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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

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buddy27 Anxiety related to feelings of isolation
  • replies: 3

I've been suffering anxiety over the past 10 years related to a very specific senario; feelings/fears of isolation when my friends/partner are away traveling. I believe it's related to an event that happened about 10 years ago when I was living in a ... View more

I've been suffering anxiety over the past 10 years related to a very specific senario; feelings/fears of isolation when my friends/partner are away traveling. I believe it's related to an event that happened about 10 years ago when I was living in a country that had a summer vacation shut down in August...everyone goes on vacation and businesses, shops, restaurants close for 3-4 weeks. I decided I would stay in the city and work from home in that period and vacation in another period. My office was closed, friends away, neighbors gone, gym closed, etc... I thought it would be relaxing but instead felt like I was trapped in a Stephen King novel! I'd go days without talking to or seeing anyone I new. I was single at the time and had no family in the country to turn to. I started getting serve anxiety and panic attacks which I had never really experienced before. I lasted about a week and I couldn't take it anymore; I booked a flight and went back to my home country to stay with family until the summer holiday season was over. When I did go back the anxiety was still there for a few weeks but less intense and no panic attacks. Problem is that now everytime I'm in a similar situation the anxiety and panic attacks come back. If I'm going to be on my own for a few days or weeks I start to get anxiety leading up to the event. I some cases I've avoided the event by going away but other times I've just needed to suffer through it. It is getting better, now it's mainly the anxiety before the event and once I'm on my own I start to calm down...but I'm always afraid this will be the time I won't calm down and it will be bad again. My partner is going away for 3 weeks and I'm been a wreck the last week leading up to it. I'm not sure if it's better to push myself through it or avoid it by going away myself. Strangely I can travel on my own with no problem . I'd like to get rid of this anxiety once and for all. Just wondering if anyone else has a similar experience?

integrityguy "Nocturnal" panic attacks and sleep anxiety
  • replies: 4

Hi forum posters I haven't seen much literature on this particular topic, but I'm interested to know if anyone has had similar experiences. I've been suffering from irregular panic attacks since last year, and most seem to happen in the middle of the... View more

Hi forum posters I haven't seen much literature on this particular topic, but I'm interested to know if anyone has had similar experiences. I've been suffering from irregular panic attacks since last year, and most seem to happen in the middle of the night. Typically it will be after a bad anxiety day/week when something is weighing heavily on my mind. Strangely enough I can usually calm myself enough to fall asleep, but then my body jerks me awake in the middle of the night or at about 6am in the morning - the heartrate escalates, etc. My coping strategy is to concentrate on the symptoms (rather than the thoughts causing the attack), tell myself it will pass, and let it run its course. I also tell myself it's annoying and uncomfortable, but not devastating or catastrophic. My psychologist says the subconscious is still active when we sleep and our minds are still processing everything. Sometimes I wake up and I'm hit by a stream of unwanted thoughts, which brings on the attack. I also suffer from sleep anxiety i.e. if I know that I need to be alert and active the following day (e.g. for a long road trip), I put too much pressure on myself to get a good sleep. The end result - I don't sleep well. Usually I will wake up, be aware that I've only slept for a few hours, and panic that I won't get a good sleep quota. In these cases, I try to resign myself to the fact that I'm awake and not getting back to sleep, or remind myself that people can function on less sleep. Has anyone been through this? Any thoughts or coping strategies?

Sunflowerrs Any recommendations?
  • replies: 4

Can anyone recommend any mentoring programs? im strugglign to find help throughout the week, I dont want to lean on friends who dont really understand.. Im seeing a professional once every 2 weeks, but it doesnt feel like its enough. I feel like I st... View more

Can anyone recommend any mentoring programs? im strugglign to find help throughout the week, I dont want to lean on friends who dont really understand.. Im seeing a professional once every 2 weeks, but it doesnt feel like its enough. I feel like I still need more support...

