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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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RedRose123 Should I feel guilty or is it my anxiety talking?
  • replies: 4

Hi this might sound silly but I feel really anxious and I just need a unbiased opinion on something... my mums washing machine has broken and long story short it will be a few weeks/months before we can get her a new one. I feel very anxious and guil... View more

Hi this might sound silly but I feel really anxious and I just need a unbiased opinion on something... my mums washing machine has broken and long story short it will be a few weeks/months before we can get her a new one. I feel very anxious and guilty right now because she came over to use mine today, which was ok. But she mentioned coming over every Saturday to wash and I said as nicely as I could that since she is at my sisters house several times a week (to see my nephew/her grandson) couldn't she put a load on once/twice a week there (one load a week covers her washing easy) and my sister doesn't mind (I ended up asking my sister because my mum seems to be under the impression that she wouldn't be ok with that, because she has to wash the babies things etc). But she doesn't mind. And I also said it will save her driving back and forth here every week. She is on limited income and she'd just be wasting petrol coming here when she already goes to my sisters. My mum got upset at this. If I was her only option I would have let her use mine even though I struggle greatly with anxiety (GAD and SA) and depression and really need time at home where I can just be by myself and try to get some things done. I feel bad because I think she took it as I don't want you here and it's not what I meant. She has bipolar and is not easy to be around at all but it isn't what I meant. If her only option was to come here I would have just agreed, but going to my sisters makes more sense then coming here. I feel guilty because even though I would have let her come here, I am really glad I'm not the only option; because with my anxiety disorders I need time to myself, she stresses me out a lot, she doesn't respect my needs etc. I feel like I can't function now after she was here due to what happened. I can't have her here every week when it's not a necessity. I'll never get a thing done. I'm already so stressed all the time. But I feel like I'm being selfish. But then I'm like but it makes more sense for her to do it at my sisters. Sorry I'm rambling a bit. I just feel terrible. thoughts?

tw2324 Social anxiety
  • replies: 5

I am 27 years old and I feel like I have no friends. I have always been very shy but I feel that ever since I finished school so long ago I have struggled to make lasting friendships. It is getting worse as I get older. I get nervous and tongue tied ... View more

I am 27 years old and I feel like I have no friends. I have always been very shy but I feel that ever since I finished school so long ago I have struggled to make lasting friendships. It is getting worse as I get older. I get nervous and tongue tied whenever I speak to people now because I feel as if they will just think I am a weird loser (which I have been called before) with nothing interesting to say. I have no social life at all, I go to work and I go home. I never have interesting things to say on a conversation because I don't do anything. I don't like to leave the house because I get anxious that people will look at me and think I am ugly or that I will do something embarrassing that someone will see. I have never had a long term boyfriend because I have such low self esteem and honestly I find it very difficult to talk to boys. The last time I went on a date was when I was about 20. I feel so immature compared to other girls my age that I know own who have lots of friends and long term relationships. I've lived out of home twice now only to come back because I feel like myself around my family and they actually like me. I have started a new job a week ago where I am living in a remote area working at a fancy hotel. A friend of mine got me this job after I wanted a change. Already i feel like my housemates think I am weird because I am quiet, that I won't succeed here and that I should just go back to my old job and my family. All I want is to be "normal". But I have recently accepted the fact that I will probably be going through the rest of my life by myself. I'm sorry this post is probably incoherent and all over the place. I find it hard to express myself. I am just scared that I am retreating into myself and that I am not making any effort to try and change things because it's easier not too. I like being alone but I get lonely sometimes. I wish I could talk to people who have similar issues to me and who get me and accept me. I just want to make friends that I can be myself around and not have to fake it all the time.

Lind779 Insomnia and pregnancy
  • replies: 9

So I'm into my 3rd trimester and anxiety and insomnia has kicked in. I get to sleep eventually only to be woken 45 mins later with heart pulpitations? Is this normal and what did others do to help? I have 11 weeks to go so the thought of having this ... View more

So I'm into my 3rd trimester and anxiety and insomnia has kicked in. I get to sleep eventually only to be woken 45 mins later with heart pulpitations? Is this normal and what did others do to help? I have 11 weeks to go so the thought of having this for that long scares me! Im only getting 2 hrs a night!

