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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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Hael Anxiety Symptoms Rollercoaster
  • replies: 6

Hi All,Just wanted to come on here and share my horrid experience so far and hopefully get some feedback to help get this weeks anxiety off my back, i find when i talk about it, it alleviates some symptoms.I'm 25, have been suffering from depression ... View more

Hi All,Just wanted to come on here and share my horrid experience so far and hopefully get some feedback to help get this weeks anxiety off my back, i find when i talk about it, it alleviates some symptoms.I'm 25, have been suffering from depression since i was 14, i had counseling back then, tried dealing with it since then up until late 2014 i started seeing a psychologist. 12 months of seeing her we weren't on the same page and my depression was spiraling down at a fast rate. I saw my GP and got put on some anti depressants, had heaps of issues with side effects, went off them and changed, had all the withdrawals, new ones were good. i use medication tooThen a few months back i got glandular fever, after having 2.5 weeks off work resting, i was really stressed about returning to work because i wasn't healthy enough yet. I like working and working had, so to be not my normal self i found difficult, returning to work is when i discovered what panic attacks and anxiety were. I was vomiting before going to work and my back neck and jaw were so wound up. when i looked into these things i realized I've been having panic attacks for about 4 years now on and off, never knew what they were just thought my body was doing weird stuff. Ever since i saw the GP the day i committed getting ready for work and he explained the anxiety.I've had 3 panic attacks in the last 2 months, and when i'm anxious and stressed i have been having these symptoms and the same time or separately, on different days or on different weeks on some kind of cycle. and it is driving me mad. It is worse through the day at work, it eases on the weekend when i relax.I get for some periods of time the current streak is 5 days, dizziness, blurry vision, sharp head pains, neck pains, neck back and shoulder tension, nausea, stomach cramps, twitching, neck pressures, head pressures, chest pains, chest rashes, difficulty concentrating, short term memory loss and drowsiness. not all together, usually some after others.I've had tests done by GP, i saw a Psychiatrist about 2-3 weeks ago and all these symptoms eased off. I had a big night drinking over the weekend and it has triggered everything. . Seeing GP again tomorrow about anxiety symptoms and new psychologist straight after. The anxiety is taking over my life, i finally start to deal with it and tell myself it is all in my head and it comes racing back out of no where.. Feel like i am going insane. does all of this sound normal lol

Sampanther Anxiety/worry and unsure how to help myself
  • replies: 2

Hey all I have been struggling with moderate anxiety symptoms for the past year or so and feel I am getting little help from GP's, almost as if they don't know how to help. So I battle through on my own but sometimes feel like I am going to fall apar... View more

Hey all I have been struggling with moderate anxiety symptoms for the past year or so and feel I am getting little help from GP's, almost as if they don't know how to help. So I battle through on my own but sometimes feel like I am going to fall apart and my symptoms are becoming out of my control and affecting my work etc. I sometimes get so upset over small things, and overthink, and am unsure how to help myself. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated, as I get nervous thinking about work and as my boss is pretty hard I know he wouldn't understand!

ci Panic attack!! ! ! ! ! ! !
  • replies: 5

So I've just had pretty major panic attack and I'm needing to vent. So scary and awful experience. My poor husband was witness to it all and I feel so bad for him! I feel like a waste of space. My husband and kids deserve so much more than me. Why ca... View more

So I've just had pretty major panic attack and I'm needing to vent. So scary and awful experience. My poor husband was witness to it all and I feel so bad for him! I feel like a waste of space. My husband and kids deserve so much more than me. Why can't I get control of this.

Melina1 How can I explain to people who don't have anxiety?
  • replies: 3

I never thought I'm on of 'those' people. We always have to put things in boxes. Are you depressed?, did she experience trauma? I haven't experience trauma, I had a good childhood, I was the naughty one - a smart talker - and the class clown entertai... View more

