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

Bearess72 Anxiety sufferer
  • replies: 9

I have been suffering with anxiety for many years, I have tried councillors, medications and it feels like nothing is working for me. My partner is very supportive he also works shift work and sometimes is away for 24 hrs which make me feel very anxi... View more

I have been suffering with anxiety for many years, I have tried councillors, medications and it feels like nothing is working for me. My partner is very supportive he also works shift work and sometimes is away for 24 hrs which make me feel very anxious especially when there is very bad weather around whilst I'm alone I become quite on edge and scared something bad will happened to me. When I feel this way I will try go out so I can be around people and feel secure. My councillor believes that due to my bad experience from an earth tremor the shock from that has made me feel the way I do. My days just feel a struggle and it seems to just cripple me to the extent of where I can't function and be the great person I would like to be. When I talk about this it sounds very crazy but it's the truth on how I feel and I believe being honest is the best way for others to be able to suggest or give advice to me so I can move forward and not struggle every day like I have been for a long time now.

Someonewhofeelscrap Catfishing
  • replies: 2

I catfished somebody for a year and I feel absolutely terrible about it. I shouldn't have done it. What if I am never happy again? I want to cry. I want to move on.. but what if I can't? I can't talk to anybody about it and I am so scared. View more

I catfished somebody for a year and I feel absolutely terrible about it. I shouldn't have done it. What if I am never happy again? I want to cry. I want to move on.. but what if I can't? I can't talk to anybody about it and I am so scared.

Jimboloo Possible anxiety?
  • replies: 17

Hi all, Quick run down, I've been sick with severe nausea, unexplained weight loss (13kg), burping ( like a man at the pub after a few beers) and the occasional faint feeling for the past 6 months. I've brought up the possibility of anxiety with my g... View more

Hi all, Quick run down, I've been sick with severe nausea, unexplained weight loss (13kg), burping ( like a man at the pub after a few beers) and the occasional faint feeling for the past 6 months. I've brought up the possibility of anxiety with my gp, but as we cannot find any stress/anxious around the time it started he has shrugged it off. I've been seeing a gastro and dietician as well and every test they do has come up fine, or something that wouldn't be causing any of the symptom . Its mainly the mornings that its at the worst, I can't even drive at the moment to take my children to school and swimming lessons. Not having any answers and continuous tests has taken its toll on me, and I feel its taking toll on the people close to me as well ( they are 110% supportive and do not complain, but I feel like a burden). My children have missed out on so much because Mum is sick. I don't have the well known signs of anxiety. I'm just not sure anymore. Thanks all

Phenn Need help getting back to work :(
  • replies: 3

Hi all. In November 2016 I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression which has really scared me. I'm 36yo and started a new job in August but my heart was not in it and I left. In the lead-up to me leaving I got major anxiety and even now, unemployed... View more

Hi all. In November 2016 I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression which has really scared me. I'm 36yo and started a new job in August but my heart was not in it and I left. In the lead-up to me leaving I got major anxiety and even now, unemployed and trying to look for work, I freak out at the thought of trying to find/start a new job. I haven't really had to deal with this level of worry before so its really quite a shock to my system. I am on a mental health plan, speak to my GP regularly and am seeing a psychologist but I just can't seem to get the courage to get back to work, although I really want to. My wife and family is very supportive, thank god. Does anyone know of any help/support groups that help people with anxiety ease themselves back into work by finding low stress part time opportunities or something similar? I have asked my GP, Psych and called Beyond Blue helpline and no one seems to know of anyone that offers help in this area. Your advice is much appreciated. Thank you. Phenn

Lind779 Anxiety and Pregnancy. Advice needed.
  • replies: 2

Its been a very long time since I have been on this forum. Everything has been going well and ever since getting pregnant, my anxiety had almost dissapered. Until now... Im 7 months pregnant and its been a text book pregnancy so far. Today I woke wit... View more