Guardian_Angel Living in a constant state of anxiety.
  • replies: 3

I don't have the Characters to completely explain how things come to be this way, but I care for 2 foster boys and I used to care for their big sister. For years we started to have to get counseling for her. but child protection wouldn't let us know ... View more

I don't have the Characters to completely explain how things come to be this way, but I care for 2 foster boys and I used to care for their big sister. For years we started to have to get counseling for her. but child protection wouldn't let us know what was happening in the sessions. She was drinking/taking drugs/having sex and we told child protection about it and they did nothing. After she got to a point where we managed to stop her do inappropriate things (she was age 12). She asked to be removed out of our house and put somewhere else (which they did on the day she was court skipping school so we wouldn't get a chance to tell her of. She has now shut us out completly as if we didn't exist. We had her and her brothers with us from her age 3, there has now been a total breakdown of any control in her life and she is almost 16. Apart from killing someone, I don't know one thing she hasn't been involved in, she has lost every placment she gets by walking out. Now I have been told by child protection, that if I have any contact at all. I will be up on investigation because it will "upset her". She has broken both my and my wife's hearts! But she still gets contact visits with her brothers, so we can't leave the situation behind and move on with our lives. The very thought of possibly bumping into her causes chest pains and I have trouble breathing. I have to hid it for the boy's sake and child protection can't know either or they could just walk in and take the boys from us. I've had counseling and even a couple of sessions with a psychologist. They basically say "get used to it". But I can't stop caring about someone that feels like my daughter being in so bad a situation and not even being allowed to talk to her without the risk of investigation. I just don't know what to do to cope and it's causing all sorts of trouble in my life! Every time I leave the house I watch for her, so we don't go anywhere near her. The conflict is tearing me apart and I don't know how to handle it!

shoulders Strugging with not quiting my new job
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, I'll keep it brief, Was let go at my pervious job just before Christmas last year, my wife and I had our first baby in July and being on Centerlink just doesn't cut it... which some of you might know to be true!! I managed to be offer a ... View more

Hi everyone, I'll keep it brief, Was let go at my pervious job just before Christmas last year, my wife and I had our first baby in July and being on Centerlink just doesn't cut it... which some of you might know to be true!! I managed to be offer a new job in Brisbane for and construction company with excellent pay... my problem is.... i'm not sure If want it now...?! I spoke to the boss of the company for the first time via phone as I had some question regarding my employment contact, which he said I can contact him if I had questions, and the tone of his voice... etc.. made me feel dumb for asking!! that's when I started having second thoughts. There is also the issue of having to drive to work every... day... stuck in the traffic as public transport will take much longer then car. Moving not an option as my wife does want to move, want to be close to her mum. I know it a job, and I know it more pay then Centrelink, I'm just sick of felling this way.... my depression / ADD is really playing with my head... i'm just trying not to do something stupid like quite my job before I even started...!! please help if you have an advice... thank you

yungxrapunxl Anxiety and nausea/phobia of vomiting
  • replies: 2

Does anyone else have nausea as the mains symptom of their panic attacks? Because I do and I also have a phobia of vomiting so it turns into a vicious cycle shere I can't calm down. I'm hardly coping and really need strategies to work with this becau... View more

Does anyone else have nausea as the mains symptom of their panic attacks? Because I do and I also have a phobia of vomiting so it turns into a vicious cycle shere I can't calm down. I'm hardly coping and really need strategies to work with this because I can't eat or sleep and feel like I'm losing my mind.

Countrymusicgirl Anxiety and retail?
  • replies: 3

So its been official that I've been diagnosed with generalised anxiety. All my work mates know what's going on, not going to lie about that. My new boss knows I told him what's going on and the warning signs and he is willing to change things around ... View more

So its been official that I've been diagnosed with generalised anxiety. All my work mates know what's going on, not going to lie about that. My new boss knows I told him what's going on and the warning signs and he is willing to change things around for me. But that month of anxiety has turned into generalised anxiety. Its effecting me at work right now, I can't talk to customers without feeling anxious. Being in retail there is commission so I feel anxious not making it. And I give up. The numbers aren't even that high to get. My question is how can I work in retail with anxiety. Is there a possible way of any techniques that will manage my anxiety while talking to customers?

