Support
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 conversation

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
Categories
Start a conversation

Pinned discussions

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

All discussions

Start a conversation

krystalramone Anxiety stopping me from leaving the house, some days ...
  • replies: 20

Hello all, I wanted to reach out and discuss this. I find my anxiety so debilitating that I find it hard on particular days to leave the house. I feel a sense that I don't want to be around people and feel safe/secure in my own home. I know this is n... View more

Hello all, I wanted to reach out and discuss this. I find my anxiety so debilitating that I find it hard on particular days to leave the house. I feel a sense that I don't want to be around people and feel safe/secure in my own home. I know this is not healthy and have been given some tips from my ongoing support worker. However I wanted some advice from those of you who suffer from this situation/feelings and what you do to overcome them/or help you? krystalramone

Ulysses How are people feeling today?
  • replies: 11

Just went for a nice camping trip. Fishing, swimming so refreshing but of course the minute I got back anxiety creeps in. I realise just the thought of Monday puts me into anxiety mode, and I’m not even working presently. I have to say though that th... View more

Just went for a nice camping trip. Fishing, swimming so refreshing but of course the minute I got back anxiety creeps in. I realise just the thought of Monday puts me into anxiety mode, and I’m not even working presently. I have to say though that this website’s forums have helped me so much and that I find comfort in it when I feel anxious. Hoping everyone out there had something nice happen to them this weekend.

daoga Meeting Anxiety
  • replies: 1

I'm in the IT industry. I don't know how many here suffering from Social Anxiety are working in the same. The growing trend in this industry are so-called Scrum Stand-Up Meetings where the team meets daily for 15 to 30 minutes, and each member of the... View more

I'm in the IT industry. I don't know how many here suffering from Social Anxiety are working in the same. The growing trend in this industry are so-called Scrum Stand-Up Meetings where the team meets daily for 15 to 30 minutes, and each member of the team takes turns reporting what they worked on the previous day, what they will work on the current day and what obstacles they need help with. Before this trend, I was working comfortably with computers 8 hours a day with minimal interaction. Since these meetings were introduced, I've had a couple of panic attacks (I had to step out of the meeting to grab a cup of water). I get very anxious prior to these meetings, and I worry about the next day's meeting after coming home at night. I am on a mental health plan and since then I have been recommended mindfulness meditation (using the app Headspace), do cognitive rehearsal, and apply positive psychology (noting positive thoughts about myself daily). I have also since excused myself from this daily activity. I don't know if I will ever have the courage to do this again. Does anyone here experience the same? I have also since then been silently advocating "neurodiversity" sensitivity in the company, with the hopes to make such meetings optional for those who are of a different neurotype like me.

MV11 Anxiety for no reason
  • replies: 1

So I’m 17 and I’m not the one the ever get depressed or anything. I’ve never really been depressed and I have always been pretty normal, I get happy I get angry but usually I’m in between. But recently and I don’t know why when I’m on my own mentally... View more

So I’m 17 and I’m not the one the ever get depressed or anything. I’ve never really been depressed and I have always been pretty normal, I get happy I get angry but usually I’m in between. But recently and I don’t know why when I’m on my own mentally like it’s just me with my thoughts I get anxiety for no reason like I don’t think about anything important at all and it’s really hard to fall asleep. But this anxiety thing comes and goes and the only way I can sleep is if I’m really tired or I have a podcast playing while I sleep so i can’t really talk to myself. I mean sometimes I get into really deep thoughts like life after death and about space and stuff and for some reason it puts me on edge and I hate it and I’m really trying to do the best I can to rid my self. but if anyone has any suggestions like drink something before I sleep or like read a book or something it would be much appreciated

michc04 Need some help to keep going
  • replies: 1

Hi, while I haven’t been suffering from servere panic and anxiety for too long (it has come on in the last 5 weeks and won’t leave) i just need some motivation to keep going and trying to get over this. I have tried everything and recently just start... View more

Hi, while I haven’t been suffering from servere panic and anxiety for too long (it has come on in the last 5 weeks and won’t leave) i just need some motivation to keep going and trying to get over this. I have tried everything and recently just started on some medication but it is taking such a toll on my quality of life. i just want to know that there is some hope and things will get back to normal

sjay88 Panic attack BEGONE...Proud of myself
  • replies: 2

So I am a paid Elite Table tennis Coach, and recently the coaching sessions I run have been a trigger for extreme anxiety and panic attacks, both before and during the session. Most recent attacks are a result of anxiety that I will have another pani... View more

