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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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Baby_Boomer Panic
  • replies: 3

Many years ago my home was raided by armed police, they had come to the wrong home. Since that time I have had anxiety and panic issues. Now in recent times the police have again arrived as part of an investigation they are conducting to do with a Ro... View more

Many years ago my home was raided by armed police, they had come to the wrong home. Since that time I have had anxiety and panic issues. Now in recent times the police have again arrived as part of an investigation they are conducting to do with a Royal Commission because of where my husband worked. I was forced to a investigative type interrogation, I had no legal representation as I could only have a support person who was not allowed to interrupt the interview. I did not have the right to silence and was threatened with imprisonment if I revealed anything said during the interview. I am back to where I started all those years ago and am feeling so overwhelmed by what has happened. My phone was tapped and I was under surveillance. I am now frightened all the time, I am scared to be home by myself alone, I can't sleep and am having panic attacks all the time. My doctor referred me to a therapist which has helped but I feel this is going to take a long time to recover from. I am getting good family support but because of the legal restrictions put on me I am not allowed to discuss a lot. I feel so violated because of what has happened to me and feel so helpless. I can't believe this can happen to a innocent person just because of where my husband worked.

iAMstuck Need help and advice.!
  • replies: 2

Hello. I am new on here. I have been struggling with depression/anxiety for almost 2years now. I did get better a couple of times. But it keeps coming back. At the moment, I'm currently sharing a house with my mum, brother and my two children. Becaus... View more

Hello. I am new on here. I have been struggling with depression/anxiety for almost 2years now. I did get better a couple of times. But it keeps coming back. At the moment, I'm currently sharing a house with my mum, brother and my two children. Because I needed help with my girls so I could get better. It was going so well, I got off my anti-depressant/anti-anxiety medication. Sorting my life out, like going to a career adviser to help me figure out what employment I want to persue and getting my citizenship so I can study. Then school holidays started, I just constantly started thinking about what I'm going to do with my life, like have I chosen the right career to pursue, will I like that job once I'm in it so on and so on. Will I make friends with all these new people and have great relationships with them, will I finally be happy. I'm so scared of being let down. What if nothing good happens. At the moment I'm stuck at home with my two girls, I only have one friend and she is always so busy and I never feel like going anywhere and doing things with my girls because I'm just constantly stuck with thinking and worrying constantly about everything. My children are suffering because of it, it's like I have no time for them. I feel like such a bad parent. But I do push my self and get them out to do something every second day or so like go to the park or to see a movie. A play date with one of their friends from school. But I don't want to do any of that. I am really so unhappy. I sometimes think is it because I live with my mum and she drives me crazy and she is so negative most of the time which really isn't good for my (ex)depression. I practically don't have any friends at all, no boyfriend. No job, I feel like such a failure, I'm 26 with two children, living with my mum, no career no job no friends no nothing.! Tonight. My mum decided to tell me that she and my brother want to move state when our lease is up in October. That just topped me off. Immediately I got extremely anxious. I havent stopped thinking since and that was 6hours ago, 3:30am might I add. Is 8 months long enough to save up for a course and finish that course, to find a job. Will I get a job. Will I have friends, will I be happy then. Or do I move again with my mum and brother. Do i put my children through all that. They've already had to change schools 5 times already, moved houses a handful of times. What am I going to do.! I'm scared I'm going to get depressed again. Help me.!

edroz Anxiety; past, present and future
  • replies: 4

Hi all, My case is quite complex not based on a single moment of my life or issue. I came to Australia looking for a better future, my country has no opportunities for young people and I had to pack up and find a place to settle and be happy. I lande... View more

Hi all, My case is quite complex not based on a single moment of my life or issue. I came to Australia looking for a better future, my country has no opportunities for young people and I had to pack up and find a place to settle and be happy. I landed in Melbourne and after few tough moments a company sponsored my visa to work in a small town and I worked over there for 4 years. The anxiety started very early when I found myself in a small place and a manager who was "juicing me" using the pretext "work hard or you lose your job and your visa". Luckily this person was gone after 12 months and I also met my current partner. Over these 4 years my company started to make redundancies which cause me a lot of stress, if I lose my job I lose my visa and I've been almost 3 years with this around my head. At the same time I started to work almost FIFO to supervise overseas projects and I did not have enough time to socialize and have a normal lifestyle. At the end of the day I got my residency (it was a very challenging process with my company, it took them 8 months to take the decision) and I even got a promotion and a payrise but the started to cut more people and resources and I ended in a loop of 50-60 hours a week work plus traveling. My job is quite technical, stressful and mistakes cost a lot of money and it can kill people and they put on my shoulder 3 people work load with the stress associated. Around 4 months ago I had a panic attack at work, I collapsed and I was unwilling to tackle a very easy problem and I just left the office and went home. The company decided to put me on psychological treatment, reduce the traveling but they did not reduce the workload. After an extensive assessment with my partner I did resign and found a total different job in hospitality. Working in a different industry like hospitality or services are highly exposed to people and I might feel better I thought and I was correct, I worked in a local pub just next home for few weeks and I really felt awesome. Just 2 weeks after this new job, a client who knew that I left referred me for a position in his company and I got the job and I start the 1st of February. Why I feel with anxiety now is mainly for three reasons; moving is always troublesome, my contract is for a permanent position but 6 months probationary period and my partner is moving with me which is awesome but it put a little bit of extra pressure on me.

