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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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Edwardikins Generalised Anxiety Disorder
  • replies: 7

Hi everyone, I have been battling GAD and depression for a very long time now. I've gone through a few years of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and I've tried two different medications that didn't do much. I was recently seeing a psychiatrist who I did... View more

Hi everyone, I have been battling GAD and depression for a very long time now. I've gone through a few years of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and I've tried two different medications that didn't do much. I was recently seeing a psychiatrist who I didn't return to as I felt he was not a good fit. I have a referral to a psychologist which I am still working up to ringing and making an appointment for. I've recently, well it has been six months now, moved interstate to start studying. I've already completed a certificate 2 and start a cert 3 at the end of the month. I'm having a lot of problems adapting to the new place. I don't have any family or friends here, just my partner, his family and my dog. My problems mostly revolve around my relationship. My anxiety has its ups and downs, but mostly downs of late. I am very insecure, paranoid, scared. I overthink every little thing, invent completely fictional worries in my head. I really don't know how I'm going to get through this. I know I should be off to see the psychologist, and my GP for a new medication to try but getting there is so hard. Feeling alone, like I'm destroying my relationship more and more everyday... My partner is so supportive, at times I just want to leave because I'm tired of being the sad person all the time and bringing him down with me. Meeting all the new people who have been a big part of his life also sets my anxiety off. I'm always scared I will just be left behind. It is hard to go out with him at times, especially to larger gatherings, I stress and worry from the time I find out about it to the day of the event, all the while fighting myself. Why does it have to be so hard? I just want to be happy, I have a great partner, I'm studying to become a vet nurse which I've wanted for a long time. I know i'm only holding myself back, but I feel like it is impossible to fix it.

blackdogwhitedog Very sad dad with GAD (carcinophobia)
  • replies: 2

Hello everyone, Firstly, thank you for your posts to this site – I’ve found it helpful to know I am not alone in my health anxiety. I do hope you all manage to overcome your fears and can lead a happy life. I just wanted to say hello, and to tell you... View more

Hello everyone, Firstly, thank you for your posts to this site – I’ve found it helpful to know I am not alone in my health anxiety. I do hope you all manage to overcome your fears and can lead a happy life. I just wanted to say hello, and to tell you a little about my struggle. I myself have been struggling for over two years with a terrifying fear of cancer, to the point where my doctors and loved ones no longer take me very seriously. I have had some serious health issues, which thankfully have passed, however the cancer scare is there and terrifying. You all know the familiar story, every small and not so small symptom, bump, or scratch can only mean one thing. Cancer! I’ve seen countless doctors for countless ailments, I’ve sought reassurance from loved ones, and I’ve found some solace in books (about stoic philosophy) and my studies (astronomy). However I’m not the man I once was, with very few feelings of joy within me. These days I do my best to hide my anxiety from my kids, who I love dearly, and my wife, who I also love dearly. I have professional psychological help (have had for a long time), have had medication, and battle that fear and its cousin, the dreaded “black dog” with all my might. But it seems that for every step forward, there is a step or two back. I feel helpless, but gain some respite when I write about my experience (in my private diary), and now that I have found this site, reading your stories, as upsetting as they are, give me strength by knowing I am not alone. That’s all I wanted to say. Thanks for reading.

biscotti81 Struggling to cope with social anxiety
  • replies: 2

I have a lifelong history of generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety and depression with ptsd and trauma more recently. I had a not to bad run from the years 18-28. Then I developed a chronic illness and had two children shortly afterwards. I'm ... View more

I have a lifelong history of generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety and depression with ptsd and trauma more recently. I had a not to bad run from the years 18-28. Then I developed a chronic illness and had two children shortly afterwards. I'm struggling with my anxiety of late. Over the last few years socializing has become so difficult. I want to be more social but when I do, I go over everything I've said and done. My mind goes blank, I become anxious, I lose concentration, I have difficulty stringing sentences together, become very quiet and awkward. I'm on medication and had tons of psychotherapy in the past. It's so embarrassing and beyond my control. People must think I'm a freak. I am fine online and on the phone, but struggle in person. I'm finding it easier to stay home to avoid it but I can't do this forever and have two kids. I want so much to be social but just never fit in...........:( I'm tired of being a misfit. I've tried attending anxiety groups without success. I don't know what else to do

elsbells Cat gone missing: Really anxious
  • replies: 2

Hi, I have recently been diagnosed with depression and anxiety, My kitten has been a really good supportive little animal for me this past few months. Tonight my kitten hasn't come home (like he usually does) for his dinner and sleep. I am really wor... View more

