U... View more

I have always been a naturally anxious person (constant worrying, zoning out, easily panicked etc) which has often interfered with every day life, though I have not sought help in the past for it. However I have recently moved to Australia from the UK to be with my partner and it has now become an issue that can't be ignored. My partner moved here 6 months before I did, so this time was spent in a long distance relationship, with the exception of a 3 week visit from myself. A couple of days after giving up everything and moving here for him I unearthed an overwhelming pile of evidence from social media that my partner had been cheating for a period of time while we were apart with someone he had presented to me as a friend, to which a couple of months before I joined him in the country they proceeded to resume a platonic friendship. I had the choice of staying and working things out or getting the next flight back out of there. In an effort to pursue with the life we had planned together, I decided to stay and try to get over this. Upon me finding out about them, my partner immediately ended the friendship and no longer has any contact with the woman he cheated with, and has also erased all evidence of his infidelity. This has helped to not upset me further as almost all trace of their relationship has been removed. It has been three months since I found out, however, and I am starting to realise that the situation I have been exposed to has caused my anxiety to spiral out of control. I have spent the past few months feeling broken, scared and detached (being several thousand miles away from home may also be a contributing factor). I am unsure where to start in getting help, as I believe that he will not hurt me any more but it is my anxiety flaring up and fear that I won't get back to feeling 'normal' that is getting in the way of everyday life. Because of the detail of evidence I found (thank you social media...) it is something that continues to haunt me. Would relationship counselling be a viable approach in this situation or would it be best to address my own mental health issues first?

Steve27 CAn someone suggest help for panic attacks?
  • replies: 4

THis evening i have not been able to sleep - everytime I drop off I wake suddenly short of breath, confused - I am think they are panic attacks.I have not had symptoms since coming downstairs ... only when i try and get to sleep.

THis evening i have not been able to sleep - everytime I drop off I wake suddenly short of breath, confused - I am think they are panic attacks.I have not had symptoms since coming downstairs ... only when i try and get to sleep.

Shindig430 Prisoner of my mind..
  • replies: 8

Hi all, im new here. I guess im posting because i am an incredibly anxious person and i feel so stuck. Im 25, have a good but difficult and competitive job, in a relationship with a supportive and patient person. But i feel i cant do anything right. ... View more

Hi all, im new here. I guess im posting because i am an incredibly anxious person and i feel so stuck. Im 25, have a good but difficult and competitive job, in a relationship with a supportive and patient person. But i feel i cant do anything right. Most of the time i hate myself, hate my actions, hate every fibre of my being. Every conversation i have, i replay a thousand times. I havent slept the last few nights because im constantly rehashing the same conversation i had with a coworker (which happened a week ago). Im constantly terrified of what others think of me, i want to be perceived as perfect, i want control over everyones perceptions of me. I cant stand the thought of people seeing my flaws. This is especially in my working role. ive started having compulsions which are extremely difficult to ignore. I associate bad luck with random things like something on the floor or a coathanger the wrong way - and i have to fix it, otherwise i convince myself something terrible will happen. Thats the part i hate most - always WAITING for the next terrible thing to happen. Im so sick of being prepared, sensing the worst, getting ready. I never enjoy anything anymore. I feel like a total prisoner of this hellhole in my mind and sometimes all i want is to escape forever. I often find myself wishing i would just get sick so i could quietly and peacefully leave the world behind, with dignity and "courage" Am i alone?

contrarymary Is this anxiety or attention seeking
  • replies: 5

Hi All I am hoping someone has advice on how to cope with these events. I go to bed as normal and about 1 hour later wake up feeling very agitated, with palpitations, shaky cant get back to sleep, pace up and down through the house and garden, then l... View more

Hi All I am hoping someone has advice on how to cope with these events. I go to bed as normal and about 1 hour later wake up feeling very agitated, with palpitations, shaky cant get back to sleep, pace up and down through the house and garden, then lie awake for hours getting up pacing up and down more, this happens about every 3 months might happen 2 nights in row. Its usually always about an hour after going to sleep eg if I go to bed about 10 it happens about 1130 GP says cant pinpoint problem had blood tests etc all ok, nearly every othet night i go yo bed at 10am and sleep through night. GP says anxiety and/or panic attack. Anyone got any suggestions on how to get back to sleep, happened last night woke up at 11pm after 1 hour sleep paced house for couple of hours ended up falling asleep about 4am. Not too much coffee or tea as suggested by GP as drink neithet

michael1410 ADDICTION AND ANXIETY
  • replies: 3

I've always I guess had a predisposition to addiction no matter how hard I try to not let different substances take over my life I always seem to succumb to their clutches. It started with marijuana innocently enough smoking a few times, then slowly ... View more