Its been a very long time since I have been on this forum. Everything has been going well and ever since getting pregnant, my anxiety had almost dissapered. Until now... Im 7 months pregnant and its been a text book pregnancy so far. Today I woke with my tinnitus being alot louder than usual which happens from time to time but for some reason, it's really bothering me this time.I have had Restless legs throughout this entire pregnancy which I have been dealing with ok but for some reason it bothered me even more last night. I'm starting to think my anxiety is creeping in and I'm worried it will get worse. I am starting to get a little nervous about how things will be when bub arrives and giving birth now I'm getting closer. I've always had it back in my mind that I hope my anxiety stayed away after birth. Im not sure if its anxiety thats aggravating my tinnitus and legs but I know Im feeling off today mentally and starting to worry anxiety is coming back. Im not sure what Im looking for here, maybe reassurances, maybe with others who have tinnitus to tell me I will be ok or other pregnant women who have been in the same situation and have come out ok?

KatieJane Is it discrimination?
  • replies: 2

Hi all, I have a job which keeps me on a tight leash and strict set of guidelines by my code of conduct so cannot disclose particulars about my situation, however I need your help/opinion. Today I was told by my employer that I need to 'get over and ... View more

Hi all, I have a job which keeps me on a tight leash and strict set of guidelines by my code of conduct so cannot disclose particulars about my situation, however I need your help/opinion. Today I was told by my employer that I need to 'get over and deal with some of my issues' in regards to my OCD and anxiety (which I am on medication and see a psychologist for). I was also told my students wellbeing comes well before my own, and their needs are more important than my own (in regards to my mental health).I ended up becoming a blubbering mess in my car driving home. I understand where they are coming from, however when asked to meet unrealistic expectations which impacts directly on my job and state of mind, and then being told to just "deal with and get over some of your issues" when said employer knows you have OCD and anxiety.. I'm left wondering if I have any grounds to stand in this...

KCas Health Anxiety - Please Help
  • replies: 16

Hi, My name is Kylie, I'm a new mum to a beautiful 5 month old son. I have a severe health anxiety that I guess has been happening for at least 5 years now. 5 Years ago I convinced myself I had HIV at the time I wasn't married and was a single social... View more

Hi, My name is Kylie, I'm a new mum to a beautiful 5 month old son. I have a severe health anxiety that I guess has been happening for at least 5 years now. 5 Years ago I convinced myself I had HIV at the time I wasn't married and was a single social young woman. The reason I convinced myself of this was I had all the symptoms and was deep in fear. After numerous tests and visits to many different Dr's the conclusion was I was suffering from Fibromyalgia Syndrom and was put on anti-anxiety medication. I finally accepted this diagnoses after a while, settled down and continued with my life. I married a few years later and after a long and enduring battle will infertility, IVF over the last 3 years I finally gave birth to a beautiful baby boy in November last year. Since his birth I have been feeling not right (was put down to Post Natal Depression) severely fatigued and started experiencing weird physical symptoms. I'm scared of everything health related and since his birth have convinced myself that I have numerous conditions because of these symptoms! Thyroid issues, Adrenal Fatigue and most recently MS. I've been to 3-4 Dr's who have done extensive blood tests, glucose testing, heart monitoring and I've even have had an MRI on my brain which was normal but I still can't put this to bed and feel re-assured. I still constantly worry I have MS and I feel like I'm going insane and my husband and family are completely sick of hearing me whinge daily about these physical symptoms and about me seeing numerous Dr's and believe it's all in my head. Can anyone else relate to this at all?. I feel like a completely sane intelligent person but I'm now worried if they all think I'm clearly insane then maybe I actually am!. After my recent brain scan I felt re-assured for a period of 3 hours and was so very happy then I started thinking about what could have been missed, should the Dr have done further testing? Why am I still having symptoms? and now I'm back at square one again. My physical symptoms are: weakness in my legs (like I can't walk properly), numbness on the left hand side of my body that comes and goes, number throat that comes and goes, thinking I can't breath during sleep and waking up gasping, feeling wobby/ dizzy, crying and depression, sore spine, feeling foggy like I can't concentrate on anything and feeling like I'm in a daze. My husband refuses to let me see any further Dr's or have further testing. He thinks I might be suffering with Somatization/ Conversion Disorder. Is anyone else out there suffering the same as me or has in the past. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I have started back on anti-anxiety medication again and hoping that will help and I am starting to see a therapist. I just wish these symptoms would go and I could focus on my life as a mummy as I've waited so long for this. Thankyou

blondguy ANXIETY AND HEALING A TIRED MIND
  • replies: 22

Hi Everybody I wasted 13 years of my life without taking full advantage of therapy. Whether I was stubborn or hiding behind the walls I had up whilst seeing a therapist was costly to my mental health and laid the foundations for depression in later l... View more

