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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.

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Moonstruck Can I ring BBlue to talk my way thru a panic attack?
  • replies: 11

Is it OK to ring the Beyond Blue helpline to talk to a counsellor when in the middle of a panic attack? There is no one else I can ring when in this position as it would be pretty scary for an untrained friend, family etc to hear me during one! Would... View more

Is it OK to ring the Beyond Blue helpline to talk to a counsellor when in the middle of a panic attack? There is no one else I can ring when in this position as it would be pretty scary for an untrained friend, family etc to hear me during one! Would I be wasting BB's phone time if I ring them? Is there a time limit I can speak for? I have my phone off the hook today checking each hour to see if any messages, then taking it off again. I can't think straight. I have so much to do. I am shaking and beginning to lose it.

Aak Anxiety makes me feel awkward in job interviews
  • replies: 5

Hi guys. I had a job interview last week and it didn't go so well.. due to my anxiety kicking in and making me feel awkward and stumble on my words the whole interview. I even lost my vocabulary because the anxiety is so intense and my mind is just s... View more

Hi guys. I had a job interview last week and it didn't go so well.. due to my anxiety kicking in and making me feel awkward and stumble on my words the whole interview. I even lost my vocabulary because the anxiety is so intense and my mind is just so full. Then I go home and ask my self why I've got to suffer from anxiety and thinking of how different like would be if I wasn't diagnosed.. Does anyone else feel like this or is it just me?

Peace_Seeker Anxiety symptoms and diet
  • replies: 18

Has anyone who has or is predisposed to anxiety noticed an increase in symptoms when they have gone from eating meat to being vego or vegan? I became vego about four months ago and my most recent spiral into PTSD and panic attacks started 5 weeks ago... View more

Has anyone who has or is predisposed to anxiety noticed an increase in symptoms when they have gone from eating meat to being vego or vegan? I became vego about four months ago and my most recent spiral into PTSD and panic attacks started 5 weeks ago. My therapist thinks there might be a connection. I can't find any studies online that support the theory however logically the scientific theory is sound. Before this downward turn I was doing fantastically (and have a great bunch tools) and there has been no obvious trigger for this so I'm playing with this theory a bit. I'd love to hear other people's experience with going vego. Thanks

Matt3 Do what you love!
  • replies: 2

Two years ago I woke in the night thinking I was having a heart attack. I was rushed to hospital and thought I was going to die. I was sent home and told to find a cardiologist. This really freaked me out. I started to get short of breath and shakey.... View more

Two years ago I woke in the night thinking I was having a heart attack. I was rushed to hospital and thought I was going to die. I was sent home and told to find a cardiologist. This really freaked me out. I started to get short of breath and shakey. I eventually saw a GP who diagnosed me with PTSD and severe panic disorder. I'd never had anxiety and was fit and healthy. WHY ME? 6 months went by without me being able to function properly and subsequently I ended up being housebound. My world was upside down. I'd lost my job, quit playing basketball and couldn't even take my kids to the park. It was totally debilitating and I felt scared and ashamed. Then one day the strangest thing happened. It was a Thursday afternoon in January 2016 and I was at home still struggling with my breathing and trembling, despite being on new medication. I opened up my inbox on my phone and saw a story in my local newspaper about a historic Redwood forest in Warburton. The photos were magical and it was luring me to go and photograph it. I picked up my camera, jumped in my car and set off on my first photography mission since having my breakdown. Now I didn't used to believe in spirits, ghosts, the afterlife or anything like that, but on that day in the forest I can only describe the feeling as ethereal. It was like the ancient trees were talking to me and telling me that everything would be okay. I sat and meditated for the first time ever. I must of been there, sitting in this forest for hours. When I left, something had shifted. It was like my burdens had been lifted. I started to feel better. So much so that a week later I set off on a photography road trip. It was like I finally understood that the material things in life don't bring you happiness. You must do what YOU LOVE. I continue to heal every day. Little frustrations no longer bother me. I'm on a journey to spread love and light through my photography and my experiences. No matter how dark the world can seem, always remember that LOVE is the answer. I'm here if anyone ever needs guidance or a friend.

jellybelly12 anxiety that needs help straight away
  • replies: 2

I have anxiety and its getting worse. I don't know how to control it. I also have depression, I need some advice on how to get through both of these. it got to a point I couldn't breath and had to sit down and get everything to work normal again View more

I have anxiety and its getting worse. I don't know how to control it. I also have depression, I need some advice on how to get through both of these. it got to a point I couldn't breath and had to sit down and get everything to work normal again

