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Anxiety

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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.

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RonnieA Anxiety with driving!
  • replies: 1

I've suffered with anxiety & panic attacks for 12 years now. 4 of which the doctor had no idea what was wrong with me!! I really want to deal with it all as I have 3 kids (11, 6 & 4 weeks) & I can't take them out anywhere without a trusted support pe... View more

I've suffered with anxiety & panic attacks for 12 years now. 4 of which the doctor had no idea what was wrong with me!! I really want to deal with it all as I have 3 kids (11, 6 & 4 weeks) & I can't take them out anywhere without a trusted support person. I can normally drive in my own town ok, but have major freak outs if I defer from my normal routine or leave the town at all by myself. I want to get help, but I have to rely on other people to take me. I feel like a real burden & I'm terrified of the exposure treatment!! Any tips??

ElliotCleverland Intrusive Anxiety over Literally Nothing
  • replies: 5

Hi all I've always imagined scenarios that have a 0.05% chance of actually occurring, and then I have anxiety over the potential consequences. It's crazy. It happened during my early teens (up to 14). I was petrified of drugs (note, nobody in my fami... View more

Hi all I've always imagined scenarios that have a 0.05% chance of actually occurring, and then I have anxiety over the potential consequences. It's crazy. It happened during my early teens (up to 14). I was petrified of drugs (note, nobody in my family has had drug issues - was an odd, but good fear to have I guess). If I went into a public bathroom and saw a sharpie bin or what looked like powder, I would be worried that it would somehow effect me, as if some fake powder somehow flew up inside my nose. I would literally google "(insert drug name) symptoms of use" and look out for symptoms, in case I somehow digested it (looking back, I see how silly this is). Oh and of course, because I was reading the symptoms, my body tricked myself into thinking I was experiencing them. Fast forward to now, where I'm twenty. Typical stuff really... I became acquaintances with some colourful people. Nobody properly dangerous, but moved in questionable circles. Through third degree connections, mutual mates who they had - some pretty 'unlikable' members of society came to knowledge. I was privy to lots of information, things not of a legal nature. Since then, I believe I have fallen out with these people. It was a huge misunderstanding, but they're ignoring my messages and I feel like they're mad. They've told me stuff that I'm not comfortable knowing, stuff which I would hate to be questioned for leaking (not that I have, but if something happened...) and it taught me lessons about who to and who not to associate with. I trusted these people with lots, and the whole hostility makes me uncomfortable. So much so, that I don't go out at night anymore. I don't go to the gym, I'm almost becoming a recluse. Nothing has actually happened to warrant this. No threats, no signs or anything. Just me thinking "what if (person) told (person) what I thought about (person).. Oh no, that could be very dangerous. They're violent, they're this they're that blah blah..." In reality, these people don't even think about me anymore and the 'falling out' was over six months ago. It's just their nature (more so, the nature of their associates) which makes me extremely anxious. I've spoken to some mates, in full detail and they say that nothing has happened to make me worry. They're right, I know it but can't let it settle... I can't remember how I got over the whole drug thing, but I NEED to get over this. It leaves me trembling with intrusive thoughts. Thanks in advanced!

lelebe Anxiety flare up
  • replies: 54

Hi, About 5 years ago i had my first panic attacks i seeked therapy and slowly improved but i could never shake my phobias. Recently my family has had a couple of stressful months and the anxiety has flared back up again. I know anxiety is so individ... View more

Hi, About 5 years ago i had my first panic attacks i seeked therapy and slowly improved but i could never shake my phobias. Recently my family has had a couple of stressful months and the anxiety has flared back up again. I know anxiety is so individual but has anyone with panic disorder found relief from anti depressants? Or is there any other therapy anyone has found useful?

Miss1234 Scared with physical anxiety symptoms and just starting medication
  • replies: 2

After 6 months of testing for loads of things they've finally diagnosed me with bad anxiety/depression. Not sure how I didn't realise it earlier. I've felt so sick and nauseous and it just comes out of no where. My mouth goes funny and I have a stran... View more

After 6 months of testing for loads of things they've finally diagnosed me with bad anxiety/depression. Not sure how I didn't realise it earlier. I've felt so sick and nauseous and it just comes out of no where. My mouth goes funny and I have a strange metallic taste. I get a slight headache and a bit hot and cold. Does this sound like a panic attack? Insist want it to go away. I worry about anything and everything and it's getting my everyday life and small children. I've been given a script today for medication but haven't started it yet. Is anyone on medication? I'm so nervous. Thanks

