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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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Marlie Flooding treatment for phobias
  • replies: 2

Hi, I have GAD and suffer panic attacks and also have issues with ptsd and ocd. One of my ptsd triggers is I was in a large earthquake in 2011. After this I have been too scared to return to my home city where it happened. as it has been a while, fam... View more

Hi, I have GAD and suffer panic attacks and also have issues with ptsd and ocd. One of my ptsd triggers is I was in a large earthquake in 2011. After this I have been too scared to return to my home city where it happened. as it has been a while, family have pressured me to return to visit so I booked a trip thinking I would be fine. I'm not. Since booking it it has become real and i am terrified to go back. I also have a severe phobia of flying and the flight is 4 hrs. my psychiatrist thinks I should go as cancelling is avoiding the fears and that it's called "flooding". I know the trip is going to be so traumatic and I don't know if I can go straight into facing my fears like that. my psychologist who i only just started seeing thinks its too intense and that I need therapy to learn how to manage the anxiety and how to deal with it better before I throw myself in the deep end. any one been through something similar? I don't know if I should go or not! Its 2 weeks away and I can't decide!! i am scared if I go I will get there and I will have a breakdown.

cai Anxiety every time I leave the house
  • replies: 2

I'll try to shorten the back story... my mother passed away suddenly from medical negligence. 6 months later my cousin died. I fell pregnant and separated from my son's father at 5 months pregnant. My son was born at 26 weeks gestation with life thre... View more

I'll try to shorten the back story... my mother passed away suddenly from medical negligence. 6 months later my cousin died. I fell pregnant and separated from my son's father at 5 months pregnant. My son was born at 26 weeks gestation with life threatening conditions, spent nearly 6 months in NICU and then my step father passed away a few months after my son's 1st birthday. I have severe anxiety with panic disorder and I have had panic attacks since I was 4 years old. My daily anxiety has increased significantly to the point that I don't like to leave the house unless it's for my son's therapy sessions, special needs playgroups or for him to socialise somewhat. I have my son most of the time but when he does stay with his father I feel lost and very anxious and don't want to leave the safety of my house. My question is how do those with this kind of anxiety (or terrible anxiety/ptsd) deal with having to leave the house or their comfort zone? I have this never ending feeling of dread and heightened anxiety that is both draining and makes me feel physically sick. I have an awful fear of death and have awful worrying thoughts of something terrible happening to me or to my loved ones. I'm so sick of feeling as though I need to be constantly aware and controlling of everything.

Ardenrose Feeling extreme anxious and worthless. Suffering from PTSD too
  • replies: 1

Hi guys, I want to start off by saying thank you for opening this thread. I know a lot of people are on this website dealing with personal issues, so i just want to thank you, whoever is reading this and taking time to reply to my thread. It does mea... View more

Hi guys, I want to start off by saying thank you for opening this thread. I know a lot of people are on this website dealing with personal issues, so i just want to thank you, whoever is reading this and taking time to reply to my thread. It does mean a lot really. I have anxiety issue. I dont know if im still depressed but i know for a fact that i still get flashbacks from all the bad things, traumatic things that happened to me. Right now, i feel very down and distressed. I just canceled my 9hr shift because i couldnt do it.. What makes it even more upset is that, I tried my hardest this morning to be able to feel strong enough, to fight this anxiety as i could already see it coming. I prayed, read the bible, had a good breakfast and whatnot. but after even getting ready, i just couldnt do it. i wanted to burst out and cry. I know for a fact tho that not only i have anxiety issues, i also have been dealing with relationship problem with my partner... It tears me apart. Now i feel like such a looser for not doing my shift. It reminds me of the reason i lost my job before because cancelling my shifts.... I just want to cry and let this out. I need someone to understand me.wanted to tell my boyfriend but I know he will get angry especially that we are struggling financially (we live together). I hope thats the reason why im saying all these things here... I have work again tomorrow. already scared of whats gonna happen.. If anyone could give me kind words or any encouragement i would really appreciate it. Thank you. Ps: I dont see a counsellor anymore. Not at the moment as i dont feel like its evhelping me at all.

Mojo76 Relief teaching anxiety
  • replies: 9

I am really struggling with anxiety while working relief in schools. I find that every day I work I make at least one really, really stupid mistake that makes me look incompetent. These are always mistakes that I would never make if I was calm but be... View more

I am really struggling with anxiety while working relief in schools. I find that every day I work I make at least one really, really stupid mistake that makes me look incompetent. These are always mistakes that I would never make if I was calm but because I am in a constant state of anxiety, I'm not thinking straight. I'm worried that I am going to end up never been called back to these schools and I have no other source of income. Does anybody else struggle with this?

