Anxiety

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. Share your own story and learn about other member’s experiences with anxiety.

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

Pinned discussions

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.

All discussions

Artsy_Chick Anxiety over new job interstate and need advice
  • replies: 2

Hi Guys. This is my first post and I just need some advice as my anxiety is going through the roof atm and I'm suffering bad headaches from my current dilemma. It actually very exciting but unfortunately life isn't always straight forward and smooth ... View more

Hi Guys. This is my first post and I just need some advice as my anxiety is going through the roof atm and I'm suffering bad headaches from my current dilemma. It actually very exciting but unfortunately life isn't always straight forward and smooth sailing. So without going into too much detail ill just say a bit a bout my situation. I am 28 engaged for 2 years in the relationship for almost 3. We love each other but I'm a bit stuck atm and i need a new job. I work in a very specialised field and i am also a teacher of what i do. I applied for a new job here but it is not ideal and doesn't have the specialist areas that i work in. I was also just offered a job interstate in Brisbane which is an amazing job with great pay and the people sound wonderful. dilemma is my partner won't go and my entire family are here in Melbourne. I don't know if i should go and use this as a opportunity for self growth and to spread my talents or if i should stay and take a job i don't really want which is not good pay and will have me working double what the one in Brisbane is offering. I can take my dog with me but then of course i will need to pay rent and be alone. My family said they will all visit but i do worry about my mum as we are very close and i go see her all the time ( just cos I'm a mummys girl) My partner was not over excited about the idea as you can imagine and said to me if i want it just go...but it wasn't said in a loving way like its great just go and he said never has he heard of long distance relationships working....i have. I also said it wouldn't be more than a year and he would just have to visit. I also honestly think it might be good for us cos we will miss each other and we rarely see each other anyway (we live together) we have ridiculous schedules and he has never really done much with me anyway throughout the relationship. I know that he could find work anywhere as he is multi talented. But i know he wouldn't want to leave his friends, which i can understand as they are very close. Me on the other side i don't have many friends and i am wanting to make new ones. I feel very bored here and need a change but i don't want to make the wrong decision and get there and ruin my life and live in regret. Please help i need advice. The Brisbane school said they are so excited to have me and they didn't even need an interview cos they love my work and know of me here in melbourne... my anxiety is sooooo bad... x

Stormgrl101 Anxious
  • replies: 3

I feel like nothing I do is good enough. I get so anxious living in this house with my best friend and her (ex) partner. I love her to bits and appreciate everything she has helped me with. But I am sad because I feel people don't understand me, I kn... View more

I feel like nothing I do is good enough. I get so anxious living in this house with my best friend and her (ex) partner. I love her to bits and appreciate everything she has helped me with. But I am sad because I feel people don't understand me, I know it's hard for people who don't have anxiety to understand. No one has said anything but i am anxious people think I am lazy or whatever but I really try hard to keep everyone happy. I'd like it if people have any issues to just come and talk to me nicely and I'll try and fix or try harder instead of keeping quiet getting angry behind closed doors. I was feeling depressed about moving back to my parents house in January but now I can't wait. I feel far to anxious living here and i am breaking

Jskyewalker Unsure of how to start
  • replies: 2

Hi, I have thought for a long time that I might have social anxiety and I would really like to seek help for it, however, the idea of having to go through a GP to get a mental health plan to then go see a psychologist is exceptionally overwhelming, a... View more

Hi, I have thought for a long time that I might have social anxiety and I would really like to seek help for it, however, the idea of having to go through a GP to get a mental health plan to then go see a psychologist is exceptionally overwhelming, and I was just wondering if anyone else has gone through this and how they overcame it. Thanks

Eddy77 Is anyone experiencing my anxiety symptoms
  • replies: 3

Hi Guys, I feel so desolate, helpless and hopeless. I have been suffering from severe anxiety whereby I experience feelings of unreality. Meaning my surroundings seem dream-like and I can not recognize myself in the mirror coupled with frequent urina... View more

Hi Guys, I feel so desolate, helpless and hopeless. I have been suffering from severe anxiety whereby I experience feelings of unreality. Meaning my surroundings seem dream-like and I can not recognize myself in the mirror coupled with frequent urination, hissing sounds in my ears, agitation and crying as a result of this. Has anyone experienced these feelings ?

lillicat Struggling to clear my mind
  • replies: 5

Hi... I am new to this. I can't stop stressing. I am overwhelmed with problems. I actually feel like screaming and curling up into a ball. How do I clear my head and relax? I visited my doctor at the start of the year for my anxiety. I went on medica... View more

Hi... I am new to this. I can't stop stressing. I am overwhelmed with problems. I actually feel like screaming and curling up into a ball. How do I clear my head and relax? I visited my doctor at the start of the year for my anxiety. I went on medication to help cope and went to some sessions with a psychologist. I went off the medication after 6 months. I wanted to have a second child, but I can't stop thinking about all the negative what ifs. I am terrified of hospitals and I have an intense fear of obstetricians. I thought I would be okay, but I'm not. So I have let my partner down. I don't really have anyone to talk to. My partner just doesn't understand. It seems like he is sick of hearing the same concerns over and over. He just thinks I am worrying for no reason. I just want him to hug me and say everything is going to be fine. I am struggling with work at the moment. I have been finding it very stressful lately which isn't helping. I worry about being sacked on a regular basis and not being able to pay my huge mortgage. Thanks for reading.

frosty67 New to these forums
  • replies: 3

Hi guys This is my first time here...have been reading through the forums and there is some really good advice...hoping someone has experienced what I am going through Was diagnosed with depression nearly 20 years ago but recently have wondered if it... View more

