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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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bigaloo Anxiety + Comparing oneself
  • replies: 2

Hi all, I just wanted another person's opinion on how exactly do I overcome my issue of comparing myself with others? I know the harm of it, and I can very much feel the pain that it gives me but I just can't stop. For instance, I either feel like I'... View more

Hi all, I just wanted another person's opinion on how exactly do I overcome my issue of comparing myself with others? I know the harm of it, and I can very much feel the pain that it gives me but I just can't stop. For instance, I either feel like I'm never doing enough / never achieving enough / my life isn't where I expect it to be etc. It's really messing with my head and has led to quite bad anxiety and I'm not too sure what to do. Open to any input and advice.

Sisyphus666 Pushing that same boulder
  • replies: 2

I’m first time writing on here. I am unsure if I’m in the right place. you see I’ve been pushing that same boulder up the hill, I’m Sisyphus,I did the right thing I helped someone and all it did was allow me to have everything taken from me. I’m not ... View more

I’m first time writing on here. I am unsure if I’m in the right place. you see I’ve been pushing that same boulder up the hill, I’m Sisyphus,I did the right thing I helped someone and all it did was allow me to have everything taken from me. I’m not feeling sorry for myself, I’ve been given a task. I’ve been doing that task and it’s been horrible but familiar. Now I don’t have to do that task anymore and I’m trying to work out what I’m here for and why it’s still hurting so badly if I’m not doing it anymore?I’ve read all the books i know all the answers, I mean anyone on here willing to talk does. (Let me give anyone advice and a diagnosis).That’s not what I’m after. I want to know how do you do it? Where do you start?what exactly is the answer?I’ve checked the back of all of those books, it’s not in there. Now that I can move in any direction I can’t move. I’m not having trouble taking steps I’m having trouble making any sense of my steps, they don’t have meaning. I don’t have direction. I used to be strong and powerful with direction, now who am I?who is Sisyphus without a hill?

blues23 Is it ever helpful to run away
  • replies: 3

As above is it ? im having struggles same issues as b4 sometimes I want to run away just run never come back , Is it possible to restart your life elsewhere be a nomad while I realise this is impossible I have a young child I want to pick up roots an... View more

As above is it ? im having struggles same issues as b4 sometimes I want to run away just run never come back , Is it possible to restart your life elsewhere be a nomad while I realise this is impossible I have a young child I want to pick up roots and run it’s been calling to me that feeling of restarting my life but also feel stuck and afraid to do so but it still calls to me the solution is to leave and restart elsewhere, but is it really the answer or will it create more problems? If I run away

Sue_ Opinions about "This Way Up" Online Anxiety Treatment?
  • replies: 4

I tried to search for "this way up" in search box, but it didn't pay attention to the quotes and returned too many irrelevant matches. But what I am wondering is if anyone has worked with the anxiety programs on that site, and what your experience wa... View more

I tried to search for "this way up" in search box, but it didn't pay attention to the quotes and returned too many irrelevant matches. But what I am wondering is if anyone has worked with the anxiety programs on that site, and what your experience was like? Or if you want to share a different (moodgym, mindspot, etc) site that you used and liked that would be helpful too!

redaire59 Severe anxiety
  • replies: 1

Hi new here suffered anxiety constantly8 yrs I'm in the fear of fear cycle I can't help think this will harm me need someone to talk to

Hi new here suffered anxiety constantly8 yrs I'm in the fear of fear cycle I can't help think this will harm me need someone to talk to

Ashii Social anxiety, day to day life, and issues with food
  • replies: 1

I’ve had long term issues with social anxiety. I think it stems from a lack of control, particularly from childhood trauma. I have symptoms of PTSD and have emotional flashbacks occasionally. My anxiety issues have improved over the last 7 years, mai... View more

I’ve had long term issues with social anxiety. I think it stems from a lack of control, particularly from childhood trauma. I have symptoms of PTSD and have emotional flashbacks occasionally. My anxiety issues have improved over the last 7 years, mainly due to my work. The last two years that I spent living with family made me think it was completely gone, but it turns out that because I was mostly living with people who I have long and established relationships with, I don’t experience anxiety with them. I’ve always felt dread when I’ve had to interact with people I don’t have a comfortable or long relationship with and I thought this was normal. But I’ve had to move away from family this year for my mental health and I’ve noticed how bad my anxiety actually is. I can’t leave my room if my housemate is home. I can’t do it even if I need the bathroom or to make food, especially if their door is open or they’re in the common areas. I would rather starve and experience discomfort than leave the room and interact with them. It has nothing to do with them personally, but I just can’t. At this point, I wonder if it’s creating some kind of temporary eating issues. I can’t eat or even cook in front of them or even if they’re in the house. The one time I did cook was when they walked in from work. It made me so distressed I gave up. Sometimes I’ll feel panicked when I hear them coming into the house and rush to hide items of food. I know rationally I shouldn’t, but I don’t feel safe and I feel like I’m doing something wrong. I’m currently seeing a psychologist, so I’m getting help. But I’d love to know if anyone has any advice around managing this or if I need to pay attention to my issues with food.