Pluckyhbomb Anxiety over throwing up/feeling sick - An endless cycle.
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone. You can call me Hayley. I'm 22 years old and am feeling really lost and down at the moment. This week I've really been struggling with a new aspect of my anxiety. I've always suffered from social anxiety but have always been able to keep... View more

Hi everyone. You can call me Hayley. I'm 22 years old and am feeling really lost and down at the moment. This week I've really been struggling with a new aspect of my anxiety. I've always suffered from social anxiety but have always been able to keep the anxiety at a manageable level. However this week I have added a new stressor into my life - dating. I have found that I am now often plagued by this uneasy, unsettled, nauseous feeling in my stomach. I have long had a fear of vomiting - I don't exactly know why. Perhaps the loss of control that you feel when you vomit? I also got alcohol poisoning once and that was extremely difficult to deal with so I'm sure that is also a contributing factor. Upon arriving at a date the other day I proceeded to throw up in my car - classy I know. I had thought the feeling was just 'normal' butterflies in the stomach - but 10 minutes before meeting him I had a hot sweat and my mouth began to salivate and I knew I was done for. Throughout the date this same feeling swept over me in waves about five more times - luckily with no actual vomiting but there may have been a few audible gags at times. He was very understanding and sympathetic to me though. I'm now scared to eat any food because I both can't stomach the thought of eating because it makes me feel nauseous and I'm also afraid that if I eat I will need to be sick again. But then I am also sure that me not eating nearly enough food (other than bird nibbles when I am not feeling nauseous) probably only exacerbates the problem because I am probably feeling weak/tired/nauseous from lack of food. The kicker is that my mind wasn't even feeling an unmanageable feeling of anxiety before this date and since then. It's like my body started to exhibit physiological signs of anxiety and now its those physiological responses that are causing me anxiety. Does that make any sense? This constant feeling of anxiety is now leading to me feeling incredibly 'down' and critical of myself. I feel like this is an endless cycle and I don't really know how to go about putting it to a halt. We have another date tonight and I don't want to cancel because I genuinely like this guy - but the thought of feeling like this every time I see him makes me want to curl up in a ball in my room and never leave.

Kiag34 I'm strange... so what
  • replies: 2

Hi. I'm not sure exactly what my question is. I guess I'm looking for people that have had similar experiences. Today in the way home from work I cried. Someone had noticed I moved a wheelie trolley to lean my book on at work. He said that's not how ... View more

Hi. I'm not sure exactly what my question is. I guess I'm looking for people that have had similar experiences. Today in the way home from work I cried. Someone had noticed I moved a wheelie trolley to lean my book on at work. He said that's not how it's done there usually. I said 'yeah but I'm different' with a smile. He said yes, I knew you were strange when I first met you. I brushed it off but as the day went on I remembered how many times I have been told I'm kooky, different, strange, 'honest' (read: blunt). Or 'special' with that look that's supposed to be a joke but doesn't feel like it. One time I got the courage to respond and question directly at the time to a good friend who is known for telling things how it is. She had a lot of pauses formulating her answer. She told me that I was blunt. Honestly I don't feel I am but I'm trying to appreciate that is how I'm seen at times by others. in a way I feel like I'm back at school where there's that one kid that everyone has to treat extra nice because they have some sort of impairment /disability that wants to participate in something you know they just can't fully. Indulging their request. Is there something wrong with me that I don't know about? Ive had depression diagnosed years ago which subsided with short term medication before coming back a number of years later - this time with its friend anxiety. I got help through GP and psychologist. Learnt about mindfulness. Im not sure how to respond (within myself) to comments of being weird/strange/different. My sibling got diagnosed borderline personality disorder recently now I'm worried if I were going down that path. I over complicate too much at times. Surely I'm not alone in my experience

JayHawk Looking For Support For Bad Anxiety - Home Alone
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone I'm in my early twenties and I live in country Australia. I have bad anxiety and for the first time my parents are going away without me and I'm going to be home alone for 3 days. I'm really, really anxious and I'm looking for a place whe... View more

Hi everyone I'm in my early twenties and I live in country Australia. I have bad anxiety and for the first time my parents are going away without me and I'm going to be home alone for 3 days. I'm really, really anxious and I'm looking for a place where I can connect with peers and find some support and some people to talk to in order to get me through. Suggestions for how to get through, strategies, company and support are what I'd really like over the next three days. Looking forward to hopefully connecting with some of you.