I never thought I'm on of 'those' people. We always have to put things in boxes. Are you depressed?, did she experience trauma? I haven't experience trauma, I had a good childhood, I was the naughty one - a smart talker - and the class clown entertaining everyone. Traveling on my own etc - no problems. Losing control over a situation - I get pins and needles in my arms - heavy breathing - almost feels like I'm not getting enough oxygen. I feel sick - sometimes so bad I don't want to eat for days or make myself throw up to feel relieve. I need to be alone - people freak me out and I get claustrophobic. I can't sleep. I cry - for no reason. When I try to explain what's going on in my body right now I analyse everything in it's details until it becomes obsessive thinking. But the anxiety is not me - it is the complete opposite of who I actually am and friends can't understand how I can fall into this headspace within seconds - I don't want to let it take over me. That's why I refuse to take medication - I want to be stronger. Admitting that something is not right and seeing doctors was hard for me - it made it real. I am very much aware of how lucky I am and what is going on in the world - that's why I'm feeling even more ashamed of feeling like this. I have tried everything - detox, meditation - I am very active and love the outdoors - It's so annoying and unpredictable when it comes. I was always lucky to be in supporting relationships but the last year my anxiety increased and now when I date someone I don't tell them - who wants to be with a psycho I think to myself -but in the end they all see the other site of me - I'm just by then... to tired to explain and specially don't know how? The worst things to hear when I feel like this are statements such as: “Think positive and move on, or: Happiness is within you, or: ' you don't really have problems -Sometimes it’s better to say nothing. It’s all in your head,” -Do people really think those with anxiety haven’t considered this? Yes, it is a mental illness, but it affects us physically, creating sensations such as shallow breathing, hyperventilating, tightness of chest and claustrophobia.There is one recommendation that might help everyone: Avoid telling people not to worry, or they will add being misunderstood to their list of anxieties - but how can I explain and specially when?

Trakka New to anxiety. Does anyone else get constant changing symptoms
  • replies: 8

Hi all,i started getting anxiety and panic attacks about 6 months ago when diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I'm now 27 years old and male and when diagnosed completely changed my life. I've lost 23kg in that time and my diet is completely different. A... View more

Hi all,i started getting anxiety and panic attacks about 6 months ago when diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I'm now 27 years old and male and when diagnosed completely changed my life. I've lost 23kg in that time and my diet is completely different. Although I've made all these changes I am still convinced I'm going to have a heart attack or stroke when I feel my chest gets tight or when I feel dizzy or when my arms hurt or when I have a full attack my arms burn and I feel as if I really am having a heart attack my chest gets painful and my heart goes wild. I've had stress test done, multiple visits to the emergency and holster monitor and loop monitors and everything comes back normal. I only have a ultrasound left. Now that it's come down to anxiety I'm now on an antidepressant which was terrible for the first 2 weeks but then I was great for a week an a half and now I'm back to googling symptoms and feeling like everything I feel all day everyday (it's now week 5 since starting the antidepressant) is a major health crisis about to occur. I'm seeing a psychologist I'm trying to do things to sort it out but I just wanted to know if anyone else constantly had symptoms or feelings that sets them off for all day worry and changing symptoms.

Doma Business Owner with Social Anxiety / Blushing
  • replies: 3

For as long as I can remember I have always been that little shy. It wasn't until my mid year high school that a girl decided to point out how red I would go during certain situations. Ever since that it has been on my mind. Many years past & I have ... View more

For as long as I can remember I have always been that little shy. It wasn't until my mid year high school that a girl decided to point out how red I would go during certain situations. Ever since that it has been on my mind. Many years past & I have had my confidence days, partying getting drunk & not getting to bed until 6am Sunday morning. Many relationships they come & go you live & learn. When 20 I was starting to feel lost, Melb hit a recession I lost my job & things as a apprentice was hard. I became more irresponsible & was going out constantly. I met my current partner shortly after which brought my feet to level ground again. (Partying was still going on) I became qualified in my trade when I was 22 & had worked in many leading roles. Decided I want to try my own sub contracting for a while.I then felt very unsatisfied I became very self aware & blushing became a very big problem. Any situation social or not, apart from work. I took a rushed decision to have an operation to rid my blushing,which has not improved. (Great life choice there) The partner says I have stopped being so flushed & now it's more in my head. After operation I shortly went traveling for 9 months this was a thing I needed to do for myself, I felt I was going though a very early mid life crisis.I found myself being social & loving life again with fewer blushing moments (I guess having no responsibility does that). Once returned I felt confident & pushed myself to go out & try different places around Melb.I have recently been dwelling on work again & life in general with some bad luck in running my own business which has caused stress/depression to appear & social anxiety to rear its ugly head in a worst way than it ever has before.i have lost all focus on the company & my social life is in a dark hole. I stress about social events in advance.. Even the family dinners I will make excuses for. I still have a caring partner which knows about everything but admits she doesn't understand what im going though. She has a social life but I do wonder when the time will come were she will have had enough. (I don't blame her) Keeping that in mind I want to work on myself to better my life which will In turn better her life also. So im throwing this all out there.I have tried hypnosis & found it worked but was so expensive I could not afford to keep going. So here for help & guidance in getting my life back,goals and to just have that smile again that use to catch people eyes.

