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
  • 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

Struggly Struggling with the past
  • replies: 4

I have major regrets about my past and its stopping me from living my life. When I was in my 20s I owned my own home. Then I got involved in drugs and ended up selling it for no good reason. It was a fantastic place in a great location. I then bought... View more

I have major regrets about my past and its stopping me from living my life. When I was in my 20s I owned my own home. Then I got involved in drugs and ended up selling it for no good reason. It was a fantastic place in a great location. I then bought the first house I saw because I was worried about losing my money on drugs. The real estate agent took advantage of me and I ended up with a much worse house for about the same money. That place started giving me panic attacks so I sold it in a state of anxuiety. Of course I sold it really chep. By then I'd really gone backwards. The I was so anxious about buying the next house I put an offer on one place buyt go so panicky I couldn't go through with it. It was a really nice place too. Finally an agent pushed me into buying a partly renovated house. It has turned out to be a complete disaster and money pit. That last one was 15 years ago. I am now so totally devasted at what Ive done. I regret what could of been. I know this might come across as shllow, btut its not about money but shame and humiliation. My father always told me I was useless. How can I get out of this. The ain is just unbearable.

Maryjane93 Does anyone know how to combat this?
  • replies: 3

Hi all, So the past few months I've been getting bad anxiety and nausea in the mornings. I know the nausea is triggered by the anxious feelings I get in my stomach and chest. It's making it really hard for me to get out of bed in the morning. If anyo... View more

Hi all, So the past few months I've been getting bad anxiety and nausea in the mornings. I know the nausea is triggered by the anxious feelings I get in my stomach and chest. It's making it really hard for me to get out of bed in the morning. If anyone else has gone through this and found things that help I'd love to hear from you

_FallenAngel_ Dealing with mental health, managing work and colleagues. How do you deal with it all???
  • replies: 4

It is such a struggle for me to juggle weekly doctors appointments and the anxiety it causes by the lead up to being weighed however my manager is supportive so far with me taking time off and he does try to understand how possibly he can help me. Al... View more

It is such a struggle for me to juggle weekly doctors appointments and the anxiety it causes by the lead up to being weighed however my manager is supportive so far with me taking time off and he does try to understand how possibly he can help me. All these years I tried to keep it a secret at work as I thought, rather very naively that no one would ever find out about it but it was not long before the whispering around corners turned into out-right questioning and suddenly I found myself explaining and dispelling the stigma, stereotypes and preconceived ideas that my colleagues had already established about me, and some of the most rude and stupid questions that I can remember of the top of my head include: 1.) "HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DIETING FOR?" (this was ruthless and most offensive and hurt the most like a spear in chest. Sorry had to write this one in capitals. Actually they all were pretty thoughtless) 2.) "How could you not eat for so long? I could never do anything like that” 3.) "I never thought guys can have eating disorders!!" (this one should be given a prize actually. Asked by a girl!) So it all ended up as a bit of a joke really, but then I decided to have a bit of light-hearted laugh with my newly made friends about my situation than have them ignorantly gossip behind my back which no doubt they still do. I guess I gave their empty minds something to do. I didn't approach the union or management because I didn't want to make things from bad to worse. I guess once has to pick thier battles wisely in life. Whether they are stupid comments like above, team meetings or really awkward questions they all can make work so unpleasant and unhealthy place to be. And when it comes to staff night outs I still have to explain my manager firmly that I am unable to eat in restaurants and I nearly had a panic attack once when he said I have to stay back after work for drinks to meet our new REA. But I left after 5 min anyway as I abstain from drinking. My colleagues, mental health and work they all are driving me nuts. Somedays are worse than others but everyday is a struggle really and I would really like to know how other people cope at work and if their manager/supervisors are supportive and aware of it. thanks

Daisy129 Feeling Lost...
  • replies: 16

I'm relatively new here and finding this a little terrifying but maybe it will help to share I have been dealing with anxiety (GAD and social anxiety) and depression for my whole life but wasn't diagnosed til my 20's I am now in my 40s and have had p... View more

