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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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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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CherryOnTop When I freak out
  • replies: 2

I have anxiety and depression, which I see a therapist for once a month. One thing I never bring up is this panic attacks I'm really messy. I don't want to be but I just can't not be messy. I think the depression takes my energy and motivation away t... View more

I have anxiety and depression, which I see a therapist for once a month. One thing I never bring up is this panic attacks I'm really messy. I don't want to be but I just can't not be messy. I think the depression takes my energy and motivation away to do it and the anxiety means I don't think I'll do it right. Anywya because I am so messy I lose things all the time. But because I have such strict rules I can't function without these items. Like today I wanted to go for a run. but I couldn't find my sunglasses. My rule, because I have really photosensitive eyes, is that I can't go outside without sunglasses. It was still sunny but the sun was going to set half way through and it's not the middle of summer or anything. I tore the whole house up and down. As usual I throw things and I break things- I want to break things and make loud noses- I get hysterical and really angry with myself. Partly I'm angry because I'm so strict about these rules and partly because I am so angry about myself for constantly losing things. I was particularly angry today because I was feeling really fat so I wanted to run, also because I'd told my family I was going to run so I felt I should and also it was my treat to myself on my birthday. Anyway after it all dies down I cry a lot and I hate myself, wishing I could have had what I planned on having. And I feel like a failure and so ashamed for not accomplishing what I set out to do. And I completely withdraw form people (not that I really see people much anymore) Then I guilty-eat a lot and feel even more guilty and sick. Nevertheless similar things happen all the time. Like the other week I wouldn't go to bed until I found my phone and I had the same reaction. Or once it was because I couldn't find the jeans I wanted to wear that day or my new gym shoes. Does anyone have any coping strategies or suggestions on how to handle this (obviously being neater is one but I really don't know how) because it's just ruining everything I do. Thanks

oldmate322 Feeling like I've fallen behind in life experiences
  • replies: 6

I'm struggling lately with anxiety, and among some of my issues is this feeling of inadequacy in terms of life experiences. I'm 28 and I've recently moved to Sydney and started a new career. I was originally from Newcastle and I completed my degree, ... View more

I'm struggling lately with anxiety, and among some of my issues is this feeling of inadequacy in terms of life experiences. I'm 28 and I've recently moved to Sydney and started a new career. I was originally from Newcastle and I completed my degree, but I always felt like I was behind in that. Additionally in my personal life (sex, sexual partners, etc) was always lacking, I constantly felt like I was left behind, like I didn't go out and party/enjoy my youth as much and now everybody has shifted on to the next stage of life. Now I've moved to a new city, moved out of home, started a relationship (with all the associated sex etc) and in all respects I feel like I'm so far behind in everything, like I missed out on a huge chunk of what I should have experienced to get here. It makes me feel inadequate around other people, whom I feel have experienced life and makes me feel like I'll always be on the back foot. I'm trying to engage myself in new activities now but the feelings of inadequacy are floating around and it's giving me anxiety attacks which are affecting my work. The big trigger is my new relationship, having only had a very brief one previously when I was 19 and very limited sexual experience. In short I'm worried about going on to the adult side of my life having never experienced an idealised youth

Bichette Anxiety. ...enough
  • replies: 4

Hi Since a few years I have been very struggling with anxiety. Went twice to hospital and actually that helpslittle bit but it was a traumatic experience for my boys and myself. I am feeling lost again since 2 weeks. Went to see a new GP and got anti... View more

Hi Since a few years I have been very struggling with anxiety. Went twice to hospital and actually that helpslittle bit but it was a traumatic experience for my boys and myself. I am feeling lost again since 2 weeks. Went to see a new GP and got antidepressant and anxiety medecine. It's been only 9 days I am on but my big fears is I am feeling lost. I don't have any family here, I am from France, I have my boys 50/50 with my ex husband. I didn't go to work the last 2 weeks, I spent my day home and have no motivation to do anything. I am feeling very lonely. I try my best to be strong, my boys need me and I desire to have a normal life with happiness. Tomorrow I have an appointment with a psychologist, I am feeling desperate and can't stop to cry because I feel like there are no issues.