DassaJassa Don't seem to be making progress anymore
  • replies: 2

Hello All I've had daily anxiety for coming on 8 months now, I see a psychologist on a monthly basis however his usefulness seems to have come to an end and I just don't feel like I'm getting any better. Everyday I wake up and get ready for work, fee... View more

Hello All I've had daily anxiety for coming on 8 months now, I see a psychologist on a monthly basis however his usefulness seems to have come to an end and I just don't feel like I'm getting any better. Everyday I wake up and get ready for work, feeling like I'm a bomb that could go off at any moment, I quickly prepare myself and head off for the 40 minute drive to work, as soon as i get on the freeway, I feel isolated, like if something serious happened, nobody could help me and that the ambulance is too far away to get to me in time, I practice the method of challeging this thought, sometimes helps but still maintain the tight chest and thoughts of impending doom but I manage, I get to work and seem to get through the day okay as I'm generally distracted working. The end of my shift comes near and is followed by further anxiety about the drive home, will I have a panic attack while driving? how will i cope? what if something else happens? I make it home and feel at ease for a moment, then feel on edge while in an empty house, nervously waiting for my dad to finish his shift, I try to keep distracted until he gets home but now have formed a dependance of other people to make me feel safe, so if something terrible did happen, they could help me. I can't seem to shake the constant chest pains, the changing symptoms on a daily basis, constantly finding peace and making slight progress, then having it all crash down when one day is worse then the other, I just don't see myself ever feeling myself again, no matter what techniques i practice, no matter what ways to use to change my thinking, it always seems to just come back again...

Nervybella Lousy friends or my fault?
  • replies: 2

I've mentioned this previously in another thread but I thought it might warrant a thread if it's own. So today I'm feeling really disappointed in my friends. To give some background: my best friend has been overseas for a few weeks and is just back. ... View more

I've mentioned this previously in another thread but I thought it might warrant a thread if it's own. So today I'm feeling really disappointed in my friends. To give some background: my best friend has been overseas for a few weeks and is just back. I'm starting a new full time job this week so today was meant to be the day we spent together to catch up. We haven't seen each other for a while, however we have texted. So two days ago I messaged her to organise this catch up and all was good. This morning I messaged her to try and finalise details and tell her I had an afternoon appointment so would have to be home by then. She says that should be fine, she has to do something this morning then we could catch up. Next thing I know I get a text to say she's just too busy and can't catch up anymore. Dont get me wrong, I understand that people are busy, but this happens regularly. And always cancelling at the last moment. Its really getting me down and makes me feel like no one likes me. I'm lucky that my family are very supportive but I need (and want) to have people outside of my household that I can go to and rely on. Has anyone else experienced this? How did you deal with it? I'm not one for confrontation and I'm starting to think it's my fault for never speaking up so my friends think I don't mind their lack of catching up etc Thanks for listening Bella

Ravin1 Change of home Anxiety trigger
  • replies: 6

Hi Everyone. This is the first post i've ever written...on any online forum in fact so i am a bit unsure of this process. I've moved in to my partner's house (with his other flatmate) and 5 nights ago, on my last night at my apartment, i couldn't sto... View more

Hi Everyone. This is the first post i've ever written...on any online forum in fact so i am a bit unsure of this process. I've moved in to my partner's house (with his other flatmate) and 5 nights ago, on my last night at my apartment, i couldn't stop my heart from racing. I've overcome my chronic depression, but only started my anxiety treatment last year. I know it's a long journey and i'm glad to finally be working on my anxiety but 5 nights ago the panic attacks were overwhelming. Now that i'm in the new place, and despite my partner's efforts to make me feel welcome, i still feel so displaced. ...like no matter what i do, i can't feel like i'm home. I've expressed this to my partner and he's doing his best to understand, but because he's never had anxiety and never had anyone be so open with him about it, he's struggling to support me. Truth be told, i don't actually know what help i need. Has anyone experienced this?

Traveller73 ice pick headaches
  • replies: 3

Does anyone suffer from ice pick headaches? They can occur a few times a day, hard jabs that last literally 1 second? I had a traumatic event at work back in Oct and have had them since. Been to dr got checked out, but still worry about them. I googl... View more

Does anyone suffer from ice pick headaches? They can occur a few times a day, hard jabs that last literally 1 second? I had a traumatic event at work back in Oct and have had them since. Been to dr got checked out, but still worry about them. I googled headaches and anxiety and it described similar headaches. My headaches have dissapated over time, sometimes 2/day. Alao recently nearly went three days without one. But then I think getting better and it comes back. Literally i can think gee had not had headache for a while and 5mins later it happens again. Also watching something stressful on tv I think triggers them. If I am busy/ having fun they disappear. Anyone had similar? ​

Nickname_70EA4DF9-26E9-42 Anxiety about life
  • replies: 1

I don't know where to start other then give you an insight to my life in a nutshell then you can tell me if this is all in my head or if I'm being over the top. My mum dropped my brothers and I at school when I was 11 then never picked us up we never... View more

