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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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A_Bit_Of_A_Pickle Caught in a never ending cycle...
  • replies: 2

Like probably a lot of people here, I know that anxiety tends to be a bit of a sneaky *insert your choice of swear word here*, and to be honest I thought I was done, until about a week ago when it came back with a bit of a chip on it's shoulder. I fe... View more

Like probably a lot of people here, I know that anxiety tends to be a bit of a sneaky *insert your choice of swear word here*, and to be honest I thought I was done, until about a week ago when it came back with a bit of a chip on it's shoulder. I feel like everything I've worked for in the last year has fallen apart, and what's worse is that I know why - and i still can't stop it. Maybe I should give a bit of back story. I've been having panic attacks and anxiety since i was thirteen but wasn't officially diagnosed until the beginning of last year at the age of 22 when my depression and panic attacks could no longer be hidden. My anxiety is usually coupled with extreme nightmare which lead to acute insomnia, an extreme aversion to food and pretty epic panic attacks leaving me emotionally and physically worn down. I got help and started on medication which made me feel better and i was able to start regulating my sleep and eating again so much so I was able to go and study overseas for six months. I've been back for over a year now and felt that I was doing really well - until last week when I started getting nightmares again, which made me afraid of sleep, which as you could imagine makes it very difficult to sleep, which makes me more stressed, which makes me more emotional, which makes me more anxious, which makes me afraid that the whole terrible cycle will start again. I've just finished uni, I'm broke and jobless which is adding to the stress and worry about my future and the things that used to help me cope actually seem to be making everything worse. Foods I used enjoy turn to ash in my mouth, shows and music that used to calm me remind me of my anxiety in the past. Because of some childhood interactions I find it extremely difficult to explain to people how I'm feeling. I don't know if i can afford going to the doctor's, and i feel like if I go back on medication i'll be letting everyone who helped me down, let alone my self. But most of all i just want to live. I want to not have to worry about this stuff anymore, and just knowing that I have to start the whole process all over again hurts me.

agoatnamedgrace 19 Years Later...
  • replies: 4

Diagnosed with PTSD, depression, multiple forms of anxiety and panic disorder. It's 19 years later and it still controls my life... These illnesses have controlled employment, my finance, friendships, relationships, family. You name it and it has its... View more

Diagnosed with PTSD, depression, multiple forms of anxiety and panic disorder. It's 19 years later and it still controls my life... These illnesses have controlled employment, my finance, friendships, relationships, family. You name it and it has its grasps on every aspect of my life. Is it ever going to get better? I've seen psychologists, I've been on medication for 10 years. Surely I wasn't just born to suffer with this all my life? Feeling hopeless and helpless. L

hellopanda Getting over panic attacks without medication?
  • replies: 2

Hi, I'm new here! I couldn't find anything similar in a search, but sorry if this has been done before. I'm really interested in hearing about peoples experiences with panic attacks. For the past couple of years I've been having them severely and rec... View more

Hi, I'm new here! I couldn't find anything similar in a search, but sorry if this has been done before. I'm really interested in hearing about peoples experiences with panic attacks. For the past couple of years I've been having them severely and recently I've been taking some prescription drugs to help me out (not sure if I can go into details here?). I also have bipolar so I'm on a range of other medications for that, so I want to avoid more. I'm just curious to hear about your experiences with panic attacks, and hopefully how you've gotten over them without the help of medication. As much as these meds are helping me I don't want to become dependent on them just to function in certain scenarios that I'm going to face almost daily if I'm going to be realistic about this. I panic when I'm the centre of attention. So no talking in front of groups. My flight response is very strong. I've run out of a lot of rooms. The reason for the medication is a new job. It's a really great job that I honestly thought would take me a few more years to work up to (and in those years I'd deal with the panic attacks). I've done a lot of meditation work and breathing techniques. The breathing is really effective to a certain point for me, but often it just gets overwhelmed by the panic. I'd love to hear your experiences. Cheers

out_of_this__world What to do?
  • replies: 7

I am a 31yr old male currently dating a 34yr old female who has anxiety and i would say depression at times as well. We have been dating for 18months and lived together for 6 months, during this time she declined in mental health and is finally seeki... View more