Motheroftwo I worry about the effect that my anxiety has on my children and husband
  • replies: 3

Hello About 6 weeks ago I started having panic attacks again. I did 4 years ago and ended up depressed because I didn't know my symptoms were anxiety to treat. I straight away went to the GP for a mental health care plan, mess and a referral to a psy... View more

Hello About 6 weeks ago I started having panic attacks again. I did 4 years ago and ended up depressed because I didn't know my symptoms were anxiety to treat. I straight away went to the GP for a mental health care plan, mess and a referral to a psychologist. The first week or so was tough, but things improved and I was feeling better. But just this last week I have had bad toothache and have started antibiotics, but have been in quite a bit of pain. I have two kids at home on school holidays so it has made it a bit tricky to want to get up and do anything. I haven't had any counselling for 2 weeks because of school hols. Last night I had another panic attack, the first I'd had in a while. I feel terrible - I thought I was on the mend! The attack was partially triggered by worrying about an upcoming event, and also worrying that I'm feeling flat. Today I am on my own at home and have just been crying. I feel like a burden. My husband doesn't understand what I am going through. Can I be getting depressed after previously feeling good? I worry about the effect that my anxiety and/or depression has on my children and husband. I think my eldest picks up on when I am not feeling ok. And then I worry for them. Does anyone have any advice to share? Thanks.

Self-Acceptance Anxiety, OCD & depression. Can it come and go?
  • replies: 2

Hello all, I'm feeling a little confused, I suffer from anxiety, OCD and can feel quite depressed because of it. But it's not constant. I've only had a few breakdowns this year and in between them I feel good. Those times in between I know my OCD is ... View more

Hello all, I'm feeling a little confused, I suffer from anxiety, OCD and can feel quite depressed because of it. But it's not constant. I've only had a few breakdowns this year and in between them I feel good. Those times in between I know my OCD is still there but it doesn't seem to bother me. But when it does come it's unbearable and effects every aspect of my life. I haven't been diagnosed as yet or seeked any help because as soon as I look into going to see someone it subsidies and goes away. Which makes it hard to explain to people and why I haven't got any help. I have just had a breakdown. Been incredibly down and anxious for the past week. It's like a light switch, It turns on and of. From feeling so down and having such bad thoughts to now where I feel nothing at all. I know all the issues I was struggling with are still there but it's not bothering me. I feel emotionless. I've booked an appointment to talk to someone. I just hope I can explain how I feel. Does anyone else go through the same thing?

Molly06 Having sinus surgery on Monday and anxiety has kicked in.
  • replies: 3

Hi, I have had chronic sinusitis for over 10 years and have been putting off the surgery because I have heard it is quiet painful afterwards and it's 10 days recovery. I finally realized it's time to do something about it though as I'm sick of being ... View more

Hi, I have had chronic sinusitis for over 10 years and have been putting off the surgery because I have heard it is quiet painful afterwards and it's 10 days recovery. I finally realized it's time to do something about it though as I'm sick of being on antibiotics . I have had a few operations in the past with no problems but I think because of it being my face it's why I'm so nervous. ive been trying not to think about it too much but the day is getting closer and now I'm very nervous. I have had anxiety throughout the night and woken up with it. Ive been trying to tell myself it's going to be fine and how good it will be afterwards but this isn't really helping. Just hoping some people out there have had the same op can give me some confidence about it and share your happy stories maybe? i have been told by others that it is worth it but the more positive stories the better. Thank you

Loula Freaking Out Bad! Flying!
  • replies: 3

I have the biggest fear of flying and first thing in the morning I'm flying!! I'm so scared! Yesterday at work I had a huge panic attack at work. I was shaking, spinning, shallow breathing, heart pumping out of my chest and threw up so much I ended u... View more

I have the biggest fear of flying and first thing in the morning I'm flying!! I'm so scared! Yesterday at work I had a huge panic attack at work. I was shaking, spinning, shallow breathing, heart pumping out of my chest and threw up so much I ended up coughing up blood and pulling veins around my eyes. Today I had to take another day of work because I'm still being ill and not breathing right. Does anyone have and good tips to flying that is not deep breathing as that makes me worse.