I'm relatively new here and finding this a little terrifying but maybe it will help to share I have been dealing with anxiety (GAD and social anxiety) and depression for my whole life but wasn't diagnosed til my 20's I am now in my 40s and have had phases of life in which I have been able to be happy and productive Right now though I am feeling quite lost, I have little children and am a single mum I am good at putting on a brave face and dealing with the challenges of being a mum when the kids are here but when they go to their dads I just get this horrible lost feeling The house is in such a muddle and I feel like I should use the time they are away to catch up on chores and clean but I just end up standing around the house looking at the mess and feeling overwhelmed I tend to just eat food and watch movies instead, and then feel guilty for not doing anything I keep trying to motivate myself to get out and go for a walk or do some exercise to get myself moving but I just cannot shift the feeling enough to get myself going....

Lalunia82 Anxiety and insomnia are causing me physical pain
  • replies: 7

Hi, I am new here on this forum. When I am writing this post, my whole body is shaking. For nearly 2 weeks I suffer from anxiety, insomnia and constant panic attacks. In the past week, I was lucky to have 10 hours sleep. No medications help, I was pr... View more

Hi, I am new here on this forum. When I am writing this post, my whole body is shaking. For nearly 2 weeks I suffer from anxiety, insomnia and constant panic attacks. In the past week, I was lucky to have 10 hours sleep. No medications help, I was prescribed tablets which don't work on me. Each day was worst than the other as I fell into vicious circle: the more anxious, it harder it is to fall asleep. The less I sleep, the more anxious I become. 2 days ago I went to my GP again and received more medication for sleep. This only helped me to sleep from 10 pm to 1 am. I wake up at night and my body starts shaking, my stomach is hurting (i have diarrhoea), my heart is about to explode. I try slow breathing technique to calm myself down but nothing helps. This week I was completely unable to work and took 1 week off. I am very diligent employee, working as management accountant in big international company and this never happen to me. I am so scared, I will lose my job, my fiance and my world will collapse. I have no family here, they are all in Europe. The good thing is i have very loving and supporting fiance but I am afraid I will lose him too if this continues. I have seen 3 diffrent GPs and they all give me diffrent advice. Once, my regular GP prescribed me these strong sleeping tablets but other GPs said they are addictive and I should not take them. But how should I function with no sleep at all and with the panic attacks taking control over my body? I am so tired during a day, I can hardly walk, so I am unable to do any physical activities. When I dont work, I try not to stay home as I feel depressed ( i have moved recently with my in lows coz we bought the off the plan apartment and trying to save money for stamp duty and rest of the deposit). I go to the city, to the beach and try to load myslef with the positive energy. It is harder though, as I cant get no sleep, so I feel I can faint any time. When the evening comes, I worry even more that again I wont get no sleep. I need help, and dont know what else to do. I have not private medical cover. I have my first session with psychologist tomorrow (again this the costs of these visits worry me alot) and see if this will help me with anything. Maybe i need psychiatrist instead? I need help as if this continues I cant see my life looking like this anymore. I can loose my beloved fiance, my deposit on house and my job. Please anyone help me!

Lene working for the dole with anxiety and depressing
  • replies: 5

Need help! I'm 29 years old and I'm on the dole and will have to work for the dole in salvos, for 25 hrs a week I did it last year but because of my severe anxiety and depression I was constantly getting sick notes from the doctor and doing like 2 da... View more

Need help! I'm 29 years old and I'm on the dole and will have to work for the dole in salvos, for 25 hrs a week I did it last year but because of my severe anxiety and depression I was constantly getting sick notes from the doctor and doing like 2 days a week as I wanted to try, I still want to try but very worried about doing that many hours as the last boss I had got annoyed with all the sick notes made me feel even worse, so I was wondering if there is anyone that knows how I can do less hours? What should I do?

