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

Tina_92 Looking for Re-Assurance - Extreme Anxiety From Medical tests
  • replies: 1

I have done a bariatric surgery recently (6 months ago) ... and I was so anxious something is going wrong ... I got tested a lot, everytime I go to ED they do me at least a couple of Chest X-raysLastly my bariatric GP has recommended that I do Liver ... View more

I have done a bariatric surgery recently (6 months ago) ... and I was so anxious something is going wrong ... I got tested a lot, everytime I go to ED they do me at least a couple of Chest X-raysLastly my bariatric GP has recommended that I do Liver and Abdomen 4 Phase CT Scans with contrast ... which is HEAPSSSS of radiation ... I did it and once done I felt heaps of regret, since then and I am looking to what I have done to myself .. especially that last year before my surgery I also had a CT Scan in ED When I went to my regular GP who was away for so long, she put my anxiety to another level, she told me how I have put myself at a higher risk by going through all these tests, she counted for me the times I have been to ED with chest X rays (about 10 times) and the two CTs mentioning that the last one is HEAPS of radiation ...I now cannot sleep ... thinking what have I done to myself ... I am only wishing I SAID "NO" or discussed this with the bariatric GP who referred me, or at least let the sonographer knew of my past tests that have done ... I am so upset and regretting ... she made me feel even worse by her talk .. was crying the whole visit in the clinic She asked me to stay away from radiation at least the next 10 years unless its EMERGENCY

Ruby_Duxfield My mum might have cancer
  • replies: 3

I have been feeling very overwhelmed and anxious at the moment finding out my mum could possibly have breast cancer, or even melanoma (the most serious type of skin cancer). I feel isolated and alone and I have no one to talk to. I just want someone ... View more

I have been feeling very overwhelmed and anxious at the moment finding out my mum could possibly have breast cancer, or even melanoma (the most serious type of skin cancer). I feel isolated and alone and I have no one to talk to. I just want someone to understand, I’d never wish this pain on another soul but I just wish there was someone who could relate

Ladyrose Apologies just looking for understanding
  • replies: 19

I am sorry for taking up peoples time with my problems, but I feel very alone at the moment. I am having major anxiety issues changing jobs. I am completely petrified, and the new position is a long distance from home and I am not sure I have made th... View more

I am sorry for taking up peoples time with my problems, but I feel very alone at the moment. I am having major anxiety issues changing jobs. I am completely petrified, and the new position is a long distance from home and I am not sure I have made the right decision. I have cried a river of tears, sweated, chest pains and a feeling of complete helplessness and feeling like a failure. I have booked a psychologist in a weeks time to try and deal with my issues. This is not living. Friends and family dont understand which makes it so much worse. I feel lost and alone as I cant talk to anyone about how I feel. People think by saying you will be ok that the anxiety just disappears. Thank you for listening as I know other people are going through much worse.

Kpb16 OCD Question
  • replies: 8

Hi,Hope all is well. Can I ask if OCD goes away completely? I developed it due to COVID and every time I feel like I’ve managed to get rid of one form of ocd, it comes up in a different area.Thanks.

Hi,Hope all is well. Can I ask if OCD goes away completely? I developed it due to COVID and every time I feel like I’ve managed to get rid of one form of ocd, it comes up in a different area.Thanks.

Pete2500 Anxiety symptoms
  • replies: 5

I recently had some financial problems and within a few days I was, crying frequently at the smallest thing, having difficulty concentrating, feeling like my insides were shaking, feeling like vomiting and on some occasions stuttering and constant he... View more

I recently had some financial problems and within a few days I was, crying frequently at the smallest thing, having difficulty concentrating, feeling like my insides were shaking, feeling like vomiting and on some occasions stuttering and constant headache. Often after the sad feeling passes I will feel exhausted. I have a wife and two young kids and I feel like I have let them down as I don’t know how to handle the situation. In addition I feel like I am being a burden on my wife as simple tasks feel impossible. I have tried breathing exercises and going for walks. I seem to be stuck on a loop. Are these common things that happen with anxiety?I have tried breathing exercises and going for walks.I don’t want to feel like this and I want to be back to normal.Appreciate any advice.thank you

Macca96 Work Anxiety
  • replies: 29

Hi all. I will keep this short and to the point. Recently I started a new job which is quite demanding and it has made me very anxious about deadlines and I worrie I’m not going to perform well. My tummy feels like it’s twisted and I feel very nervou... View more

Hi all. I will keep this short and to the point. Recently I started a new job which is quite demanding and it has made me very anxious about deadlines and I worrie I’m not going to perform well. My tummy feels like it’s twisted and I feel very nervous about my work. This started 2 days ago and I haven’t been able to sleep. I can’t stop thinking about work!! Other symptoms include sweaty hands and loss of appetite. Is this GAD? Or am I just being silly? I have a doctors appointment tomorrow.