Scotchfinger never reaching rock bottom
  • replies: 4

I know what its like to be broke but I've never been homeless. I've never slept out on the streets, under the stars. I've always had a glimmer of support. Though tiny , it has always been there. So I've never considered suicide seriously. Come on. Wh... View more

I know what its like to be broke but I've never been homeless. I've never slept out on the streets, under the stars. I've always had a glimmer of support. Though tiny , it has always been there. So I've never considered suicide seriously. Come on. What a waste of beautiful manhood! I've never been so bad that I was ready to throw in the towel. I suspect reaching rock bottom has helped some people though. Wake them up! "OK now I see what I have to do! Now I can turn my life around!" So can I ask some people who have reached rock bottom, did it help you? Was it a light-bulb moment? How did you progress? For me, I find I have never really been too bad. I mean I did gamble a lot of money away once and felt very regretful later. But I was able to recoup my losses later. it wasn't a life-shattering moment. I fear though I may be due for a low soon. (such is the way my anxious mind works) Il-health must be a real wake-up call. I've been lucky with that too so far. (touch wood)

Bluey_moon Success
  • replies: 5

Hi all, I had an appointment with my psycologist today after 4 weeks of not seeing her. I am encouraged she thinks my insight is great and I am making great advancements! We also decided my GAD has morphed into mild OCD as I had suspected! But my str... View more

Hi all, I had an appointment with my psycologist today after 4 weeks of not seeing her. I am encouraged she thinks my insight is great and I am making great advancements! We also decided my GAD has morphed into mild OCD as I had suspected! But my strategies appear to be having a great effect especially the last few days! And I have finally realised, I'm a pretty special person who doesn't need to be perfect! I just need to be me! Love and hugs, skye

maggie1 Anxiety stopping me from applying for jobs
  • replies: 11

I have suffered from anxiety my whole life but only realized after speaking to a professional not long ago. I hate my job but my anxiety is stopping me from applying for new jobs. I cancel interviews because im worried they will think im an idiot and... View more

I have suffered from anxiety my whole life but only realized after speaking to a professional not long ago. I hate my job but my anxiety is stopping me from applying for new jobs. I cancel interviews because im worried they will think im an idiot and im afraid of rejection. I have an interview tomorrow and i cant stay focused, its making me feel sick. Anyone else suffer from this/ can give some helpful tips? Thanks

Bluey_moon Working hard!
  • replies: 5

Hi BB community, So you guys know me, GAD and obsessive thinking oh and health anxiety! (At this point in time I worry about scizophrenia). I am working so hard to be better. Taking my SSRI all the time, seeing my psychologist (although she's been aw... View more

Hi BB community, So you guys know me, GAD and obsessive thinking oh and health anxiety! (At this point in time I worry about scizophrenia). I am working so hard to be better. Taking my SSRI all the time, seeing my psychologist (although she's been away for four weeks). Keeping in touch with the psychiatrists at the hospital! Talking on here. I still struggle with a few things. The health obsession, every day I am hyper aware, is this a sign blah blah blah? I struggle with thoughts triggered by news ect! So with all the media on family violence lately, I'll think, can I trust my family with my kids? I know I can to be clear, but struggle with the thought I could have those thoughts! And sometimes I just feel anxious or down! I know I have insight and I'm getting there, but it feels like a long road some days! The worst is I have every reason to get better! A gorgeous family ect! Im working hard though! Skye

Mares73 How do I stop anxiety controlling me?
  • replies: 3

Hi all i posted a thread in the depression forum called "I'm bk-latest chapter in turmoil" but I've been thinking & now believe my severe anxiety leads to depression. i have gone from a bubbly outgoing high achiever to someone who struggles to leave ... View more

Hi all i posted a thread in the depression forum called "I'm bk-latest chapter in turmoil" but I've been thinking & now believe my severe anxiety leads to depression. i have gone from a bubbly outgoing high achiever to someone who struggles to leave the house or even get dressed some days. This has been going on for several years. I no longer work. i need to be strong as my husband has Acute leukaemia & I have 2 children who are resentful that I'm so affected by anxiety that I often can't do things with them. I make promises then wake up with severe anxiety & feel I can't leave house. They are 16 & 12. Then I have a civil case against a priest who abused me when young. The anxiety has become so debilitating that I can't function as I need to. It starts from the minute I wake up. Racing thoughts, rapid pulse, sick with nerves on stomach & so on. I often notice I'm struggling with my breathing. I'm on medication & seeing a therapist but still this anxiety is defining me & my life. I feel broken by it. It's stopping me living a decent life. It's preventing me from doing things with my kids & its isolating me from my husband. Ive tried meditation but I end up more anxious that I'm not doing it right! i honestly feel I can't get through another year with my life defined by crippling anxiety. I have big issues & responsibilities ie my husbands health, the court case, caring for my children. I can't bare another year of isolating myself & avoiding things out of fear. Worst of all is I feel unable to stop or control the anxiety. It feels like its controlling me. All I want is to be able to wake up & not be overwhelmed by anxiety. This is existing rather than living. It's chronic. Has anyone else felt defined by anxiety? Has anyone beaten it? id appreciate any advice. mares X

