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

All discussions

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

Shivers88 Anxiety over everything. personality disorder? OCD? Help!!
  • replies: 9

Hi guys,ive recently been diagnosed with GAD and depression, also chronic stress.I had a meltdown about 8 weeks ago, and haven't been able to properly function since.Anxiety has always been my biggest issue, about future events that haven't happened ... View more

Hi guys,ive recently been diagnosed with GAD and depression, also chronic stress.I had a meltdown about 8 weeks ago, and haven't been able to properly function since.Anxiety has always been my biggest issue, about future events that haven't happened yet, I get intrusive obsessive thoughts which I am now trying to manage, ongoing stress, and low lying depression ( always flat, and just getting through the day) I have angry outburst as well, which I have been controlling as of late. I'm always trying to make everyone else happy so I can be happy, if the next person is having a bad day, I would always feel their emotions and also have a bad day. What does it mean for me to feel people's emotions and to fell very distressed about it? Since my breakdown I've never really been able to be alone with my kids or myself, as I get scared? So I try my best just to be around people or go for walks so I'm not at home thinking! this is also one thing that has been bothering me on and off now, is that I suffer from intrusive thoughts (OCD) and when I'm alone in a quiet house of something, I also get this fear of hearing voices or seeing things that aren't there, ( I've never heard voices or hallucinated ever) but it's like my anxiety is making think and I get paranoid? has anyone experienced this? Is there any right or wrong way to feel with anxiety or depression? it drives me insane! So I have to out background noise on. Even when I can hear the slightest noise, I'll ask my partner or mum if they heard it too? So I don't think im going mad. I also, over the years, have instated and copied people's personalities, it's usually someone who i inspire or I think is pretty. It's super stupid and changes from person to person, depending on who I meet. It's like I can't be myself, I've always tried to be other people, so every single time i do something on a daily basis, I mentally ask my self "Is this normal?" "am I doing this right?" I'm totally over it!I feel like I have borderline or a personality disorder Can someone shed my light on my symptoms. I've never taken medication, which I've been advised too. I don't take it because, of the side effects and addictive tendencies it may cause. &I my anxiety goes through the roof please help me! And share your stories with me - I hope I'm not alone.

Sputnik57 My Story, not yet even begun
  • replies: 2

A racing heart and a sweat, that surpassed a Summer's day. From the taxi, I made a call to my husband, twice without reply, after what seemed a lifetime, Andy returned my call and within moments, I had shared my angst and he too was burdened, with th... View more

A racing heart and a sweat, that surpassed a Summer's day. From the taxi, I made a call to my husband, twice without reply, after what seemed a lifetime, Andy returned my call and within moments, I had shared my angst and he too was burdened, with the fear of my up coming death. I was dying and I knew it! The tingling sensation had spread from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. I am speaking in spurts, barely able to communicate in the language of my birth. It is almost a Winter's day but sweat is pouring from every part of my body, I am dying and I know it.J ust how long can it take to get from Pitt Street to RPA? Where are the sirens when you need them, why are the traffic lights conspiring to prevent my arrival at the place that might save me from dying? Eventually I am in the hands of those that can stop me from dying. What the hell does it matter, how old I am? So many questions, so little time! Never mind, what my name is, who'll walks the dogs, where the hell is Andy? I'm dying and I know I am.Wires on my chest and things in my veins, nurses enjoying a joke, a bed away, when are you going to give me something to save my life? My inner, good boy , screams, quietly so no-one is disturbed by my final moments. He's there, Andy's eyes are like a rabbit in headlights, quickly digesting the familiar scores on the doors, they're not good scream his eyes. BP way to bloody high, over way to bloody high, the heart racing apparently about to explode."It's the taxi driver, he wants to get paid" Shouts somebody, Andy disappears. Will he return before my parting breath? Is all I can think about. I am dying and I know I am. Water, you're giving me water! I need drugs and things, for God's sake save my life, I don't need bloody water.Things don't feel so bad now. Andy is holding my hand. The doctor a pretty lady, could be my grand-daughter, I'm thinking. She's pulling up a chair, my bloods, that moment when she paused before delivering her news was stomach churning, they only sit down, when about to deliver bad news, must be very bad news."Mr Jones, your potassium levels are low you've had an anxiety attack." Is the precised version of the delivery. I was always very good at precis, I recall.Shame, echoes through my mind! You've made a fuss about nothing. Whatever, will I tell people? Whatever next? Tomorrow is next. "Do something nice together this weekend," Says - You could be my grand-daughter!

Callie11 Don't know where to turn.
  • replies: 1

Hi, I'm new to all of this so please bare with me. Im a 24 year old female and I CONSTANTLY get told I look about 18. It never used to bother me up until the last year or so where i've started to get really anxious about being in any conversation tal... View more

Hi, I'm new to all of this so please bare with me. Im a 24 year old female and I CONSTANTLY get told I look about 18. It never used to bother me up until the last year or so where i've started to get really anxious about being in any conversation talking about age. I know it seems silly, and even when I read this back to myself I just want to say 'get over it', but I just can't. People always assume i'm just out of high school and still living with mum and dad when in reality I finished school 7 years ago! The look on people's faces when I tell them I'm 24 humilates me and makes me want to melt into a puddle on the floor. I've recently started a new job and i'm petrified of anyone finding out my age as I know the comments will begin. I'ts getting to the point that its creating social anxiety and I almost feel a panic attack coming on sometimes. I'm fine when i'm with my friends, all of the fear mainly happens when i'm in the workplace. I know I have created this anxiety myself, but how do I stop it? It's getting worse and i'm worried i'm going to end up making myself depressed.