Hi Everybody I wasted 13 years of my life without taking full advantage of therapy. Whether I was stubborn or hiding behind the walls I had up whilst seeing a therapist was costly to my mental health and laid the foundations for depression in later life. One therapist actually poked around and penetrated my 'force field' and had me crying like a baby. I was embarrassed and felt awful by crying in front of a guy that I hardly knew. Little did I know that he not only got me back to work later but dumped a huge amount of anxiety as well. This guy also was firm that I saw him weekly for six months....I really let go and cried for the first few visits then he worked on CBT Having a really good cry (mega vent) is a wonderful cleanser. At the time you will feel awful/uncomfortable however after 24 hours you will have so much more peace of mind than you would believe. Your concentration, sleep and general mental health will improve as well Its difficult and uncomfortable to cry like this for many of us, but the temporary feelings of feeling vulnerable fade into insignificance against the benefits that can be achieved Whether you have or haven't had a mega cry with a therapist your thoughts would be appreciated. If you are stuck in the quicksand of anxiety or the darkness of depression I do hope this may be of even a small help to someone New Posters are also strongly Encouraged to provide their thoughts my kindest Paul

unicornsaregood Social anxiety + work experience as a receptionist, leaving me in tears. Tips?
  • replies: 3

I'm 17 and have a one week work experience placement as a receptionist at a real estate agency. I have to constantly take calls from angry customers and the agency didn't teach me anything about ways to help clients with real estate specific issues. ... View more

I'm 17 and have a one week work experience placement as a receptionist at a real estate agency. I have to constantly take calls from angry customers and the agency didn't teach me anything about ways to help clients with real estate specific issues. I'm often lost and have to redirect the callers to managers but the managers keep getting angry at me because they're busy. So I ask the callers to give me a message I can pass on later, but they just keep calling 5 minutes later demanding to talk with a manager. :(( And whenever the main receptionist goes for her lunch break I'm left to deal with customers (in the area most are primarily non-English speaking) but I don't know how to help because I know nothing about real estate I'm left shaken and soso anxious after every day (it's a full time 9 to 5 placement). I have 2 days to go >_< any helpful tips/similar experiences??

Jazzy94 I just cant cope
  • replies: 2

So, i am new to this site and to online forums in general. I have been struggling but i am not ready to acknowledge this to my family or friends.(myself to i suppose) It makes it too real. However i am ready to start the process so here i am. This is... View more

So, i am new to this site and to online forums in general. I have been struggling but i am not ready to acknowledge this to my family or friends.(myself to i suppose) It makes it too real. However i am ready to start the process so here i am. This is less intimidating and scary. I am 22 and i have a job as a PCA. Its okay. I also have a second job and live at home. Life is actually pretty good for me but i am struggling to appreciate it. I keep myself up at night with repeatitive thoughts of how i could have done things better, i could be better if i did stopped doing unhealthy shit, i could have been in a happy relationship with person A if i just didnt let my own insecurities beat me. Its effecting my job some nights i get only 3/4 hours sleep and ive been late for shifts and had 1 given away to someone else completely. Being casual comes with a feeling of uncertainty with my shifts so this past week i havent had a call in and i cant help but blame myself. I am.having vivid daydreams all the time of how life would be better if only i was more smart, more pretty, more hardworking etc its just i sit in my room and think why cant i be more like (my dad, a friend even characters in favourite books) Then i get thinking why cant i just dissapear into one of my favourite novels i just... arent coping. And now my eating habits. Its all over the place. I am sometimes not eating other times binging till im sick. Ive been writing in a journal since i was 12 and this feelinf have of being over whelmed and having a racing mind and heart as i tru to sleep has definately gone on longer than 2 weeks. Months actually i could go back in my journal and see the same repeatitive thoughts written a million different ways. Im hoping that posting here and reading other peoples stories will help me.