Rod_NR93 First post. Having a tough time with anxiety and depression.
  • replies: 4

Hi all, this is my first post. I have diagnosed sensorimotor OCD, major depression and (subtle ADD). I see a great psychologist who is giving me ERP treatment and a psychiatrist for medication. He says I'm progressing well but I doubt him as I still ... View more

Hi all, this is my first post. I have diagnosed sensorimotor OCD, major depression and (subtle ADD). I see a great psychologist who is giving me ERP treatment and a psychiatrist for medication. He says I'm progressing well but I doubt him as I still feel just as anxious much of the time. Over this 'festive' break I've been doing it tough. A couple of days ago I had a meltdown or panic attack which is still leaving me unsettled. I cried uncontrollably at the time.There are three issues that are really stressing me at the moment. Firstly is my medication. I'm on a medium dose of medication for the ADD and OCD, which my psychiatrist says are related. I've tried pretty much all other anti d's without much luck. The medication is knocking me about a lot lately because of its 'rebound' affect. It's a great mood lifter and helps me focus my attention positively but it can wear off quickly which leaves me feeling highly agitated. There's the longer acting version of it but that causes me insomnia. I feel I can't win and which left me panicking the other night cos I felt 'there's no way out'. (I have no self harm ideation.) I'll phone for an appointment with my psychiatrist on Monday but I feel I'm running out of options.Secondly is the OCD. I've had it of sorts for over 20 years and my fears feel SO certain and real, despite there being no logic to them. I know the OCD happens despite me, not because of me, due to part of my brain firing incorrectly, which causes the 'something's wrong' feeling. The obsessions feel logical to me but all objective evidence says they are not. It just feels too tough, like a can't win this, particularly when I have setbacks. My psychologist is adamant I'm progressing well but it doesn't feel that way to me much of the time. This fuels my depression.Thirdly is the meltdown/panic attack I had a few nights ago. It was so awful and I dread it happening again. I can feel it lurking. The meltdowns are the worst feeling and when I have them my whole future seems black. It's just misery with a sense of there being no way out. Thanks for reading this.

MisterM I feel like a basket case - feel like I will not be able to cope in any job or uni course
  • replies: 12

I made a post somewhere a few weeks ago about considering nursing as a career. After deep consideration, I don't think night shift work would be good for managing my depression and anxiety. I am very sleep sensitive. Plus I am not keen on other thing... View more

I made a post somewhere a few weeks ago about considering nursing as a career. After deep consideration, I don't think night shift work would be good for managing my depression and anxiety. I am very sleep sensitive. Plus I am not keen on other things that come with the job of nursing. I have also had teaching in mind for a while, I almost enrolled over a year ago. After talking to teachers I know I am very keen to pursue this career. I will need to go back to uni obviously. I just worry that my mental health will prevent me from being able to fulfill my studies in a teaching degree. Will I be suitable to teach after graduating? I am filled with fear, doubt and uncertainty. Every job I have considered I see myself as not suitable, I feel like a loser, a failure, a basket case. A voice in my head tells me I cannot do that job and I picture family members laughing at me for considering such jobs such as when I considered becoming a police officer (I was rejected in the recruitment process due to my mental health history). My mum laughed when I told her I wanted to be a police officer. I can only imagine what my sister was saying behind my back as she sees me as a weak little mouse. My sister is a teacher and she has often told me such and such career is not for me as I am too shy, not confident enough, a mute, can't shake hands firmly. When I was studying marketing she put me down and caused me to cry. I feel like the biggest useless thing in the world, a joke, what am I good for? Being a cleaner in a shopping centre? I've tried a trade (electrician) and had my dad and brother in law say that isn't for me as I am not a physical type, I dropped out of a pre apprenticeship course in tafe as I realised I was struggling compared to others. I was too weak, shy, not confident for real estate, got bullied then fired for not gelling with the team. I was too slow and clumsy, uncoordinated to be a cafe worker, I worked as a waiter and kept getting told off for being slow but I couldn't go any faster, and I spilled drinks as I couldn't balance them on the tray as I served, so embarrassing to smash glasses and spill drinks on customer's tables. I got fired in the end after not managing to pick up the pace. I often struggled in the corporate world, I didn't know what I was doing and got treated like crap when approaching others as part of my job. I just feel like I am not fit to work in any job that I am meant to be an unemployed welfare recipient for life.