viper57 stress and depression
  • replies: 27

Hi. I have been doing well for a while. Now started getting what i call floaters then panic one time my arms jumped. Lots is happening since returning to WA. Family turned on us. Just after returning. I now have RA. All things are making me sad. My m... View more

Hi. I have been doing well for a while. Now started getting what i call floaters then panic one time my arms jumped. Lots is happening since returning to WA. Family turned on us. Just after returning. I now have RA. All things are making me sad. My mum dying 6 years ago is haunting me. Just doing everyday stuff is hard. I am sick at the moment. That doesnt help. Having RA. Is a pain. There are things i cant do anymore. Not happy

awesomenesstocome Arresting
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Sometimes I find myself in mid sentence and I can't think what I was going to say. This causes a jump of anxiety. Does anyone else experience this? Is this social anxiety? I have just worked 8 days straight and have one more shift to go before I get ... View more

Sometimes I find myself in mid sentence and I can't think what I was going to say. This causes a jump of anxiety. Does anyone else experience this? Is this social anxiety? I have just worked 8 days straight and have one more shift to go before I get 2 days off. I've woken this morning with high anxiety and the runs. I feel flat and burnt out. Tracy

chook_ my anxiety is out of control and im feeling so alone help!!!
  • replies: 9

I SUFFER from severe anxiety, It started two years ago I just woke up one morning and bang that was it I could eat I couldn't stop pacing the house, my body was shacking I was getting hot sweats and my brain was just thinking stupid things and going ... View more

I SUFFER from severe anxiety, It started two years ago I just woke up one morning and bang that was it I could eat I couldn't stop pacing the house, my body was shacking I was getting hot sweats and my brain was just thinking stupid things and going crazy. I went straight up to the doctors and told her that I was going crazy and that I was convinced I had something severly wrong with me. she told me that I was having anxiety and that I will most likely need to go on medication. I told her that I didn't believe in taking medication and that I would be fine with out it. I went home that day and things just got worse my anxiety levels just went through the roof and I couldn't control what I was doing, I was affarid that in was going to be stuck like this forever!!!! I went back to the doctors the next day and told then that I needed something anything even I judt wanted these thoughts and feelings to go away! the doctor wrote me out a script for 2 medications . I started them that day. I still felt extremely anxious. that night I couldn't sleep and I was just crying and pacing the house all the time. by the time morning came I was a wreck. I went back up to the doctors and told her I couldn't handle it and I needed a quick fix she informed that there was no such thing and too just hang in there untile the meds kicked it. so every day for the nxt four to six wks I went on feeling this way waiting and hoping that the meds would work and eventually they did. I don't know how I held in there for so long. I did good for a long time but gained a lot of weight so I went back to the doctor and he suggested I change medication witch I done and I have been on the different medication for around three or so months now and have been feeling normal until today! I got home yesterday afternoon from my dads after having a big chrissy day with my kids my partner and all the family and fell asleep in my daughters bed at about 5.30pm and slept write though to 8.30 this morning. I had the most horrible dreams all night. when I woke I felt in a haze and went and had a shower and then bang just like that the anxiety came rushing back I started shacking all over and couldn't stop crying I have the sick terrible feeling in my belly and I thinking stupid thoughts. I don't understand why it has came back for? has this happened to any one else? and has anyone ever had anxiety this bad before? im feeling so anxious that it starts to make me feel depressed and im afraid that im going to keep going on feeling this way and that im not going to get better. I look at my kids and cry I feel sorry for them that they have a mum who suffers with anxiety and I feel they deserve better. i want to feel normal again for my kids... why is this happening and am i ever going to get better will this pass?? i feel like i am the only person that has ever possibly felt this bad before. pls help.

Snapple Debilitating symptoms of anxiety
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Hi all, I'm needing some reassurance. My physical symptoms of anxiety are overwhelming at the moment. I have ectopic heart beats and palpitations with flu like symptoms. I cant believe this is anxiety. I feel awful. Is anyone else experiencing this? View more

Hi all, I'm needing some reassurance. My physical symptoms of anxiety are overwhelming at the moment. I have ectopic heart beats and palpitations with flu like symptoms. I cant believe this is anxiety. I feel awful. Is anyone else experiencing this?

bambi15 Anxiety HALP
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone. Im new to this whole ‘seeking help’ thing so bear with me. Im 25 years old and I suffer from Anxiety. It has been so bad I am taking time off work, and when im at work I spend all day trying t keep myself under control from running out t... View more

Hi everyone. Im new to this whole ‘seeking help’ thing so bear with me. Im 25 years old and I suffer from Anxiety. It has been so bad I am taking time off work, and when im at work I spend all day trying t keep myself under control from running out the door. As a child I had a quite sever heart condition . This has been repaired however I still have some ongoing things that aren’t quite right. Having said that, all is okay, im in good health and I get check ups every 2 years and thus far have had no issues. Over the last few years I have continue to grow and worsen in my anxiety. My main fear is basically dying from a sudden cardiac event or stroke. I have done more damage than good by researching things and have pretty much terrified myself to thinking that any pain, light headedness, fast heart rate, etc is a heart attack and I have to spend quite some time reminding myself its just the anxiety. I am terrified of dying and ive literally considered writing letters to my family just in case I die so they know I love them etc. Many times ive gotten so bad I was worried if my family knew if I should be buried or cremated and how my boyfriend and family would be when I died. I am also trying for a baby with my partner and I know that I need to get this sorted by then. Ive seen a GP who has referred me to a Psych (yet to attend). Im also a student trying to start a business. Basically I want to know how much value people get from their Psych? Have you been able to rid yourself of anxiety? And does anyone else have these issues? My GP (who is amazing) said that its not uncommon to have these after having previous cardiac issues. I just want to go back to being care free and okay!!