Nervybella Just needing to write all this down
  • replies: 16

So I have posted a few threads before but I just need to vent today, not sure if anyone will even respond but have to do this Firstly: at the start of the I got a new job, it was awful and I resigned after around 3 weeks. I've been out of work since ... View more

So I have posted a few threads before but I just need to vent today, not sure if anyone will even respond but have to do this Firstly: at the start of the I got a new job, it was awful and I resigned after around 3 weeks. I've been out of work since then and have applied for over 12 jobs, had an interview for one but haven't even heard from any of the others. Making me feel worthless and shit. I was so nervous in the interview, I just kept thinking about my terrible experience at the other job. Its becoming extreme where I dream about the boss who was awful to me, I think I see her in the streets (when it's impossible) and I can even hear her voice putting me down in my head, I can't escape these thoughts and I feel like she has ruined my life...I've lost all confidence and lost all faith, I can't seem to imagine it get excited about a new job because I am convincing myself it will be just as bad as the last.... second: I am feeling very alone at the moment, lots of my friends are overseas before Uni goes back, and those that are hear don't make time to see me. I think it's because they think my anxiety is "fixed" by leaving the job and visiting my psych. When I was in the thick of my most recent bout of anxiety my friends and family were super supportive. Ringing me and offering to catch up and keep me busy, saying all the right thing etc. But now I've left their support had dropped off but really I still need it....I don't know what to do abut this Third: my birthday is coming up and I'm having a get together at my house but this is starting to cause me grief...I'm so nervous to have people in my house, especially eb cause it's usually my safe haven away from everyone....I don't know fourth: I'm also finding that because I'm home a lot I am becoming obsessed with checking these threads to see if people have posted anything. When there is nothing new I get really upset, I can't explain why but I feel like I'm depending on these threads to keep me company or dove my problems, does anyone else feel this way? Anyway, I inow there aren't really any questions in here to be answered but I just hoped that writing my thoughts down would diffuse them a little bit and take away their intensity thanks to anyone that answers, Bella

Bookworm_ My dog is making me anxious
  • replies: 3

Hiii I'm new to this. My parents have gone overseas and I'm home alone with my sister and the dog. Today hasn't been a good day. I keep having anxious thoughts about everything and I can't find a way to relax myself. Even my dog is making me nervous ... View more

Hiii I'm new to this. My parents have gone overseas and I'm home alone with my sister and the dog. Today hasn't been a good day. I keep having anxious thoughts about everything and I can't find a way to relax myself. Even my dog is making me nervous as she won't listen to me and keeps barking for attention. I haven't been sleeping very well either lately. I keep waking up several times during the night. Any advice is appreciated thanks

Bond007 Another OCD sufferer with some tips and questions..
  • replies: 5

Hello folks, New to this site but let me start by saying that I have suffered with pure type of OCD for 7 to 8 years now. It all began when I suffered from testicular cancer stage-1 many years ago. Unfortunately there was no one to talk to and was pr... View more

Hello folks, New to this site but let me start by saying that I have suffered with pure type of OCD for 7 to 8 years now. It all began when I suffered from testicular cancer stage-1 many years ago. Unfortunately there was no one to talk to and was pretty isolated due to my family being overseas during treatment. It was bloody heck of a difficult and testing times. This obviously caused me depression, anxiety and OCD. I have overcome this cancer. Moving forward to present, I still have OCD and depression. My OCD seems to lie dormant if I take proper sleep and if I can avoid caffeine completely. I mean even damn decaf tea can cause me anxiety, obsessions and compulsions to come back which means i have grown sensitive to caffeine. If I take caffeine even in decaf tea or coffee form, than I need to make sure I take my medication too. My doctor has prescribed SSRI which I am taking daily. As my OCD/anxiety lies dormant without any caffeine, doing ERP/CBT is pretty ineffective. I read somewhere that for CBT/ERP to be effective there has to be some level of anxiety while doing exposure. For example one of the obsession and anxiety I suffer from is fear of addictive illicit drugs like ice. It just scares me completely even when I have never taken any drugs whatsoever. My main questions are: Have you been able to completely quit caffeine altogether? I mean no decaf as well. If so how easy you find to not take any caffeine at all? What is your main tip about overcoming OCD? How do you practise ERP for pure type of OCD without any physical compulsions? Any suggestions for my obsessions and fears? Tips: Eat and rest well. Avoiding caffeine seems to definitely help. Going for a run or even walk can be helpful too. Look for less stressful job if work makes you more anxious. Use of essential oil like lavender oil on your feet before going to sleep is helpful. Meditation and affirmations on youtube are handy. Please share your thoughts.. thanks