So I am a paid Elite Table tennis Coach, and recently the coaching sessions I run have been a trigger for extreme anxiety and panic attacks, both before and during the session. Most recent attacks are a result of anxiety that I will have another panic attack during a Coaching Session. I have had a number of severe panic attacks during Coaching Sessions in the past 6 months, although been mentally unwell for many years. Things just got that bad that the panic attacks started to creep into my passion and only paid work, and that is teaching/coaching children Table Tennis As you can imagine kids between 9 to about 17 years of age don't necessarily understand what a full blown panic attack looks like and having them in front of these kids was extremely intense, and no doubt scary for them to see their Coach freaking out. If I taught adults they would understand a little better, but kids don't as much, especially the young ones. Anyway, tonight I had a Session with 15 children, leading up to tonight's session I could feel the anxiety building, and about 10 mins out before the session started I was sitting in my car just wanting to try and make some excuse why I could not do the session, it was a bad one coming on. Anyway, I was able to practice breathing and mindfulness techniques to bring myself back into control of my thoughts and the bodily symptoms that occur with my panic attacks. I was able to go on and run one of the best session I have delivered in the last 6 months. Things could have turned out really bad, but I kicked its butt...So I am pretty proud of myself, Sjay88

Nickb1701 Anxiety and Panic Attacks Causing Physical Pain
  • replies: 2

Hello, First time poster here, so i'll just get straight down to it. i am diagnosed General anxiety disorder (GAD) Panic Disorder, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and Schizophrenia. My main problem is in regards to my anxiety and panic attacks. j... View more

Hello, First time poster here, so i'll just get straight down to it. i am diagnosed General anxiety disorder (GAD) Panic Disorder, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and Schizophrenia. My main problem is in regards to my anxiety and panic attacks. just last night i had to be admitted into hospital for an unusually high heart rate. but what people don't seem to understand is i have panic attacks every day. this day much worse. it had gone on for 3 days. i had a pounding heart. a constricted and crushing feeling in my chest that hurt physically. A lot. a sore stomach. weakness and trembling. the hospital was more concerned about my heart and conducted x-rays and blood tests, followed by tests on my heart to eliminate heart attacks. once they all came back clear. they discharged me with a letter for my GP to adjust my anxiety medication to try control my panic and general anxiety. it does get hard, often waking up in full blown withdrawal from the short 6-8 hour half life (i'm lucky to get 6 hours). these physical feelings i am experiencing daily. the crushing / constriction of the chest? the sore stomach? difficulty breathing. does anyone have any ideas or suggestions for what i could do with myself or my GP to try alleviate these symptons. because my doctor is of a different nationality to me and has trouble understanding me and what i'm trying to say. so theres a big barrier there. i also have another doctor i see once a month who is much more open and helpful to all my needs. but hes located further away than comfortable. any suggestions would be helpful to help me gather perspective on what i should do to approach my problem. thank you in advance. if you are experiencing similar issues please feel free to post your experience in this thread.

distelfink New here, long term sufferer
  • replies: 11

Hi there. I'm reaching out because I feel like I'm losing control. I have anxiety and depression and health anxiety. I lost my Mama 8 years ago, when I was 23 to cancer and since then EVERYTHING I have is about my health. I have a pain, "omgosh I mus... View more

Hi there. I'm reaching out because I feel like I'm losing control. I have anxiety and depression and health anxiety. I lost my Mama 8 years ago, when I was 23 to cancer and since then EVERYTHING I have is about my health. I have a pain, "omgosh I must have cancer"... A few weeks ago I had a really bad run, like the worst I've ever had with anxiety and panic attacks. Since then, I've been physically feeling parts of my body. My breast started to feel different - it was just my bra/clothing. Underneath the same breast it felt like I had bubbles or an unexplainable feeling - I have been noticing or been hyper aware of my clothing touching just this side. I have become so hyper aware of what my body is doing, I feel like it's driving me insane. I'm completely fine when I wake. No pains, no feelings - until I start thinking about it. I'm completely fine when I'm with friends or helping people - until I'm alone or left to my own devices... then everything becomes apparent. I have this throat 'burn' it's like a burn but it doesn't hurt.. and then my tongue feels like I've burnt the tastebuds - but haven't. Or it gets numb... but only when I concentrate. I saw a therapist a few years back and she recommended some herbal meds and mindfulness techniques - I've tried them.. and I was good for awhile. I have been looking for work; which I think is a major trigger... I'm terrified to work I found what I thought was a great help but now when I take it, I get bloated (or am?) I feel gassy but can't get relief - or I get relief when I stop taking these tablets. On them my anxiety is less. I tell you, I had a great week.. and then I started with the belly aches.. that over took my mind and here I am. I'm going crazy. Because if I'm busy or not thinking about them.... I can't feel a thing. I'm scared to see the doctor. I'm scared they're going to tell me I have cancer. I keep telling the same stories to my friends and then I feel bad because it's all they hear. I'm losing control. I'm going from QLD to VIC in March, (want to) and I'm already stressing about leaving my friends and my dad; but this was my decision. I did the same thing when I left VIC to come home. I want to go back... but I wish I could take my friends. My dad is 70 and all I think about is losing him but at the same time I can't stay here. There are so many 'normal' things going on and in my stupid head... it's torture.

demipouce What is wrong with me ... Overthinking ?
  • replies: 2

Hi I have came to the conclusion lately that I am dedfinitely not ok and I do really need help. I actually think I may be going totally crazy and OTT. Quick background, I am 26 years old, lived overseas for about 6 years, I live with my beautiful gir... View more

