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

expressionless Emotional regulation and anxiety
  • replies: 6

Hi guys,does anyone have an tips on emotional regulation or why this may be happening in my particular scenario. So I find myself able to regulate my emotions fairly easily when by myself if something arises that may cause stress(examples of work cha... View more

Hi guys,does anyone have an tips on emotional regulation or why this may be happening in my particular scenario. So I find myself able to regulate my emotions fairly easily when by myself if something arises that may cause stress(examples of work changing time, something going off schedule etc). However when I am with my partner this proves a lot more difficult. For example the other day when we were meeting some friends, he was a little late to pick me up. When he got to me, I started getting really anxious about why he was late, started crying and all that. However if this situation arised by myself, I would tend to calm myself and tell myself that it doesn't matter too much. It's like I tend to overreact more when he is present, and I just want to be as strong (or as quick) to change my behaviour and calm the anxiety earlier before it becomes a big thing.Any tips or thoughts??

Tote442 House is a living hell
  • replies: 4

I live in a sharehouse where a housemate is on the lease and is the boss of the house. She doesn't tolerate disagreement very well and is fairly black and white. The house is meant for her exclusive undisturbed enjoyment. The rules of the house are s... View more

I live in a sharehouse where a housemate is on the lease and is the boss of the house. She doesn't tolerate disagreement very well and is fairly black and white. The house is meant for her exclusive undisturbed enjoyment. The rules of the house are such that we have to minimise any inconvenience to her. For instance, at night, I have to sleep with my door ajar, tiptoe in the hallway and not flush the toilet in case this wakes her up. She is completely neurotic about the roster and holds others to a higher standard than she does herself. Yesterday, I found a message on the fridge saying, "PLEASE REMEMBER TO CLEAN THE BATHROOM AND TOILET!" I've been doing this already. During her roster weeks, she's been doing a half hearted job. On my weeks, I'm fairly thorough, but even then, it feels like she's still suspicious of me. This has been an obsession for her even though she leaves both sinks stacked with dirty dishes along with the bench space and food is left out - although I'm not allowed to do this. Her stuff is everywhere, but if you leave anything in the common areas, it's moved or she complains. You can't cook without her watching a movie on the projector with the lights off - so I feel like I'm disturbing her. She frequently berates and micromanages her daughter who also lives here. She uses foul language too. Text messages and talks are relentless. Sometimes I get accosted first thing I wake up in the morning. There is a long list of texts from her on my phone, but when I sent a few texts to her about the bills, she said I was pestering her in a very long message. Her texts have a creepy friendly tone with many smiley face emojis. When I'm in the same room as her, she is often moody or silent in a tense way. When she makes small talk, you can tell very quickly she's not interested in you in the slightest. I barely spend any time in common areas anymore, but this hasn't stopped the relentless messages and talks. Other housemates quickly realise she is the boss and are careful not to challenge her in the slightest. I've just had enough. I can't cope here. She begrudges what little personal space she allows me. She seems like a loose cannon. I have to be careful not to set her off. It's been disastrous for my mental health

mel_0727 How to deal with family giving you anxiety
  • replies: 2

I am currently in Australia with my husband. My brother wants to come here to study. My mother in law wants to move in with us. My dad is overseas and causes fights with my mum and neighbours for past grudges. My mum nags all day which irritates the ... View more

I am currently in Australia with my husband. My brother wants to come here to study. My mother in law wants to move in with us. My dad is overseas and causes fights with my mum and neighbours for past grudges. My mum nags all day which irritates the 4 of us. I feel I need to fix all of this, but don’t know how and this is driving crazy. My heart rate increases n have anxiety. Any suggestions on how to cope ?

Abi_Judd Hi
  • replies: 5

Hello, Im Abi. Im 14 years old and i was diagnosed with anxiety last year in February. It's really stressful for me. If anyone has any tips or rick for calming down during a panic attack during school, it would really help. No one's probably gonna re... View more

Hello, Im Abi. Im 14 years old and i was diagnosed with anxiety last year in February. It's really stressful for me. If anyone has any tips or rick for calming down during a panic attack during school, it would really help. No one's probably gonna read this so it probably pointless but i would really appreciate it if you could help a girl out.