I am a 31yr old male currently dating a 34yr old female who has anxiety and i would say depression at times as well. We have been dating for 18months and lived together for 6 months, during this time she declined in mental health and is finally seeking proper help but still struggling. What happened to me was that when she hit rock bottom i to got depression and some anxiety which i have never had before. I told her i need a 2 week break to reassess the relationship as i didn't know much about the illness until now, sometimes i think i should continue it but at the same time i realize that the illness may never go away for her ( Mum, Dad and Sister have it) she has had it for many years but never said it was this bad. When she went bad she lost her job and sat around on the couch depressed all day in her own head i was stressing hard because i didn't know much about the illness, if i leave i also have the age issue to worry about which has also been affecting me about dating again. When i had my episode my heart was pumping, always worried about health issues and over stressing, all the symptoms are basically disappearing during the break, got the test back from doctor and there nothing wrong is me. I am now concerned about my well being if i stay as the episode she had was bad and lasted 3 months and affected me, but also suffering a little fear about starting over again at 31yrs old. I was wondering if having a depressed and anxiety partner can affect you and your mental health and a little feedback on my situation, also wondering about the illness and if it can get worse, i finally realize mental health is no joke and i am currently seeing a psych who tells to look after yourself first. I also wonder if i just had a breakdown myself and relationship had nothing to do with it but it seems a coincident that it happened when i date someone with the issue. She also wants kids which makes me think if her whole family has it maybe the kids will get it too, a little lost at the moment and recovering back to full health myself which is awesome.

Siera I need help
  • replies: 3

I need help ... are the first words I said when I walked through the door of my parents house. Followed by, can I move in with you as I need help and can't be alone. This was yesterday and today I lay here knowing I have done the right thing but stru... View more

I need help ... are the first words I said when I walked through the door of my parents house. Followed by, can I move in with you as I need help and can't be alone. This was yesterday and today I lay here knowing I have done the right thing but struggling to deal with my now medically diagnosed anxiety. I am in my early 30s and know I have become overwhelmed by an ongoing negative toxic work environment and instability. The doctor has prescribed me with benzodiazpenes and anti depressants. Tomorrow I am going back for a referral to a psychologist. However here I am lieing in bed after just having an anxiety attack after waking up from a bad sleep and wondering how do you manage the anxiety attacks? What do people do? Is there apps that anyone can suggest?

chamomiletea Anxiety about work
  • replies: 9

Hello, Id really appreciate some advice on getting over getting fired. I worked a casual hospitality job for about a month or two. they hired me without hospitality experience but I don't manage to learn everything fast enough and after a particularl... View more

Hello, Id really appreciate some advice on getting over getting fired. I worked a casual hospitality job for about a month or two. they hired me without hospitality experience but I don't manage to learn everything fast enough and after a particularly bad shift I got fired. I accept that that has happened and am fine at my regular job, but the thing is, I can't seem to get over the hurt feel from the way I was treated. I just get this anxious feeling every time I think about the experience and smells of some cafes bring it right back. the last shift I was put in the hardest position without assistance, every mistake I made I was grumbled at, sighed at or rolled eyes at me by the manager, all while new tasks kept being called out. I felt so so stressed but didn't know what to do so just kept trying my hardest for about two hours befores my shift ended and I was fired. Even now when I think about it I physically feel anxious, and it has been several months ths since thus happened. I just can't work out to move on and just want to be free from this feeling of guilt fear and lack of confidence I get every time I think about it. I have an mental health care plan which I am waiting for an appointment time, but would really appreciate some tips on how to let go of this experience as it really feels hard to handle. Thank you so much for anyone who has time to reply.

Livinia09 Trying to Avoid Old Habits
  • replies: 8

I have been living with my anxiety disorder for as long as I can remember. I've also been diagnosed with depression this year, and have been falling back into my old habitual way of thinking...'things would be so much better if I weren't around' (sui... View more

I have been living with my anxiety disorder for as long as I can remember. I've also been diagnosed with depression this year, and have been falling back into my old habitual way of thinking...'things would be so much better if I weren't around' (suicidal ideation). I'm seeing a psychologist for my depression. And am honestly not so concerned with that. I am however, concerned about falling back into poor eating habits, or as it is, not eating. I fell prey to anorexia when I was around 14. I overcame it at around 16. I am now 31 and over the years I have been going through minor periods of starvation. Nothing to the extent of when I was younger. But it's a struggle sometimes to make myself eat. I've had some very major stress this year. Including my husband leaving me for someone older and then the man I was seeing after him leave me for someone 10 years younger. Consequently, I've been left feeling rejected and unattractive. I work out for around 2 hours a day and my diet is shocking, I know this, but I don't seem to care and cannot stop it. I constantly find something I hate about my appearance. Lately too, I've been getting really frustrated with the people around me for mentioning my appearance, or focussing on it. They don't say anything negative, but I just hate that it's even mentioned when paying me a compliment at all. It feels like I'm trying not to give this feeling any credit and then people are drawing my attention back to it. So much emphasis is placed on my appearance by everyone around me, it feels. Deep down I know this is ridiculous, but they suggest I shouldn't have any anxious or depressive issues given my exterior. It makes me feel shallow and worthless, like I have nothing to offer. None of this probably makes any sense, and I feel I can't even adequately articulate my real problem. I guess I just wanted to have a 'rant' about it. Liv x