Molly79 Anxiety through the roof
  • replies: 15

Hi all just after some insight into trying magnesium for my muscle tension and stress. I have had my 2nd session with a therapist who has provided me with several relaxation cds and a adult colouring book to help with my severe anxiety. She has sugge... View more

Hi all just after some insight into trying magnesium for my muscle tension and stress. I have had my 2nd session with a therapist who has provided me with several relaxation cds and a adult colouring book to help with my severe anxiety. She has suggested I take magnesium powder every day as a aid in helping with my condition. I'm also on the fourth week of my anti depressant medication, low dose being 10mg and nothing has changed. Maybe I need to get the dose upgraded???? I suffer constant chest pain that never lets up. My sleeping pattern is terrible and I worry all the time about my heart. I've tried the relaxation methods and breathing but my body is not taking to these very well. Im asking if anyone has any other suggestions on other steps I can take in helping my situation as I just want my life back.

GGP Lost.
  • replies: 1

Hi everyone, I'm 22 F, I've been battling depression and anxiety for 6years. I've had an 'external crisis' in 2014 those 2weeks I can not remember. I've been on numerous medications however two years ago I seen a psychiatrist whom put me on medicatio... View more

Hi everyone, I'm 22 F, I've been battling depression and anxiety for 6years. I've had an 'external crisis' in 2014 those 2weeks I can not remember. I've been on numerous medications however two years ago I seen a psychiatrist whom put me on medication I am still currently taking and stated I had social/ generalised anxiety, I have seen the same psychologigist for 4 years been to the hospital 3times in the last six years for suicidal thoughts including the last trip a week ago. I'm currently waiting to see the two specialists above, meantime I'm super depressed. I've been trying so hard, I'm so fed up I'm back here.

Franniesplace Every part of me is screaming inside, but know if I give over to it, it'll only make things worse. The breakdown I can't afford to have...
  • replies: 5

I'm suffering from anxiety symptoms. I feel like every fibre of my muscles want to run or freeze simultaniously, and my throat and chest feels like I've been screaming and I've been like this on and off for a couple of weeks. I'm trying to just keep ... View more

I'm suffering from anxiety symptoms. I feel like every fibre of my muscles want to run or freeze simultaniously, and my throat and chest feels like I've been screaming and I've been like this on and off for a couple of weeks. I'm trying to just keep moving, one foot in front of the other. Sometimes I'm better when I'm distracted, but I have a job which has me in stressful situations regularly. Normally this doesn't phase me, but in my heightened state I'm struggling to keep going. The professionals advise taking a break, that maybe work isn't right for me at the moment but I run my own business, and taking a break is simply not that easy and would in fact create more stress in my life. How can people afford to have "breakdowns"?! The other option is to try medication, which last time I tried it, it made my symptoms worse and made it impossible for me to do my job due to the sides effects anyway - Catch 22. If I want to try medications, I understand I need to give them long enough to have some effect but they actually left me incapacitated in the meantime. If I don't try the medications, I don't know how I am going to keep going. The unavoidable need to cope is actually just putting more pressure on me when I feel like I just can't. Externally, most people don't see what is going on in my head just to get through the day, so when I hit the point where I can't move forward one more step, they act like "but you were fine a minute ago". I don't know what my question is. I know there is no easy fix. And that is part of the fear. How long will I feel like this? How can I make it stop before I can't fight it anymore. I guess I just jumped on here to reach out...