Chris_B Anxiety after night out drinking?
  • replies: 11

Anyone who’s experienced a night out drinking is familiar with the hangover – the fuzzy head, the crook stomach, the desire to sleep long into the next century. But did you know that it can also be quite common to feel a bout of anxiety after a night... View more

Anyone who’s experienced a night out drinking is familiar with the hangover – the fuzzy head, the crook stomach, the desire to sleep long into the next century. But did you know that it can also be quite common to feel a bout of anxiety after a night out drinking, particularly if you are already prone to feeling anxious or experiencing panic attacks? The anxiety can be triggered as your body works to remove alcohol from your system, with blood sugar levels dropping. Yes, that same chemical reaction that causes you to crave a Macca’s run at 2am can also affect your mood. Some antidepressant medications also interact with alcohol to increase ‘rebound’ symptoms of anxiety. Once that anxiety starts to kick in, your brain can go into overdrive. You start thinking (and overthinking) your actions from the night before. The anxiety-fuelled hangover is so common it has even coined the slang terms “hangover anxiety” and “boozanoia” in recent years, so if you’re reading this thread after a night out with a stomach tied up in knots, then please know you’re not alone. Here’s three things you can do about it: 1. Be kind to your mind when hung over – You know that the headache will fade and the stomach will settle, the anxious feelings will also subside. Remember, they’re part of the hangover too. Draw on thought-challenging, mindfulness or distraction techniques as you need to: think of them as bacon and eggs for the brain! 2. Get a good night’s sleep – You’ve probably been out late the night before, and even if you slept in when you got home, alcohol disrupts sleep so it won’t have been quality rest. Try to get yourself an early night and allow your body and brain some time to recover. 3. Drink moderately and know your limits next time – Abstaining from alcohol altogether isn’t always a realistic option, but you can learn from your hangover experiences and limit your drinking in future. Slow down a bit, substitute a soft drink in between rounds, set a limit and keep track of how much you’ve had. And don't forget to eat first! If you’re wanting support around limiting or abstaining from alcohol, then please also join our Battling The Booze thread. Have you ever experienced ‘hangover anxiety’? Did you try any of the tips above? Do you have any tips of your own? Please share your stories and thoughts in the thread below. UPDATE 5/9/19: Check out this new Beyond Blue article on hangover anxiety by award-winning journalist and author Jill Stark.

Thehermit Drowning in worry and stress and struggling to keep head above water
  • replies: 4

I am a 31 year old male who is slwsys confused and always worried about who I am and what I am doing with my life. I feel there is no one aspect in my life in which things are going well and and am constantly worried and anxious about it all. At face... View more

I am a 31 year old male who is slwsys confused and always worried about who I am and what I am doing with my life. I feel there is no one aspect in my life in which things are going well and and am constantly worried and anxious about it all. At face value I have a good job but everyday I struggle to get up and go to work and I try to come up with reasons why I shouldn't. . I feel Iike a joke and I that don't deserve to be there and its only a matter of time before I am found out and kicked out. This scares me even more as the be eldest of the family. I feel there is always pressure to do well. My relationship with my siblings is average at best, I don't talk to my sister and I exist with my bro in the same house. I feel so much like a failure that I avoid speaking to my parents who have sacrificed so much for me. I destroyed a good relationship out of indecision and doubt and now am always worried bout whether I am worthy of anything like that again. I am blessed with wonderful friends who are all gifted and doing well. I am really happy for them.....but I feel so inferior in contrast to them. I feel like I have become such a burden that I keep to myself....all of which adds to my loneliness. All of the stuff I used to enjoy just seems like to much effort now and I really don't pursue those interest as much as I used to. In order to cope I find I have begun to pick up bad habits which make me feel like even more of an imposter as I try to keep them secret. I drink alone more, I spend my free time in bed and indulge in other things that I prefer not to discuss but make me feel like even less of the guy I want to be. I feel like all of this is really beginning to take it's toll, I have gained like 20kg, I have been diagnosed with seriously high blood pressure and am currently being tested for other health issues.........I feel like I am drowning in worry and it's only a matter of time before I can't keep my head above it all..

miltiaink Feeling insecure about my body. How do I stop comparing myself to other people?
  • replies: 2

Hi, so as the title says, I can't help but pick apart how I look. I absolutely hate the fact that I do this. It's unproductive, and it makes me feel so shallow and unworthy. I find it embarrassing to talk to people, particularly on how I try to 'fix'... View more

Hi, so as the title says, I can't help but pick apart how I look. I absolutely hate the fact that I do this. It's unproductive, and it makes me feel so shallow and unworthy. I find it embarrassing to talk to people, particularly on how I try to 'fix' this. I often surf the internet to try make myself feel comfortable with my body, but it just ends up making things worse, as I compare to others. Then it becomes this endless loop, one that just drains me. Consciously, I know that it's not very important but my subconscious says otherwise. I feel trapped and weak, always wanting to be perfect. I really do want it to stop, and move forward with my life. Does anyone have any advice for me?