Hi guys This is my first time here...have been reading through the forums and there is some really good advice...hoping someone has experienced what I am going through Was diagnosed with depression nearly 20 years ago but recently have wondered if its more anxiety I suffer...I know the two are co-morbid but...anyway In the past 12 months I've lost nearly 30kgs in weight, starting eating healthier, been dating a great woman for 10 months, trying to finish my studies, moved to a different job, changed medication. All sounds pretty positive But, in the past month or so I've been suffering terrible anxiety...my psych and I have decided its probably about my studies which I have been working really hard on trying to complete and getting minimal feedback on...hopefully that will change tomorrow. But there are things that I am not sure about... One is that since Sunday night I've had the feeling of being unable to empty my bladder ...I also have a tingly sensation at the end of the tubes...my urine yesterday was really strong and the tingly sensation may be because of that...I'm nearly 48 and of course these things always make me think about Prostate issues...occasionally, not often, I get that feeling that when you go, you need to go straight away again but there is nothing there or a little dribble...is this Anxiety related or something else??? I feel I am tensing the muscles in the pelvic floor which I guess is related to the feelings of "holding on" Are there other things that are common issues...like recently I've noticed that I haven't eaten a lot of meat...I've eaten cereals, dairy products and lots of salads but no meat...also drank too much coffee too and not enough water...I have also from the weekend tried to drink a cup of camomile tea before bed... So just wondering what people think and whether I am taking 2 and 2 and making 7... Thanks Steve

simmobc Panic Attacks
  • replies: 2

Hi all,I am just after some advice, recommendations.I am 36 and currently in the middle of a pretty hectic bout of regular panic attacks. My doctor has given me some medication as an emergency parachute in times of need and I have had one sessions wi... View more

Hi all,I am just after some advice, recommendations.I am 36 and currently in the middle of a pretty hectic bout of regular panic attacks. My doctor has given me some medication as an emergency parachute in times of need and I have had one sessions with a psychologist, next session coming up soon.I have the classic panic attack symptoms and am now tending to avoid certain situations. My panic attacks seem to be driven by anticipatory situations, business meeting et al. I try at all costs to avoid medication and tend to give in when the panic attack and anxiety becomes unbearable.Whilst I have read a lot of literature about panic attacks, the one thing I struggle with during a panic attacks is diverting my mind to a different place to circumvent the episode. Does anyone have anything they can share that works for them? I try to focus on deep breathing, music helps too.With my panic attacks at the moment, and I'm sure it is/has been the same with everyone, is that once the panic attack starts, it is a pretty slippery slope to get off! It is intense.. Anyway, any advice would be appreciated and have a great sunday.Cheers

weeble Bizarre Anxiety
  • replies: 10

Ok so my anxiety makes me sick and manifests to my bowel. Long story short - I needed to go one day while driving. Full blown panic attacks ensued each and every time I went in the car. 16 months later I am able to drive - just - but shopping is a no... View more

Ok so my anxiety makes me sick and manifests to my bowel. Long story short - I needed to go one day while driving. Full blown panic attacks ensued each and every time I went in the car. 16 months later I am able to drive - just - but shopping is a no go - I haven't been inside a shopping centre that whole time. I've spoken to a professional who was no help- constantly asking "how do you feel" - it can happen at any time without notice. I'm so over this constant fear. Had colonoscopy and all clear - anyone else have this bizarre condition?It's affecting my work- fortunately am self employed but it still causes troubles. When I go somewhere I don't know I feel absolutely awful. I realise it's just panic but my life is just non-existent now - am 100% fine when I'm home...safe place. 16 months is just too long to be living like this. I can sometimes talk myself out of it - the latest phrase that's working is "it is what it is, nothing more nothing less" but I just want to live a normal life again without this fear of pooping myself in public and subconsciously making myself ill. (nausea - a general feeling of being unwell so that I make it impossible to go out)....any advice anyone? RELATED THREADS How do you eat when food makes you feel sick? Anyone suffering physical anxiety symptoms? Fear of feeling sick/dating/anxiety Anxiety and not being able to eat properly

coco123 Tired.
  • replies: 4

I feel very tired at work and at home. I've tried my best to get on everything, but nothing seems to work out that well. I've spent so many hours applying for several research grants and fellowships, within a year. I have embarrassed myself sending e... View more

I feel very tired at work and at home. I've tried my best to get on everything, but nothing seems to work out that well. I've spent so many hours applying for several research grants and fellowships, within a year. I have embarrassed myself sending emails here and there looking for a host institution that I can do a bit of research. Sadly, all have been rejected or no replies. I can't do anything without any funds! I need something worthy for my CV too, every year. At home, it's no different. I just can't trust my husband. I have been wary and suspicious once in a while. (He has a history of cheating on me before). He said I shouldn't be worried about an old friend. All other random young females on his facebook are just models, that he may do some photoshoots with. And, I just embarrassed myself, my students walk into my office and saw my watery eyes. I'm tired. Really tired of everything at the moment.

Bob1946 Not sure what I am ...
  • replies: 1

only recently I self diagnosed my actions over a number of years ..... I was becoming more and more agitated over matters that others didn't worry about .... I threw tantrums and was loud and angry. I observed a peer at my club who did this quite oft... View more

only recently I self diagnosed my actions over a number of years ..... I was becoming more and more agitated over matters that others didn't worry about .... I threw tantrums and was loud and angry. I observed a peer at my club who did this quite often and thought "that's me" and "why?" Over the past two years I have been on medication and made conscious efforts to control myself and walk away when I identify when I'm becoming unsteady of mind. I cannot do this every time and over recent month have "exploded" on more than three occasions ..... and feeling damn stupid and sorry afterward. I know and feel that apologies, although accepted, are not the answer. Has anyone else had these issues? What did you do about them? I feel that I have reached a crossroad that could be my last chance ..... my home life and social life is in danger.