Hi, I have recently been diagnosed with depression and anxiety, My kitten has been a really good supportive little animal for me this past few months. Tonight my kitten hasn't come home (like he usually does) for his dinner and sleep. I am really worried about him. I went looking everywhere for him and can't find him. Does anyone have any advice/ calming words for me? I'm starting an important placement for university tomorrow and don't want to stay up the whole night worried :'(

Luyang I am taking an antidepressant and my anxiety is aggravating!
  • replies: 5

A few months ago I was scammed and nearly all the money from my credit card was stolen from me. This caused me to feel quite suicide as I am merely 18 and this incident is unprecendented. Even worse, I was diagnosed with OCD, panic disorder and anxie... View more

A few months ago I was scammed and nearly all the money from my credit card was stolen from me. This caused me to feel quite suicide as I am merely 18 and this incident is unprecendented. Even worse, I was diagnosed with OCD, panic disorder and anxiety.Now I am taking an antidepressant every evenning and it's making me feel all the more worse. I caught a fever after taking it and I felt more anxious than ever. I feel like I can't go to Uni anymore!

Amberlourob fighting hard but tired
  • replies: 6

Hello, I'm new here and have been reading through the forum posts and am quite encouraged by the support shown here. I'm a wife and mum to a two year old and have experienced anxiety for most of my life. I developed OCD at 8 and unfortunately wasn't ... View more

Hello, I'm new here and have been reading through the forum posts and am quite encouraged by the support shown here. I'm a wife and mum to a two year old and have experienced anxiety for most of my life. I developed OCD at 8 and unfortunately wasn't treated for over a decade. At 18 health anxiety kicked in big time and has lingered ever since. I began my recovery journey at 20. Being diagnosed by a psychiatrist, seeing a psychologist and working with my GP. I then got married, found a great counsellor and was managing well. After my son was born I experienced a severe, rare complication and was rushed to hospital when he was 7 weeks old and I had to have surgeries and eventually a hysterectomy to save my life. It was a setback to say the least. I was proactive in getting support and dealing with the trauma. I was doing so well that I was working with my GP to come off my medication. That ended badly and has seen my health anxiety ramp up to an extreme level. I'm back on my higher dose of medication, I'm seeing a psychologist for trauma work and go to my GP it seems constantly. I'm doing everything I can and still failing I'm exhausted and scared and want my life back. I guess what I'm saying is, do you guys think I can beat this? Because I'm feeling beat. thanks

pinkfloyd33 I exist but I am not living anymore.
  • replies: 10

Hello beyondblue readers, I am reaching out to anyone there who suffers from anxiety, unwanted thoughts and depression like me. I have had anxiety since Jan or last year and it has become so much worse this year, I promised myself it was going to be ... View more

Hello beyondblue readers, I am reaching out to anyone there who suffers from anxiety, unwanted thoughts and depression like me. I have had anxiety since Jan or last year and it has become so much worse this year, I promised myself it was going to be a good year but so far I have broke that promise.I feel like I am living in a dark hole and that nothing good ever comes in my life anymore.My unwanted thoughts are robbing me from having a good and well maintained life, I am stressing myself out for no reason and I don't know what to do, I am so scared and when I look into what long term anxiety can do to the body I burst into tears.I had a fear about death for quite sometime last year and as of last december I had a very bad incident of little hours of sleep in a week.It was so bad that I was drinking to pass out but of course that makes me SO MUCH WORSE! I have been okay with been able to sleep but it's only because I have taken something to make me sleepy and then the next day I am drowsy and spacey. I am always thinking about fearing of not been able to sleep, it's so bad that I don't work anymore, I don't plan any events with anyone or even see anyone because I panic about not been rested.. I wanted to make music with the most humblest person I know but because of this fear I not longer get involved in music anymore.I just can't seem to get my mind of this and it's destroying everyday, I just do the same thing everyday feeling sorry for myself and crying so much it makes me head hurt.I am booked to see a psychologist in 3 weeks and I have medication in my dressing table draw but scared to try it. Please someone help me or if anyone could reach out to me I'd be most grateful.Thank you kindly, Jessica.

