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

kned Anxiety and work
  • replies: 9

I'm due back at work soon, after a year off with my second baby. I have a history of Anxiety and social anxiety and the past year I've felt the best I have in ages! I guess I didn't have the stress of work, I was busy focusing on my kids and feeling ... View more

I'm due back at work soon, after a year off with my second baby. I have a history of Anxiety and social anxiety and the past year I've felt the best I have in ages! I guess I didn't have the stress of work, I was busy focusing on my kids and feeling comfortable in my own abilities. I have been looking forward to my return to work. I've missed my workplace and the clients I work with. I was excited until yesterday where I had a meeting with my boss. My boss has told me I'll be returning to a different role. At first I was flattered that they want me to do this role. But once it sunk in, I started to panic. Im so upset that I can't do what I was doing previously. The role is similar but I'll be moved from my office (and the colleagues I know) to working on my own, from a hot desk in a busy office. The role involves lots of approaching people... Something that I don't feel comfortable doing at all with my social anxiety. I've been feeling anxious enough about returning to work, and now this on top has caused me to completely panic. I rarely slept last night and feel so sick today. I could talk to my boss but what can I say? That I have Anxiety about this new role? That I want my old role back but know this is being filled by someone else already? I'd look weak and really being socially anxious is not something I see them accepting. I'm at the point where I want to quit, which is extreme. We cannot afford for me to quit. I do like employer and I want to work . I just don't want the new role they propose. I also don't want to be anxious all the time, that will then affect my husband and children. I get distracted, irritable, panic.about irrational things (kids getting sick or harmed, losing my husband etc) when my anxiety is bad. I want to be relaxed and calm like how I have been. I can't see a way around this. I also don't want to have to see a psychologist just to be able to function at my job. I'm not sure what advice people can give but I need to write this down, possibly to those who understand how I'm feeling. I don't know what to do..

Acnalb New here
  • replies: 4

Hello i am new here. I really dont know what to say. But all i can say is, i am really confused and scared of my anxiety.

Hello i am new here. I really dont know what to say. But all i can say is, i am really confused and scared of my anxiety.

Panicker I have travel anxiety
  • replies: 4

Hello my names Nathan I'm from the uk but I'm traveling around Australia I have OCD, anxiety and depression do this makes things ten times harder I've been living in hostels for 3 months now and the noise and the people are really starting to piss me... View more

Hello my names Nathan I'm from the uk but I'm traveling around Australia I have OCD, anxiety and depression do this makes things ten times harder I've been living in hostels for 3 months now and the noise and the people are really starting to piss me off now, there's noise everywhere you try and sleep there's someone snoring or someone talking loudly on the phone being obnoxious laughing loudly, we have a film room but there's still rude idiots who talk through the film and there's music blaring out people being idiots making stupid noises outside showing off, I can't even go to room watch something as the wifi doesn't work. Sorry to go on I'm going on a trip around Australia in a few days with an organised group I'm scared that their all gonna be a bunch of morons I've had bad experiences before in Tasmania where this girl I was attracted too treated me like crap she gave me such vulgar looks we were at wineglass bay in Tasmania beautiful place I honestly felt horrible I was so anxious crying all the time not one person asked if I was ok, I'm really sorry to go on I just really don't want this to happen again I want to travel that's my life life goal don't want anyone to spoil it for me I'm worried if it happens again I'm gonna really lose my temper and hurt that person please help me I need a support group to help me I don't wanna feel like I'm the only one thanks Nathan

Diamondback I never thought anxiety would affect me
  • replies: 8

So to be honest I had always thought anxiety was a bunch of hoo ha and something people had made up.... Have a spoonful of concrete and harden up I had always thought I was a strong person and had the philosophy of shit happens move on.... I had my f... View more