Mattmann Anxiety and OCD
  • replies: 3

Hello, I am certain that I have depression/anxiety. But I have autism and OCD. I am currently on antidepressants. I have a wife and two kids. My reason for having depression/anxiety is that I struggle to cope with life. Here are some things: Getting ... View more

Hello, I am certain that I have depression/anxiety. But I have autism and OCD. I am currently on antidepressants. I have a wife and two kids. My reason for having depression/anxiety is that I struggle to cope with life. Here are some things: Getting upset after an argument. Feeling like I am a waste of space. My parents divorced when I was little. I have no job and an unsuccessful education. I eat a lot when I am hungry and bored. I struggle being on a pension and always low on money. I don't get to see my friends as much in person (we only keep in contact via Facebook). I am obsessed with a friend who I used to study with. I often get angry and annoyed easily (over silly things such as not having enough hot water for my shower). I badly suffered from OCD (with showering, washing my hands and checking if my door was locked/if taps are turned off) when I was in my late teens/early 20s and my mum resented it. I get talked out of doing/having what I want. Used to get bullied at school.

LEL93 Vomiting Phobia
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone. I am 23 and for as long as I know I have live with this anxiety of being petrified of getting sick, others being sick near me etc. It gets so so bad I can't breath and shake. I dont want to eat, I try and avoid everything I can. Which is... View more

Hi everyone. I am 23 and for as long as I know I have live with this anxiety of being petrified of getting sick, others being sick near me etc. It gets so so bad I can't breath and shake. I dont want to eat, I try and avoid everything I can. Which is really becoming unfair and selfish to my two little kids. I'm too scared to take my 2 year old to a playground in case he gets sick. My poor 2 year old has been so sick this past week vomiting and in hospital. Not confirmed what it is. But after 3 days of nothing bad vomited again tonight and sending me absolutely crazy. I can't cope and deal with it very well. He just wants cuddles and I can't stand to be near him It's absolutely horrible and I'm feeling like the worst mum. Its even that I don't like myself or hubby drinking in case we were to get a hangover, I check every mouthfull of food I do eat so I don't get food poisoning, I hate public places, school holidays. Its really effecting my life and would love Anh advice you have?!

mchal4 OCD thoughts about getting yelled at...
  • replies: 2

Hi all ! Can anyone else relate to flashbacks about getting yelled at, maybe by a superior or supervisor ? How should you handle or deal with these ? Thanks.stay safe.

Hi all ! Can anyone else relate to flashbacks about getting yelled at, maybe by a superior or supervisor ? How should you handle or deal with these ? Thanks.stay safe.

borderline_insanity Anxiety With Potential Relationships
  • replies: 3

Anxiety has been a constant struggle almost my whole life, one of the worst triggers being potential relationships. I'm completely fine when someone is interested in me - the problem arises when I start to feel the same way towards them. It terrifies... View more

Anxiety has been a constant struggle almost my whole life, one of the worst triggers being potential relationships. I'm completely fine when someone is interested in me - the problem arises when I start to feel the same way towards them. It terrifies me beyond comprehension, and I start to over think it, resulting in frequent panic attacks that eat away at me. Usually I love the idea of being in a relationship, so I guess I'm wondering why I get so unbelievably scared when the idea becomes an actual possibility. I'm currently in this position now and I don't want to run away from something potentially great just because of unnecessary fears that I can't explain. Why do I feel like this and how can I manage/overcome it?

Becky087 Negative Thought Patterns
  • replies: 9

"I'm never going to be good enough for anything." "I never do anything right." "Why did I say that? I'm so awkward. Everyone hates me." "I'm ugly/I'm fat/I look terrible without make-up/I have no style." "I hate myself/my personality/the way I look."... View more

"I'm never going to be good enough for anything." "I never do anything right." "Why did I say that? I'm so awkward. Everyone hates me." "I'm ugly/I'm fat/I look terrible without make-up/I have no style." "I hate myself/my personality/the way I look." "My dreams/goals are unrealistic and I'll never achieve them." If any of these sound familiar, please tell me how you deal/manage when you start to get into these spiraling negative thought patterns. These same questions come into my head literally every day and I believe them. When others tell me I'm pretty/nice/they like me as a person/not fat/going to get where I want in life/talented/capable, I don't believe them and think they're just saying these things to be nice. I have no self-confidence or self-worth whatsoever and am constantly very self-conscious. It's exhausting and everything I've tried just doesn't work. Any advice?