Elephant86 The internal and healing power of the mind to help us overcome our situation
  • replies: 0

The mind is a powerful thing when you say you want to do something it will tell you to do something else. The question iswhat can I do to control the mind and my thoughts? how do I get control of my thoughts so it doesn't over whelm me? It is a matte... View more

The mind is a powerful thing when you say you want to do something it will tell you to do something else. The question iswhat can I do to control the mind and my thoughts? how do I get control of my thoughts so it doesn't over whelm me? It is a matter of teaching yourself to be disciplined and step by step doing things that help you heal and bring back control. Beleive me I know how hard it is to get control of life and to keep your mind under control. There are many things you can do to help yourself it is just finding out what works and helps you recover from your situation. Ill use me as an example since being diagnosed with bipolar at 15 my life changed but I had to adapt I have to be willing to accept change and work with it. Life will sometimes give you lemons you just create lemonade. The way i use to control my thoughts is through having a practice of meditation everyday you can start with just 10-15 minutes a day. With the bipolar it was always hard to keep control of thoughts so I coose to practise my meditation and focus on what I can change not what I can't. A great example I am epileptic and the doctor said I can't drive but you know what I told myself despite my set back I decided to have a positive thought and a forward thinking percpective. I knew in my heart this happened to me for a reason so I could experience this so I can help others through there difficulties because I have walked in there shoes and struggled but I always had a positive spin on life. I tell myself you need to keep walking because you havn't reached the top of the mountain. I could have chossen to be ill all my life but I made a defining powerful decision to just focus on what I can control not what I can't. Live in the moment and by gratful for the sunshine and every meal you eat because not everyone has what you have. There are people in third world countries who would love to have your plate of food so be gratful for what you posses and never take it for granted. There are times where you will feel powerless but you must realise the inner strength of the mind and the power of love in your heart and the power of powerful self talk will help you through the dark night. I think giving to others and thinking how do I help someone else and looking outside yourself is important. Looking around and see who needs you help. I think find you skill harness it to help and support your community. I beleive disability is a word you can choose to let it define you or you can define it by standing up to your adversity and facing your challengers a step at a time. Have a wonderful day

CMF If you could describe your anxiety in one word, what would it be?
  • replies: 924

There is a thread under Depression just like this so I thought why not start an anxiety one? My word is: Attacking

There is a thread under Depression just like this so I thought why not start an anxiety one? My word is: Attacking

TLD1968 Break through with stress and anxiety
  • replies: 2

Hi,From my darkness came light. A positive posting !! I started going onto Beyond Blue due to losing my job and feeling very lost. I have suffered anxiety for most of my adult life. I am currently medicated and have over the years accumulated many va... View more

Hi,From my darkness came light. A positive posting !! I started going onto Beyond Blue due to losing my job and feeling very lost. I have suffered anxiety for most of my adult life. I am currently medicated and have over the years accumulated many valuable tools to deal with this exhausting condition. I not only lost my job , I was treated unfairly and become shattered and disillusioned by my life and humans. I lost all self worth and struggled with my existence. I started a journal and worked on keeping my head above water daily. I never gave up , I knew it would never stay the same and that change would come. I applied for countless jobs , had a few interviews. I went for an interview Monday , really enjoyed chatting to the employer, I showed my authentic self. I didn't hold out much hope. I was contacted by the employer yesterday as they wanted to contact my referees. Could I possibly hold out hope ? NO. My referees contacted me with positive vibes after speaking with the employer. Could I possibly hold out hope? NOThis morning the employer rang me to offer me the position. I accepted , I was in shock for many hours and found it hard to process. How much of my anxiety has actually taken over my life and sense of worth? People don't seem to understand what their actions and words can do to another person. Being kind seems to be such a hard action for some. I leave these people behind and will rebuild my self awareness. I have learnt so much during this time, its invaluable. Please never give up !!T

Belieber95 Anxiety
  • replies: 11

Hi was wondering if there are any techniques to help with anxiety I have used the 54321 and breathing exercises and the alphabet but my anxiety/panic attacks come back after a goodnight sleep

Hi was wondering if there are any techniques to help with anxiety I have used the 54321 and breathing exercises and the alphabet but my anxiety/panic attacks come back after a goodnight sleep