-Peter- Panic Disorder. I don't know what is happening...
  • replies: 11

Hello, I'm a 29 year old man from rural WA. About three weeks ago I was doing some shopping at Coles when I started feeling nausea, tingling in my hands, panic, tightness in the chest and trembling uncontrollably. The girl at the checkout was looking... View more

Hello, I'm a 29 year old man from rural WA. About three weeks ago I was doing some shopping at Coles when I started feeling nausea, tingling in my hands, panic, tightness in the chest and trembling uncontrollably. The girl at the checkout was looking at me strangely and I know why. My hands were shaking and all the colour had drained from my face. I looked like a ghost. In the past 3 weeks I have had around 10 or so of these horrific panic attacks. I went to the hospital 1 week ago and was referred to a local GP who started me back on medication. In the doctors waiting room I had another massive panic attack and almost feinted. I knew I had to get help so I stuck in there. When the doctor showed me into her room I was basically in tears. I have another appointment with the Doctor a week from now but I am too scared of having another attack in the waiting room. Now whenever I leave the house I am getting these panic attacks. I purposely go to the Deli just down the road so I don't have to go into town. I am no longer able to function properly. I am terrified of having more attacks. I am completely dominated by these feelings and it seems they have no trigger, apart from leaving the house. This is by far the most horrible feeling I've had in my entire life. I am considering asking the doctor to visit me at my home because I don't feel safe to drive. I was previously taking medication three months ago but I weined myself off them as I thought I could cope. Is this just a reaction to stopping my meds? I scored extreme on both the anxiety and depression tests. I really need help to overcome this because this is absolute torture. Thank you for reading my long winded post. I really hope whoever is reading this is having a better time than I am.

Sadlad i dont know if i have anxiety or what i just feel trapped
  • replies: 4

ive never wrote anything like this before but im gonna do my best, i used to be so happy almost all the time i remember that i used to talk to everyone, but i never had many friends. im the type of person that takes stuff very seriously so every time... View more

ive never wrote anything like this before but im gonna do my best, i used to be so happy almost all the time i remember that i used to talk to everyone, but i never had many friends. im the type of person that takes stuff very seriously so every time someone said to me i was weird or annoying i took that to heart and over the time i just became less and less of the person i was i used to be very spontaneous and say stuff without thinking all the time and be super silly but now im just shut down, sad all the time like i cant speak or say a thing without having to think about but even then i still cant get the words out and if i do manage to its embarrassing and then i sit there awkwardly for no reason. for some reason i just cant stop thinking about everthing besides the conversation, i just want to be like everyone else and just sit there and have a conversation that just flows out your mouth instead every second of it im just waiting for it to end. im only 17 so not being able to talk is really taking effect on my life, i now have no friends really and i just sit at home everyday dreading going outside even thought i really want to go out and make my life better. im sorry if this was abit confusing but could anyone please give me some information on whats wrong with me because i really hate my life and i would love some help

amalee78 Health anxiety
  • replies: 4

I have suffered from extreme health anxiety since 4 years ago when I had a benign rumour removed from my adrenal gland, the operation went wrong and I almost died. A year later they found a very small tumour on my other adrenal gland and while I have... View more

I have suffered from extreme health anxiety since 4 years ago when I had a benign rumour removed from my adrenal gland, the operation went wrong and I almost died. A year later they found a very small tumour on my other adrenal gland and while I have been told it is stable and just needs to be watched I live in constant fear of cancer and death. I also have to have an endoscopy this year because there is a chance I have Crohn's disease, but again, I live in constant fear of cancer and death. its becoming exhausting and overwhelming. I keep telling myself I've been told I'm ok and I try mindfulness activities a and meditation, but every day is so difficult living with a constant feeling of doom and dread - especially since I have 3 kids and one is only 10 weeks old. I can't shake the feeling I'm going to die and leave them . i guess I'm hoping if I verbalise my fears it will erase them slightly. Does anyone else feel similar or have some tips or suggestions for me?