So to be honest I had always thought anxiety was a bunch of hoo ha and something people had made up.... Have a spoonful of concrete and harden up I had always thought I was a strong person and had the philosophy of shit happens move on.... I had my first anxiety attack around 4 years ago there was no real reason for it a little stress at work and that was where it had happened I literally left work thinking I needed to go to the hospital because I was having a heart attack me being who I am thought I was being stupid went home slept it off and had no other issues for approximately 2 years my next episode was driving on a road which I thought was unsafe not just a small amount a large amount. 2 hours. I ended up in tears with my husband and son I was convinced we were going to die in a car accident. We got to our destination I slept next day I was fine. The real start of my constant anxiety was approximately 6 months ago I was at work a bit stressed but nothing out of the ordinary and it started again I literally thought I was having a heart attack and going to die luckily enough I was able to go have a sleep come back thinking it would all be ok like it normally does but this time it did not go away.... The hardest thing I find is people asking what triggers your anxiety and to be honest there is nothing big mostly my anxiety is triggered by my fear of having anxiety....there has never been a point in my life before where I have been so scared and irrational the realisation at the time that it was real and I could not control it made it even worse. So over the last couple of months seeing a councillor it has finally started to help. I realised in fearing my anxiety it only made it worse.... Accepting my...hang on no! 'the' anxiety it separates it from who I am I wrote a letter to 'the' anxiety and I know it sounds weird but after that and accepting it rather than fearing it every day seems to get easier. Don't get me wrong I still have days where I don't want to get out of bed and do what I need to do but those days seem to be getting rarer and rarer and I feel myself getting a little more certain everyday about who I am and what I feel not trying to push everything aside which is probably how i ended up here in the first place. I am thankful for my friends and family that have supported me through this, talking to me everyday and I know now it's not an easy fix but eventually my life will feel some what normal again

Acnalb Anxiety taking over me
  • replies: 3

Hello, i been experiencing panic attack for long but i didn't realise it was bad. And then the anxiety come to the top of it. Every day of my life i been worrying or asking my self is my anxiety will attack today? And that question becomes worry ever... View more

Hello, i been experiencing panic attack for long but i didn't realise it was bad. And then the anxiety come to the top of it. Every day of my life i been worrying or asking my self is my anxiety will attack today? And that question becomes worry everyday that it takes over my everyday living. Cant get out for shopping or coffee with friends thinking i will have my anxiety and panic attaack again while enjoying what i am doing. I also have some scary thought in my head that just pop up suddenly that makes me so depress. And i have no one to talk to.

Talon Social anxiety destroying my life
  • replies: 3

Hi there, I'm a 46 year old male and believe I have endured some degree of social anxiety for as long as I can remember. In the past I've sought professional assistance and been given coping strategies and other advice. I suppose I didn't ever really... View more

Hi there, I'm a 46 year old male and believe I have endured some degree of social anxiety for as long as I can remember. In the past I've sought professional assistance and been given coping strategies and other advice. I suppose I didn't ever really seriously put any of these to use. To this day I still suffer and endure this nightmare. I sometimes find myself reminiscing about the past and not in a good way. I believe I've existed through most of my life thus far, and never really enjoyed events and occasions which should have been celebrated, creating memories which bring a smile to your face. Instead, I made these events and occasions unbearable at times and although getting through most of them without quitting, come out the other end worse off. I mean this in that I have and exhibit little to no confidence, constantly mind read what other may be thinking and avoid many activities I enjoy, in case I'm struck down with a massive hit of anxiety. Almost always caused by my irrational negative thoughts. I have found it difficult to make and foster decent mateships. I only have a couple of mates who I sometimes also feel anxious around, thinking am I ruining this or that outing. I'm sure it shows to. I become reserved and leave analysing the night as to how I came across and was received. Even though I have know them for a very long time. I'm getting older and wonder if I'll ever be a happier, go lucky type person who accepts me for me. I have always been a people pleaser and been taken advantage of on numerous occasions. I have a good heart and would give the shirt off my back to help anyone, known to me or not. That's just me. I don't expect anything in return but rarely am I contacted again (boys trips away etc) and find out later. This only serves to exacerbate my anxiety and question everything about my being. I'm currently going through a separation with my wife (we have a 4 year old and 1 year old) I'm most likely facing a medical discharge from my job due to PTSD and face a very uncertain future (26 years in this job). I'll be starting a job from scratch. I have no idea if I want to continue my marriage and have no other skills. I have been divorced before (have 2 teenage boys) and am feeling absolutely worthless. I can't bear the thought of failing my children because my anxiety, coupled with PTSD, depression and very little confidence has plagued me for so long I'll never change. Please any advice or words of hope appreciated.

luft_ Can't seem to hold down a job
  • replies: 4

Hello to all, I've had some trouble these past few years finding and holding down jobs. I have never been unemployed - but I seem to flit from job to job. Inevitably, something always seems to happen. - I was fired from a gym when I was a teenager fo... View more