Hi I have came to the conclusion lately that I am dedfinitely not ok and I do really need help. I actually think I may be going totally crazy and OTT. Quick background, I am 26 years old, lived overseas for about 6 years, I live with my beautiful girlfriend who is extremely caring, makes me breakfast lunch and dinner everyday , funny, a ray of sunshine, also sick Fixable to an extent but nonetheless stressfull for young human beings like us.I am an obsessed fisherman so always spend my days outdoors and surfing too. I work as a programmer in IT and make websites and apps as a trade. Work isn't really stressfull and I wouldn't say I LOVE it but I am really good at it so it pays the bills really well. Every now and again I do get unhappy about it but I guess it is standard for any adults ... Money isn't a stressfull situation for me thanks to my job so I can rule that out of my equation. Lately I have been overthinking everything . I have everything anyone would want but I can't stop worrying about irrational thoughts and it is destroying me and affects everyone around me. My girlfriend and I are really honest , we do not drink and tell each other everything , even if it's bad truth is always better, and we are also raelly loyal and here for each other, very down to earth. Here is an example, what if her disease gets worse what am I gonna become ? What if she goes to a wedding and then all the guys are here hitting on her because she is a brisdmaid ? What happens if a friend of her introduces her to someones else even though she knows that she has me as a boyfriend ? What happens if we move out and then she decides she wants to go back home to her parents will she just leave me ? Last weekend they had a hens party at our house, and it's been the most challenging moment of my life I swear. They had a stripper. I had put in my head that everyone was gonna get rowdy with him and I worked myself up so much the whole day not knowing what was happening... When I got home she told me the truth, nothing happened, he didn't even go near me, it was gross. You know what the worse part about this is ? I knew this is how she was going to react, but I just make up crazy stories in my head and it all becomes so real and it really affects my body , it makes me angry, short, sad. I can't keep living like that, I am sick of making stupid stories in my head and worry about them when I know from the start they are not going to happen ... What is wrong with me ?

steelcity What is wrong with me?
  • replies: 1

I think I’ve got SAD.. & just feel like I need to vent a little. Just abit of a background. Put simply.. growing up I was the wild, chubby, loud kid who had plenty of friends.. from pre school up until 7th grade. And now, hardly any friends. There’s ... View more

I think I’ve got SAD.. & just feel like I need to vent a little. Just abit of a background. Put simply.. growing up I was the wild, chubby, loud kid who had plenty of friends.. from pre school up until 7th grade. And now, hardly any friends. There’s one particular thing that I can remember from my childhood that sort of stands out to me.. not really the reason for my situation today but I think important nonetheless. As I said, growing up I was the loud outspoken one. I loved tennis and was one day playing with my friend, & my brother his friend.. from memory I was about 12-13 years old. Fast forward back at home arguing with my brother, he tells me that his friend ask him who I thought I was? Why do I have to be so loud & energetic? Why do I have to be such a smartass? And that I’m not normal. Dunno, but pretty normal & average behaviour for a 12-13 year old I think? Now you would think this would have no bearing on me at this age. But for some reason it began to really sink in and I became abit more self conscious. Through high school I became reserved & not as out going. I had a couple of friends but was considered the outsider when it came to big groups & I didn’t really have any contact with girls as the high school I went to was an all boys school. I didn’t realise how bad I was until I’d finished school. I started my first job & the thought of making new friends was exciting, but never really happened. I was quiet, shy, weird & seen as weak and the easiest person to make fun of. I felt as though people were judging me whenever I said or did something. So I made no friends at my first job. Started my second job at 18 & was again the same thing.. just this time a little different because I was working mainly with older people. I noticed I became a little ‘depressed’, walking around slumped all the time & just not wanting to talk to people. I made a couple of older friends here.. but none that I really have a close bond with. Stayed at this job for 7 1/2 years & made my way up the ranks. It was here that I realised I’m naturally switched on & smart.. but I simply had no confidence in myself at all. Super fast forward to today & I’m 2 weeks into another new job. To get here was no easy feat.. 2,000 applicants whittled down to 30. Again, I’m finding myself left out of groups. I’m currently interstate in a shared hotel room as the job requires it. There are groups & close friendships forming, but I’m not part of any of them.

As an organisation that supports people from across Australia, Beyond Blue acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present.

First Nations Peoples are advised that this website may include reference to and images of deceased persons.

Beyond Blue is committed to safe inclusive spaces, policies and services for people of LGBTIQ+ communities and their families.

Helpful information

Stay in touch

Sign up below for regular emails from Beyond Blue, filled with information, advice and support for you or your loved ones.

Stay in touch

Talk it through with us, we'll point you in the right direction.

Call 1300 224 636

24 hours / 7 days a week

Chat Online

24 hours / 7 days a week

Email us

Get a reply in 24 hours

Copyright � 2026 Beyond Blue Ltd

All rights reserved

Contact us Terms of use Privacy policy Site map