I've always I guess had a predisposition to addiction no matter how hard I try to not let different substances take over my life I always seem to succumb to their clutches. It started with marijuana innocently enough smoking a few times, then slowly before I knew it getting taken over by it and my life becoming all about where was my next hit coming from. When I quit smoking cold Turkey I never knew it would be so easy but also affect me so much, I was unable to leave the house unable to be in large crowds and my depression hit an all time low. After seeing a psychologist for a year or so, I slowly began to be able to get out more but my problems never went away if anything my anxiety was the worst it had ever Been. I think I started drinking innocently enough the same as the marijuana never thinking this will get out of hand or become a huge problem, how wrong I was. Before I knew it I was drinking everyday and slowly but surely I began to drink more and more, I suppose drinking is different because it's socially acceptable. Unfortunately I eventually got to the point where I was drinking copious amounts of alcohol daily usually to the point of being physically ill then feeling better and continuing to drink some more. It became pretty obvious that I was drinking for the numbing effect to help me deal with and forget about my anxiety and depression along with any problems that were around at the time. In reality it doesn't help at all your problems are there when you sober up and sometimes, depending on the amount drunk joined by new ones just for something different. I knew I had a problem for a long time but I guess I didn't wanna face it, it Was too easy just to continue drinking and deal with the problems later.my anxiety was getting to the point where I was worrying about everything all the time even worrying about worrying.

Faee Anxiety Overload
  • replies: 7

Hi everyone, I'm new here and this is my first post. I am suffering with severe anxiety at the moment which has stopped me from being able to go to work. I have taken 3 days off to take some time out for myself. Yet recently I seem to be taking a lot... View more

Hi everyone, I'm new here and this is my first post. I am suffering with severe anxiety at the moment which has stopped me from being able to go to work. I have taken 3 days off to take some time out for myself. Yet recently I seem to be taking a lot of days off from this illness. And it worries me as you can probably tell. There's so much going on in my head and I am extremley restless/short of breath/nauseas. recently I went to my mum and told her that I am suffering with anxiety and depression and she ignored the whole subject. I do have my husband for support yet that is all. I have no close friends and I feel very confused, lost and lonely. I know we need to be positive but I can't find it anymore. This illness has taken over. It's taken control of my life and I don't know what to do anymore. I know there's people out there suffering a lot worse than what I am, but I just don't know how to shake this feeling. It's horrible and I'm scared for myself, I'm really really scared. If anyone is out there reading this, I hope you're doing ok. I am sending good energy and love your way.

Real1 Living nightmare!!!
  • replies: 5

Anxiety is eating me up!! In 2008 I met someone special, we connected and fell deeply love. Over 3 years we saw one another 3 times, the distance between us (2 states) away started to take a toll as I had trouble finding steady work and she lost her ... View more

Anxiety is eating me up!! In 2008 I met someone special, we connected and fell deeply love. Over 3 years we saw one another 3 times, the distance between us (2 states) away started to take a toll as I had trouble finding steady work and she lost her job. Then she died! I mourned her for the next 4 years, I cried a river! Then I rang her, and she answered her phone! I spent the next year (2015) angry and upset. April last year she reached out and we became friends. It progressed over the year, and we got engaged. Start of this year she revealed she'd cheated on me with a friend the 4th year of our relationship. Fell pregnant! Married the guy as it was best for the baby. He beat her up 3x! Went to jail and she fled. Devastated! I blocked her on Facebook and backed away to lick my wounds. I attempted to get over her, going on a succession of (flop) dates, upto 3 a day! She'd text me now and then but I ignored her. Two-weeks ago she reached out for a friend...her mum was on her death bed. As a Christian I forgave her and we have been chatting ever since. Since I'd left her she's done EVERYTHING she could to better herself...twice a week counselling (she was abused as a kid). New mental medication. Made amends with her abuser dad, who'd she'd grown up without. Became vested in her church again. Lost weight, to feel better about herself. I commend her for her efforts and am impressed she didn't sit back and do nothing to improve herself. I forgive her for her discretion, but in the recesses of my mind, my head swirls with what to do! If we grow close again, we both know what's due. It does my head and heart in!!!