Jessme Anxiety/circulation problem?
  • replies: 5

I am having a bit of anxiety lately so I went to get a massage to try and calm down. Ended up in full panic attack mode as the masseur/Chinese medicine man told me I wouldn't live a very long life because I had cold hands and feet, therefore I am dis... View more

I am having a bit of anxiety lately so I went to get a massage to try and calm down. Ended up in full panic attack mode as the masseur/Chinese medicine man told me I wouldn't live a very long life because I had cold hands and feet, therefore I am disease prone.... This has set me off into health worryville. Does anyone else have cold hands and feet?... Am I on deaths door from poor circulation?... I eat health/excercise etc but am a bit underweight. I can't seem to stop obsessing over what he said. Can anyone help?

Lind779 Health anxiety - ringing in ears
  • replies: 6

Hey lovely peeps, Just me again So... Im doing ok with my health anxiety though I have 2 new symptoms. I haven't had an anxiety attack over them which is great but need work on controlling my thoughts over them. You know, the ones that tell me I'm go... View more

Hey lovely peeps, Just me again So... Im doing ok with my health anxiety though I have 2 new symptoms. I haven't had an anxiety attack over them which is great but need work on controlling my thoughts over them. You know, the ones that tell me I'm going to have it forever, what if it gets worse, could it be from an underlining health problem? bla bla bla! The 2 new symptoms are: Ringing in the ears Muscle twitching in the right thigh Im not sure if ringing in the ears are due to the medication and I dont want to change because its working but I dont want it to get worse. Muscle twitch... well... might just be the anxiety but I have only had it for a day so far. Its a constant twitch and I can even see the muscle move. Does anyone else experience this with their anxiety? Im sure it will pass like all the others or I'll get use to it but would love to hear from you. P.s. trying to stay away from Dr Google

Artax What to do from here
  • replies: 6

Hello I am new too foums I have posted in the chronic illness section. I am feeling really lost. I have been to gp and phycollogist ect but I do not seem to be finding answers. I am a bit icd whuch is set off by my anxiety whuch is triggered by memmo... View more

Hello I am new too foums I have posted in the chronic illness section. I am feeling really lost. I have been to gp and phycollogist ect but I do not seem to be finding answers. I am a bit icd whuch is set off by my anxiety whuch is triggered by memmory loss. I have panic attacks then spiral into free falls which leave me feeling like there is no end. I have reached out at these times for help through doctors and call lines. I get to a stage a feel like I can not go on and would like to be put in hospital but they say no I do not need to be. And even if I was I still have the world waiting for my return bills and more. I get up every morning to the same thing same routine same pressures. I am on my own and do not see my grown up children very often only when something is needed I suppose. So I am alone with this feeling of dread. I wish there where more available options for people like me somewhere to take time out and ride the storm but there seems to be little help. It has bought me a new understanding as to why people break why so many end up in prison and on the streets. Take care everyone and thank you for this forum to give a voice ro what I am feeling. thanks Artax

Dwwmills Sleep Study Anxiety?
  • replies: 5

Hello everyone. I’m just wondering whether anyone has had any experience with Sleep Studies? They are usually conducted through a sleep clinic where you are connected up to wires and tubes and monitored whilst you sleep to try and detect any problems... View more

Hello everyone. I’m just wondering whether anyone has had any experience with Sleep Studies? They are usually conducted through a sleep clinic where you are connected up to wires and tubes and monitored whilst you sleep to try and detect any problems. I have had two so far and to say that the word “Sleep” was relevant in any way is an exaggeration. For me more like “Awake Study” would be a better description. The first study I think I managed an hour and a half and the one I had last night, possibly three hours. It’s hard to know for sure until you get the results but when I said to the attendant this morning, “I think I got a bit of sleep last night at least.” He said “Not so much.” I know with the first sleep study that I was trying to get to sleep too hard and got anxious and worked up because I wasn’t sleeping but I think last night I was fairly relaxed about the whole thing. In some ways it’s understandable as you’re trying to sleep with a bundle of wires attached to you and an infrared camera watching your every move. Other people manage to do it though! My concern is that perhaps my anxiety levels are a little bit high without me realising it. I’m just wondering how other people have experienced Sleep Studies. Did you find it difficult to sleep? Cheers Dean