T4 Why cant i beat my anxiety
  • replies: 10

HI every one I have severe anxiety for 7 years which cause me lots of horrible symptoms such as chest pain, tachycardia, palpitation, fatigue and many more and it has affect my life greatly such as difficult sleeping and causing panic attack making g... View more

HI every one I have severe anxiety for 7 years which cause me lots of horrible symptoms such as chest pain, tachycardia, palpitation, fatigue and many more and it has affect my life greatly such as difficult sleeping and causing panic attack making going to school difficult but for the past few month I go help and it seem to ease but now it all back the horrible symptoms the constant fear that something wrong with my heart, but I been to four cardiologist all giving me Echocardiogram, stress echocardiogram, ecg and bloods all which were fine but I keep worrying I was able to convince myself I was fine and felt better but now it all back and I don't know what to do. Thanks in advance

ac1991 Physical effects of anxiety - loss of appetite?
  • replies: 3

Hey everyone Lately I have been quite stressed and anxious about a lot of things. Since this time, I have probably not been taking care of myself the way I usually would because I'm not in the best mental state. I have been feeling full as if theres ... View more

Hey everyone Lately I have been quite stressed and anxious about a lot of things. Since this time, I have probably not been taking care of myself the way I usually would because I'm not in the best mental state. I have been feeling full as if theres jelly in my stomach and it wont digest, which makes moving around hard. I wake up in the middle of the night with this sick, anxious feeling and a nervous butterfly feeling in my stomach. I still get hungry, and I will eat small amounts, but maybe 40 minutes after eating the feeling in my stomach returns. I am also having pains in my chest and stomach and unable to sleep. Slightly dizzy too. Does this sound like anxiety symptoms? Any tips?

BlackCat90 Left my job due to anxiety
  • replies: 27

Hi guys, This is my first post. I've been battling anxiety for about 9 years now. I'd thought that I really turned a corner when I finally got through my teaching degree and landed a job at the school of my dreams last year. I had a great time there ... View more

Hi guys, This is my first post. I've been battling anxiety for about 9 years now. I'd thought that I really turned a corner when I finally got through my teaching degree and landed a job at the school of my dreams last year. I had a great time there last year but this year it just never felt right. There was a change to the leadership which brought a lot of changes to the school and our workload. I initially thought 'I love the kids, I'm happy to have a job and I can make this work'. I ended up being miserable though. I suffered insomnia, felt sick driving to work and always felt edgy/anxious while I was there. I got to breaking point and decided to take some time off to get better with the hope to go back. Today I made the decision to resign as I don't want to risk further damage to my mental health. I swing from feeling enormously relieved about this decision to feeling terrified and just wanting to hide under the doona. My family have been supportive but none of them have been through this. I guess I'm feeling a bit alone at the moment and was wondering if anyone else has had this kind of experience? I'm finding it hard to see how things are going to work out. I'm hoping it will be for the best because I'm putting my self and my health first but I'm just having a tough time coming to terms with my decision. Thanks!

gloria10 Avoidance
  • replies: 4

Hi, So I've been trying to work out why I struggle with work and I think one of the issues is avoidance. It can be if I avoid a confrontation or getting upset at work and even now I realised I've been putting in a lot of energy to avoid Work for the ... View more

Hi, So I've been trying to work out why I struggle with work and I think one of the issues is avoidance. It can be if I avoid a confrontation or getting upset at work and even now I realised I've been putting in a lot of energy to avoid Work for the Dole. I know it isn't a bad thing, I know that it helps with confidence and keeping active with the community, but I find myself trying to avoid it and I realise I do this a lot as well. I also find it hard when I feel backed into a corner like there's no other choice (which is how I feel with this situation) and I guess I just feel agitated. Has anyone gotten help with avoidance and has it helped? I am going to see a counsellor soon and think this will help. Just feeling a bit anxious at the moment.. I think I am also worried about failure. Workplace providers can put a lot of pressure on and I'm worried I won't be able to achieve what they ask. I guess I haven't had much luck with them. Gloria10