Blondyroses I dont understand my head
  • replies: 2

Hi, i have a family relative wanting to stay Wed-Sat this week. I have a very private phone meeting on thursday so i asked her to come after the appointment. She offered to disappear for when the phone call was going to happen but i wasnt happy with ... View more

Hi, i have a family relative wanting to stay Wed-Sat this week. I have a very private phone meeting on thursday so i asked her to come after the appointment. She offered to disappear for when the phone call was going to happen but i wasnt happy with that and i was having a panic attack because of this. I told her i wasnt in a good head space and could only cope with 2 days. Now she is looking for somewhere to crash on the Wed night. My anxiety eased a little but now im finding myself feeling guilty as i upset her plans and guilty for speaking my truth. Like i maybe shouldnt have said anythjng. I hate it when people just think they can lob on you. The relative is no trouble just that im a liner and cant do 3 days visit. 2 days is too ling! Why do i feel guilty?? I simply just didnt want to be imposed on. Why do i go into panic mode??

21-12-00 University Stress
  • replies: 3

Hello to whoever is reading this,I'm studying at university, doing a Bachelor of Science. I have a report due and currently freaking out about it. This report has been hanging over my head and making me feel horrible knowing its due. The report is du... View more

Hello to whoever is reading this,I'm studying at university, doing a Bachelor of Science. I have a report due and currently freaking out about it. This report has been hanging over my head and making me feel horrible knowing its due. The report is due soon and I've barley been making any progress on it. I've been having a lot of panic attacks due to this and a couple of mental breakdowns. I'm just wondering what some strategies are I could use to help me feel better mentally. Kind regards, Emily

Scott_O Just so i dont feel so alone
  • replies: 3

Does anyone else go through acid reflux, burping just general stomach stuff with their anxiety, i have had blood tests, ultrasound, seen a gastrointestinal specialist and she just said to diaphragm breathe, i think because i dont know anyone personal... View more

Does anyone else go through acid reflux, burping just general stomach stuff with their anxiety, i have had blood tests, ultrasound, seen a gastrointestinal specialist and she just said to diaphragm breathe, i think because i dont know anyone personally going through this it really triggers my health anxiety.

GreenEgg Birthday anxiety & sadness
  • replies: 9

Hello My birthday is coming up and it’s a big one. I’m feeling a bit pressured and stressed about having a party or even just a big dinner. Does anyone feels the same around their birthdays? Secretly I kind of wish I could have a big party with lots ... View more

Hello My birthday is coming up and it’s a big one. I’m feeling a bit pressured and stressed about having a party or even just a big dinner. Does anyone feels the same around their birthdays? Secretly I kind of wish I could have a big party with lots of family and friends and everyone have fun. In reality I don’t think this will ever happen, so I downplay the whole thing.Its kind of a storm for me:- creating in my own head competing demands between friends v family- worry that no one will even want to attend or be able to - worry that if people do attend they won’t have fun, will find it awkward or judge me for not having many friends- worry about ageing and expectations around that and feeling behind- worry about all the planning aspects, which isn’t my forte. And the list goes on and on. Even things that should be simple like choosing a date turn into these huge stressful things. CheersG

Kourtney Anxiety attacks over a new relationship
  • replies: 1

I’ve been having bad anxiety attacks that have been lasting over 2 hours, I think it is caused by a new relationship and my brain thinking the worst, he tells me everything is good between us, but my brain doesn’t comprehend that and I have attacks o... View more

I’ve been having bad anxiety attacks that have been lasting over 2 hours, I think it is caused by a new relationship and my brain thinking the worst, he tells me everything is good between us, but my brain doesn’t comprehend that and I have attacks over it

TomC Anxiety Attack - Stupid Reason
  • replies: 5

Good Morning, I made a stupid spelling mistake on a website yesterday - the word ended up being a word in another language that has illegal matter based on it. I never knew - and it was a very basic spelling mistake (one letter, next to each other on... View more

Good Morning, I made a stupid spelling mistake on a website yesterday - the word ended up being a word in another language that has illegal matter based on it. I never knew - and it was a very basic spelling mistake (one letter, next to each other on the keyboard). A federal warning appeared on my screen, and I immediately closed the window. I never saw anything. I have now had severe anxiety attacks (have had several attacks over my life, had help), based on being concern this will trigger the police and I will have legal issue , based on a mistake of one letter. I understand no-one can provide legal help on these forums - but common sense and guidance to my anxiety might help lower my levels