Bodey294 Anxiety, tears and dizziness
  • replies: 6

Hello, it's been a while since I last posted. Usually it's within the depression category but feel like this is etiology. Anyway, I'm currently is my room and I'm listening to my roommates (three girls) laughing and having a good time, socializing on... View more

Hello, it's been a while since I last posted. Usually it's within the depression category but feel like this is etiology. Anyway, I'm currently is my room and I'm listening to my roommates (three girls) laughing and having a good time, socializing on the other side of the wall in the dinning room. I feel my heart rising and muscles tightening and then I need to go to the bathroom. As I go out into the dinning room to then get to the bathroom I get dizzy (it's not enough to make me pass out but like a miniature swirl in my head that sometimes makes me have to stop walking or I freeze to get my head back to normal). Anyway I got there and the door was closed so I assumed someone was in there so I tried to open it but then I tricked myself into thinking it was locked so I didn't put the door open far enough. Now I'm back in my room. I continue to here them having a good time talking, then I cry because I know I'm never that social and I feel lonely and now I'm in bed under covers writing this long paragraph and I just want to be heard and so that's it. By the way I saw a therapist about my depression couple months back but I never have talked about social anxiety.

Asil Ahhh i need sleep.
  • replies: 2

Hi there, about 3 months ago now i started to stay awake, feelings of trapment inside my own home when i put my roller shutters down. Anixety and hopelessness feelibgs kick and id stay awake some nights without even going to sleep. Not a wink. Sleepi... View more

Hi there, about 3 months ago now i started to stay awake, feelings of trapment inside my own home when i put my roller shutters down. Anixety and hopelessness feelibgs kick and id stay awake some nights without even going to sleep. Not a wink. Sleeping was great prior to 3 months ago, so this feelings of anxiety only at night is sending me bat crazy. Ive decided to pull the pin and do a sleep study. It concluded i had very severe sleep apnea. Ive been on the machine for 4 nights. Ive been struggling to come to terms that i do have sleep apnea and have to where a mask to bed. The first night sleeping with the mask i only slept 3hrs all night. Though at least i did sleep with it. Second night i slept 4 hours, 3rd night night 5hrs. I went to see docs and they said by wearing it i dropped from 106 AHI to 2. I should be happy right???? Last night didnt sleep a wink... omg. Sooo frustrated. I tried using it from about 9pm till 1am, though the anxiety and feelings were overwhelming and i slept nothing... not a wink.. youd think good news would relax me!! Im such a mess. No sleep and now this morning i have to get my 2 boys up ready for school and go to work 5 days a week? How am i going to drive? So tired? I only have anxiety at night. Not during the day cause im so busy with kids n work. Night time rolls in and bam... so does Anixety. Docs a month ago prescribed tablets. I was on them for about a month and since starting the cpap treatment for apnea last week, i stop all tablets... well now its anxiety town again since stopping tablets. I am battling getting use to the idea i have a sleep disorder and have to wear a mask attached to a cpap machine. I do have support. I have my parents ans family. Friends. Lots of support, though i just wanted to ask another professional who gets my craziness and lack of sleep at night. I have a doctor helping me, plus the sleep lab team so support is all round me. But i syill feel im strugglibg. Struggling at night. In the dark. Ive tried Everything to rest... when i say everything i mean everything from middle of the night baths, sleeping pills, mood apps everything. Tring to loose weight so maybe i can get off this machine. Can you recommend good other help instead of the mask? What do you think about laser help surgey i looked up tou can have or s mouth piece? I need help for nights to come to terms with this anxiety and depression. Thank you

Leets Having a bad day!!!
  • replies: 11

Help I'm having a really bad day I'm feeling scattered and can't relax I'm that frustrated with my anxiety I'm being forgetful and of course I google it and it's never good.

Help I'm having a really bad day I'm feeling scattered and can't relax I'm that frustrated with my anxiety I'm being forgetful and of course I google it and it's never good.

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