Ly20 Feeling very anxious about meeting new friends, a little about myself and my story.
  • replies: 7

Hi there, my name is Lyall, im a 26 year old Australian guy and i get pretty anxious for no god damn reason and depressed sometimes, so its been hard to meet new friends and relate to people, i was told that this place might be good to meet like mind... View more

Hi there, my name is Lyall, im a 26 year old Australian guy and i get pretty anxious for no god damn reason and depressed sometimes, so its been hard to meet new friends and relate to people, i was told that this place might be good to meet like minded people who can understand someone like myself. I hope to meet some new people. I like a wide range of things, games, movies, obscure tv series and animation.. I really don't talk much to people about my problems (I really don't talk much at all) but perhaps my story could benefit someone, i do also like to help people. I would describe myself as a unique person who has a strong sense of who they are, i know that i have great morals and values and i am proud of that, i have had a past of being bullied and being put down because i am an easy target, perhaps too kind for my own good at times, so this can leave me vulnerable, alot of the time i find that i have difficulty expressing what is on my mind into words and some people assume i am finished in a conversation or that i mean something completely different to what i was trying to convey that can be frustrating and alot of the time i will just give up, giving up as also become a habit too and its something that i hope to work on and change. I have my ups and downs but i always try to put on a smile and relate to people as best i can, but inside it's eating away at me, life doesn't have time to slow down for you sometimes unfortunately. I am currently seeking support for my mental health problems. I have alot of trouble sleeping at nights these days, as i am a big overthinker and dweller also, it can be really hard to shut off my brain and shut out the bad memorys, i can remember every moment of shame, humiliation and bad moments from my life at night and it haunts me, i did have this under control for sometime in the past, i had to learn to really focus and train my brain but now its back worse then ever, it just happens for no reason it seems and i become frustrated. It has been happening for a long time now and enough is enough, i hope to find some help and relief, it does help to really talk about your issues, explore them and make them known to yourself, i think i am a logical person and this kind of thinking can really be positive, but i understand sometimes it just gets too much, i think people who go threw this kind of thing certainly have alot of courage and heart and its important to remember this, and it also takes courage to find support.

ElyseMc What to do, i feel lost
  • replies: 3

Hi, im new to this and I actually feel silly and a little embarrassed.. i have such bad anxiety and i guess some depression at times and I feel like I dont know what to do.. and i know that other ppl go through it too and so many people have lived an... View more

Hi, im new to this and I actually feel silly and a little embarrassed.. i have such bad anxiety and i guess some depression at times and I feel like I dont know what to do.. and i know that other ppl go through it too and so many people have lived and have situations so much worse than me that i feel like an ungrateful fool and not really worthy to even be on here.. but i just need to reach out and go outside my comfort zone and actually say what's on my mind and what's going on with me cause i feel like an emotional wreck and like i could explode. I am a perfectionist and find it so hard to live with myself because

mummabear23 Anxiety is winning
  • replies: 3

Hi, I am a newbie to this community forum, not sure why I decided to post tonight but I guess the typing is helping me to not overthink for now. I don't really know where to begin as there are not enough characters for what is going on in my head rig... View more

Hi, I am a newbie to this community forum, not sure why I decided to post tonight but I guess the typing is helping me to not overthink for now. I don't really know where to begin as there are not enough characters for what is going on in my head right now. I mean I have had major clinical depression since I was 14 with anxiety and panic attacks since 18. For the most part the depression is normally what consumes me but recently it has been the anxiety that is crippling me. I mean I figured I would have conquered this demon in the last 20 years, but it is stronger than ever. I guess I don't know who I am anymore or if I like who this person is? I haven't had it easy but its all relative to the individual. People comment all the time I don't know how you do it but honestly I am not doing it, I am just good at faking it and at the moment I am sucking at that. My problem is I worry too much about everyone else and think so little of myself. I have spent the better part of 2 years navigating my daughter's disability and now my son's too and in that time I have lost my identity as a woman, wife, friend....I have devoted so much time and energy into building my daughter up to be proud of herself and mothering my young son that I forgot about me. I love my kids, I move mountains for them but I can't seem to adult. I live vicariously through other people's social media yet it also reminds me of things I have lost...friendships, career, my smile. I want to deactivate it but I also need it to feel connected and in touch. The anxiety is making it hard to get up each day....some days I can't function at all. I cancel things at the last minute all the time as I did while I tried to work and parent, yet I sit here worrying about how I keep disappointing people...or maybe I am disappointed in myself. I have goals and dreams yet it all seems so out of reach. On the days I have no children at home, I sleep and eat my feelings so much so that I have gained lots of weight and hate looking at myself. My mum says I need to try and be strong and think of me, in theory I know what I need to do but in reality I had a major anxiety attack in my son's day care parking lot as I couldn't figure out how to reverse out in our new big van.....I feel helpless, I feel guilty, I feel inadequate...I feel consumed by anxiety and so depressed and this time it is proving difficult to beat. I can be my children's champion so why can't I be mine?

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