Hannan1- Can’t take anymore
  • replies: 3

I’m 52 and been in perimenopause for 18mths. I’ve been tapered off antidepressant’s over the last 2 weeks (don’t want to go down that road again) I can’t cope with the constant palpitations, my legs feel weak and I’m scared I’m going to die from a he... View more

I’m 52 and been in perimenopause for 18mths. I’ve been tapered off antidepressant’s over the last 2 weeks (don’t want to go down that road again) I can’t cope with the constant palpitations, my legs feel weak and I’m scared I’m going to die from a heart attack. My heart holter monitor and ECG was normal.Being told to cope with it is easier said than done. I feel like I’m letting my family down. I can’t die yet as l have a son with disabilities.🥲🥲🥲🥲 I feel broken with fear.

stevecau Guided techniques with the BB Counsellors or Clinicians vs SMS materials
  • replies: 1

Hi, I've been making used of the beyond blue support number for a few weeks now with thanks to a referral from the Open Minds organisation. I find that the majority of clinicians are very supportive and helpful but there are a few rough diamonds. I h... View more

Hi, I've been making used of the beyond blue support number for a few weeks now with thanks to a referral from the Open Minds organisation. I find that the majority of clinicians are very supportive and helpful but there are a few rough diamonds. I have schizoaffective disorder and for the first time after using this service after just a few sessions I was overcoming my catastrophisation anxiety attacks after clinician guided Breathing, PMR, Grounding techniques. I find if I try to do any of these by myself or through the SMS materials it is not the same experience. I find it extremely difficult to multitask and there is too much material to sift through and I suffer further. I've requested a call recording with one of the better clinicians and I'm hoping I can replay it to help me further. Does anyone else feel the same way? Diaphragmatic breathing with one hand on chest the other on belly and breathing just concentrating on the lift of the hands is down right the basics I can deal with but anything more and I'm overhwhelmed without the counsellor. As a voiceover artist, the tone, pace, accent, noise and music in much of the SMS material does not sit with me well.

Lindy77 Newbie with anxiety/panic with no trigger
  • replies: 11

Hi all my name is Lyndall and I’ve suffered anxiety and panic disorder for years. I am medicated for it, but recently I seem to be having attacks with no trigger. I could be perfectly fine then all of a sudden I’m filled with anxiety and panic. I’m a... View more

Hi all my name is Lyndall and I’ve suffered anxiety and panic disorder for years. I am medicated for it, but recently I seem to be having attacks with no trigger. I could be perfectly fine then all of a sudden I’m filled with anxiety and panic. I’m always feeling like I’m going to have a heart attack. I’ve had numerous ECG’S and I’ve had a stress test in the past and they have come back with no problems. I’m scared cause this is debilitating. I do have a fantastic Dr but I feel like I just annoy her with all my anxiety issues. I just don’t know where to turn.

amanda68 Alone and lost after marriage breakdown
  • replies: 19

Hi, I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety for over 22 years. My husband was my help with this when I couldn’t do something like drive far or go to the shops. Now after 21 years, my marriage is over. I have the full time care of my 10 year old gr... View more

Hi, I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety for over 22 years. My husband was my help with this when I couldn’t do something like drive far or go to the shops. Now after 21 years, my marriage is over. I have the full time care of my 10 year old grandson. I only speak with my daughter and have no friends or other family. I feel so lost and sad, I have no one to talk to not even my neighbours. I put on a brave face for my grandson who has lost his Poppy after being abandoned by his parents, 3 years ago. My sadness is consuming me and I again am starting to have panic attacks. I’ve booked to see my gp on Monday, but I need to talk to someone. I do see my psychiatrist regularly by he doesn’t seem to do much for me. I feel lost and scared for the future. Thanks for listening.