Hello to all, I've had some trouble these past few years finding and holding down jobs. I have never been unemployed - but I seem to flit from job to job. Inevitably, something always seems to happen. - I was fired from a gym when I was a teenager for locking the keys in the till (for some reason the spare keys were on the same key ring as the original set). The person firing me told me I seemed like I was a "pretty stupid person" and "not very smart". - I got my first (proper) job in my early 20s after graduating university. I was there 18 months, didn't really like it, resigned to work on a 6 month election campaign, where I had a mid level role, did really well and made some great friends and contacts. Loved it. - When it ended, I set up my own consultancy and worked alongside a very high profile Australian, then picked up several other clients and did ok. I still have some of these clients. - At the end of that year I was attacked on the side of the road by someone who tried to abduct me, and then things sort of took a nose dive. I took on a client I didn't work with very well, the client at the time got very angry with me, then cut me off. - After working for myself I decided I would try to find a proper, salaried job, because I was a bit stressed working for myself and running my own business. I got a job on a big political campaign. Two weeks in and my grandmother got diagnosed with cancer. Things went badly and I was stressed. I was bullied and worked for a manager who seemed slightly insane and wouldn't let me make any decisions. My direct manager was fired after also being bullied. After making a few small errors I was basically asked to resign and ended up resigning. 8 other people also resigned. - I applied for another job and got a senior role in private sector with 4 direct reports. On my first day I was sexually harassed, other girls were too. 2 months later at Christmas my grandmother died after having cancer for 6 months. I freaked out that I wasn't doing well and resigned at the end of January and took up a 6 month contract for another political campaign (which is going ok but ends in mid-August) and took on a client on the side. - Client I have on the side is going bankrupt - went psycho at me today over something that wasn't my fault (wasn't ever told about this thing). Sorry for the abrupt timeline can't help but feel this is all my fault - I feel like I keep having issues at work and can't seem to hold anything down ​

Wilma1 When is it ok to just not be ok
  • replies: 3

When you're done everything, everything, like all the distraction that sometimes work, read posts and reached out, even if it's a silent prayer because you just didn't have the right words, you still felt their pain and gave your best. One small step... View more

When you're done everything, everything, like all the distraction that sometimes work, read posts and reached out, even if it's a silent prayer because you just didn't have the right words, you still felt their pain and gave your best. One small step ..yes...and a list...but it's not ok. Sometimes you get a glimpse behind your own mask, the one you've kept just for you, and there it is again. No, there's not even been a running away...it's just not ok in so many ways.

dochisholm Ongoing sleep anxiety
  • replies: 2

Hi I wondered if anyone can help. My anxiety is about health overall but predominantly sleep. If I don't sleep or struggle my thoughts just snowball. I think I need sleep to function the next day especially when an event or work is the next day. If I... View more

Hi I wondered if anyone can help. My anxiety is about health overall but predominantly sleep. If I don't sleep or struggle my thoughts just snowball. I think I need sleep to function the next day especially when an event or work is the next day. If I miss a nights sleep I get into a huge panic and mess. The more urgent it is the more I struggle. This has been going on for long enough and I am tackling it. I have been told to try medication but I am afraid that it will further mess with my sleep. Any feedback would be great thanks

Blondie1992 Anxiety is killing me.
  • replies: 2

Hi, my name is Melissa I'm 25 years old and I suffer from anxiety, I have been dignosed in 2013 with anxiety . I just want to tell you how I feel and my story . when I first got dignosed with anxiety I was so sick. I was living with my family at this... View more

Hi, my name is Melissa I'm 25 years old and I suffer from anxiety, I have been dignosed in 2013 with anxiety . I just want to tell you how I feel and my story . when I first got dignosed with anxiety I was so sick. I was living with my family at this time, I started crying for no apprent reason and then the anxiety just got to me, every morning at 7am I would wake up with a racing heart and I was panicking it was like my 7am was an alarm for me . When I would go in for a shower it felt like I was falling down so my mum came to the bathroom while I was having a shower , I was even scared to walk to the letter box because I was thinking the worst if I were to walk to the latter box, anyways I was on meds for it and I was feeling better with myself as soon as I felt better stupid me got of them. Now it's 2017 it's all getting to me but different symptoms, I have racing thoughts in my head, unwanted thoughts in my head like it will come and go I feel like I'm going crazy .... I just don't know what to do!