I don't know where to start other then give you an insight to my life in a nutshell then you can tell me if this is all in my head or if I'm being over the top. My mum dropped my brothers and I at school when I was 11 then never picked us up we never seen her for a while (a year) then as we grew up and become adults perhaps once a year on Christmas and phone calls once every few months. I never had her as a role model when I needed it the most. Now she has moved up to be in the same town as me and calls me everyday and is causing grief within the family. My brothers who I love so much just can't seem to get their lives together being alcoholics, can't hold jobs, lash out when drinking and I have to sit and watch their lives crumble when they both had the essentials to become great adults they just can't seem to grasp they're very lucky that dad done the best he could which most get less and achieve more in life. I tried as well being the oldest I put them on the right career paths, always there in the bad times, I get them out of trouble and love them unconditionally more then their mother would. I myself have young daughters a partner but I constantly worry about my family, my mother is always calling me and abusing me, my dad moved away because he couldn't stand watching my brothers. I've become so isolated in myself I have none to talk to and no friends who I could talk about my issues to and noone cares about me. I never get calls just to see how I'm going I just get calls to borrow money, want some thing or just to be abused because I don't ring my mum and never go over even though I feel like I barely no her she is almost a stranger to me who won't leave me alone. I have the best husband but he just says to stop worrying so much but I can't. My husbands family constantly cause drama within them selves but this doesn't help my stress and anxiety levels at all. Agghh I just want to stop worrying about everything and everyone for once it consumes me and I'm not happy my girls need a happy mum not one who is about to loose her mind.

crazycatlady13 What triggers your social anxiety?
  • replies: 4

As someone who is living with SA... I like hearing from other people with social anxiety because it makes me feel like I'm not the only one going through this horrible feeling (I hope that didn't sound bad...) I'm just curious to know what triggers y... View more

As someone who is living with SA... I like hearing from other people with social anxiety because it makes me feel like I'm not the only one going through this horrible feeling (I hope that didn't sound bad...) I'm just curious to know what triggers your social anxiety? My triggers include: Public speaking/presentations Being the centre of attention Job interviews! People watching me while I am doing something Being teased/criticized by others (this is probably the worst) Answering the phone if it is a number I don't recognize Answering questions in class Talking to people in authority, like professors or managers Speaking up in a meeting (especially if I have to criticize or add on to another person's idea - I don't want them to dislike me) After I experience some of the aforementioned activities, I always go for a walk, earphones in, put my favourite music on and try to forget what happened. It's like a terrifying roller coaster ride I am trying to get off.

Slaugh Apprentiship issues and extreme anxiety about working in general
  • replies: 4

Hi all, I am currently a 4th year electrical apprenticeship desperatly trying to keep it afloat whilst suffering what I can only assume is a type of work anxiety and depression. I am 32 married with one child. In my short life in the work force I hav... View more

Hi all, I am currently a 4th year electrical apprenticeship desperatly trying to keep it afloat whilst suffering what I can only assume is a type of work anxiety and depression. I am 32 married with one child. In my short life in the work force I have had 9 jobs all which I have been made redundant almost right on the 18 month mark, give or take a few months. My goal as an apprentice was to start my own business so i can avoid getting sacked from jobs every 1 and halyears. I began this apprenticeship with 5 years experience in the telecommunications feild over 3 jobs. Now I have 3 years experience as an electrician and very close to finishing my apprenticeship but one catch...i don't have an employer and I don't believe I can stand the thought of taking on what would be my 3rd job under this apprenticeship. The first job I was made redundant after 2 and half years. The next my boss fired me because I enroled in school when he insisted he needed me full time. The issue here was we both agreed I would work full time for 6 months and then re enrol back at TAFE. On the 6 month mark and following on for 4 weeks after, I requested to be enrolled daily. My boss just blew me off and continued as business as usual. So I took the initiative and enrolled. Told him, which subseqyently lead to my dismissal. Now the truth is I have come to a conclusion in my own head about what is happening in my working life and I really can't see what else it can be. That truth is that I am not a likable person. What I have found is on the 18 month mark my collegues have spent enough time with me to know they can't stand being around me. I don't blame them... I am always stressed at work no matter the job, overly cynical, shy (which comes off as snobby to many extroverts), I am a heavy smoker (so I constantly stink), and I am not interested in talking about women in a deviant manner (now you can tell I work around tradies) Now over the 14 years experience I have had in the workforce I have hit a brickwall. Some would say a nervous breakdown. This new job I have as an apprentice was a favour from a very good friend of mine, however my anxiety about failing again far outways the gratitude I have for my friend getting me the job. I'm absolutely terrified about working for someone else as I know I can never trust an employer. (My friend is not the employer, he just put in a good word for me). I am very close to finishing but simply can't stomach the thought of working for someone.

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