QueenOfSpades Information please
  • replies: 3

I have suffered anxiety for many years now. Last year I experienced a severe mental breakdown and have been recovering from the person it turned me into. I am doing a lot better but there are random days when everything hits again. I was borderline a... View more

I have suffered anxiety for many years now. Last year I experienced a severe mental breakdown and have been recovering from the person it turned me into. I am doing a lot better but there are random days when everything hits again. I was borderline agoraphobic and had a lot of time off work. I discussed every detail with my employer and we cooperated to assist us both in the best way. However, now when I wake up to the terrible feelings of overwhelming panic attacks and complete sadness, I just message them on the company phone to inform them I won't be in that day. I don't want to talk to my partner or family on these days let alone work colleagues or bosses. I physically can't bring myself to communicate in the moment. Different people answer the phone at work each week and I am uncomfortable discussing it with everyone. The confidentiality is seriously lacking with many people there and I don't trust them enough to tell them what they think they're entitled to hear. Legally I know they are not. So I just message in the hope to not deal with that or the hostility some people get with those that do call in sick, as if anything worse needs to be added to a day like those ones. Is there anything I can do to get through to them? Legally or morally? i see it as, at least I am letting them know in some form that I won't be in. I know it's extremely unprofessional and it does look bad, but surely considering the circumstances (that the boss knows every detail) that maybe they would understand a bit. Any advice is appreciated, thankyou everyone.

Lisa2 New to group & I have social anxiety :)
  • replies: 5

Hello everyone, My name is Lisa, I am 24 years old and have recently come to Perth on a working holiday visa. I have been experiencing symptoms of social anxiety since I was in my teens. It became so intrusive in my life I felt completely overwhelmed... View more

Hello everyone, My name is Lisa, I am 24 years old and have recently come to Perth on a working holiday visa. I have been experiencing symptoms of social anxiety since I was in my teens. It became so intrusive in my life I felt completely overwhelmed, exhausted and felt an inability to function normally on a day-to-day basis. I went and got CBT and counselling. It helped me help myself reduce the symptoms and of my anxiety and handle it better. My anxiety is like waves, sometimes it is sky high and sometimes low and manageable. It has not completely gone but now in my life I feel more equipped in addressing my anxiety and help myself keep pushing forward in life. I also have a brother with severe OCD and I can see the effects it is having on his quality of life and causing distress for those who love him. I have joined this group to share my experience with anxiety with others, feel connected to like-minded people and perhaps help others in their journey. Looking forward to connecting with you guys Lisa

Stu-E Whatever this affliction is called i got it....
  • replies: 1

Hi Everyone, Whatever this affliction is called i got it.... I'm suffering severe social anxiety with a fair dash of depression presently, which is weird because i'm usually very adaptable, calm & chatty. I'm currently hiding this issue like a Pro, b... View more

Hi Everyone, Whatever this affliction is called i got it.... I'm suffering severe social anxiety with a fair dash of depression presently, which is weird because i'm usually very adaptable, calm & chatty. I'm currently hiding this issue like a Pro, but in theory it's all completely coming apart at a rate of knots, nobody besides my parents are aware of this or really have a clue. I'm able to hold down my office job without any real suspicion from others on how i'm feeling, i'm starting to miss days on a regular basis now however, which is a concern. What is odd is that i'm likely the most talkative, upbeat & jovial character in a large office environment & i'm told I have become a such a great morale guy which is nice. Socially i'm in good shape here. On the flip side my life outside of work is a living nightmare. I'm the polar opposite...i'm completely withdrawn, lonely, stuck in my own crazy opinions & thoughts, completely anti-social, frightened & just completely conceded. I'm seeing a psychologist by the way, early days though. I have all but lost the majority of my friends, due to the fact I just wish to be alone in my own thoughts frequently. I keep making excuses not to be places, it's like i'm completely checked out mentally. I'm pretty sure this is some kind of social anxiety but I run every conversation through my head. I analyse my social interactions to a complete fault, i'm so critical of myself for just no reason at all. I'm never satisfied with myself no matter what & the anxiety that hits me from all directions and I have no defence for it. I'm literally in fear of this & have grown rather protective of myself. I have bravely just returned to the dating scene recently (no idea why I thought this would work) & the anxiety/pressure hit's me like a tonne of bricks. I'm no longer equipped to deal with it, although I wish to meet someone... I'm really just lonely & looking to improve my situation, maybe make a friend or two, but I literally feel ILL from each experience. Yeah, granted it's a total sh*t-show out there these days, but this feeling of anxiety/depression is ​really something else. I just crumble to the pressure & just leaves me in a poor mental health. Anyone share any sentiments on this condition? Really wishing to improve my situation, but unable to handle/deal with the necessary steps to do so. Cheers Stu

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