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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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

Cruiser123 Scared all the time ....is this anxiety ??
  • replies: 5

Can someone please help? 3 years ago I did a really stupid thing a now I am consumed with guilt and paranoia. I took $200 dollars from work and then felt so guilty that night I broke down in tears told my husband and took the money back then next day... View more

Can someone please help? 3 years ago I did a really stupid thing a now I am consumed with guilt and paranoia. I took $200 dollars from work and then felt so guilty that night I broke down in tears told my husband and took the money back then next day and put it back. I am 99.9% sure that no one knows as I do the banking. From that day forward I have felt sick with guilt that I was going to be caught and exposed. I every day I think of it and in my mind make up these incredible scenarios about the police raiding my house and me being dragged off and things like that..and I will loose everything, my house, my family etc. I can.t be happy because I think if i let my guard down thats when it will happen... It effects all parts of my life. Im completely paranoid that there is this huge conspiracy at work to get me even know they never do anything to me.. I cant confess or I will be fired and I work for people with a lot of connections and wouldn't be able to get another job because I would be labeled a thief. I don't know what to do... I just want to remember what its like to be normal again, I have panic attacks when we are doing family things lik

Beltane I don't know where to get help
  • replies: 7

I've had GAD and panic with secondary depression for my whole life. I got in under control with medication and therapy but it wasn't well under control, I eas barely coping. My job was stressful and I had a breakdown and became unemployed 6 months ag... View more

I've had GAD and panic with secondary depression for my whole life. I got in under control with medication and therapy but it wasn't well under control, I eas barely coping. My job was stressful and I had a breakdown and became unemployed 6 months ago. Since theh I've been studying online to get a diploma but that's at least a year away. my anxiety is out of control, Ive been getting cbt and act therapy for 3 years but I clearky need medications. I've trued 5 different antidepressants abd have severe reactions to then all. So my gp is starting to consider less common alternatives like antipsychotics or mood stabilisers but she needs a psychiatrist to consult. So I went to a bulk billing psych and got put on yet another abtideoressant and got so sick I called an ambulance. Now apparently the wait list is too long for a psych and it makes it harder as Im so anxious I can't drive to the city (I live in the outer suburbs). I'll try if that's the only option. And I have little money. Apparently a psych hospital is not suitable as I'm "not that sick" but I don't know how loudly I have to say I'm in trouble. I have no suicidal thoughts but I'm in intense depression anxiety panic, I haven't found a reliable med as they all make me extremely sixk. All I want is to get stable and get a job as money is so tight it's a constant stress. But no one seems overly concerned- I need help NOW. I can't be waiting weeks or months suffering like this. What can I do?

tr65 Driver Anxiety - Advice Needed ASAP!
  • replies: 3

Hi all,I'm a Victorian and I've had my learner's for about 3 years. I've done 140+ hours and I did my Hazards about 5 months ago.My mum pushed me to book my license drive test for next week, even though I do not feel ready to drive independently – pr... View more

Hi all,I'm a Victorian and I've had my learner's for about 3 years. I've done 140+ hours and I did my Hazards about 5 months ago.My mum pushed me to book my license drive test for next week, even though I do not feel ready to drive independently – primarily due to my anxiety. Most of my hours are due to my mum taking me down the same simple routes on local streets and main roads, because she is too nervous take me elsewhere.I had a professional lesson yesterday in the Burwood testing area and I basically freaked out, because I'd never driven in an area like that before. My instructor is good but really strict (pedantic). I asked her honest opinion about whether I would be prepared for my test an she said I would probably be able to pass my test, but whether I am able to drive confidently and safely by myself is questionable. I 100% agree with her. had a lesson with her today in peak traffic and my anxiety skyrocketed - totally clouding my good judgement and of course, the more mistakes I made, the worse my anxiety got etc In the past weeks, I have been waking up in my sleep sweating and my heart palpitating thinking about driving. I can't eat before I drive, because of how nervous I get. I know people get nervous about their test, but I feel this is definitely excessive.I just had a huge argument with my mum about postponing my test but she is really unhappy about it. She can't understand why 'everyone else can do it' except me. (I'm going to postpone it anyway ) I tried talking bout my anxiety with her but she just yells at me and says it's just me being stupid and to 'snap out of it'. I've briefly discussed it with my driving instructor, but I don't want to palm this issue onto her as it is not her job. I really wish I could 'snap out of it',. I've suffered from anxiety before, but I've always say no to medication and have fairly successfully self-managed my anxiety and depression (In past years when I suffered from anxiety for different reasons my mum still didn't believe me and I had to seek out private medical help); but driving is something I really need to do eventually. Public transport is basically non existent where I live, and I can't keep asking my parents/friends to drive me around. Has anyone else had this kind of experience? How did you manage it? Please help, Thank you so much! :)(PS My mum is actually a great and kind lady she just has different cultural values to me so sometimes it's really hard to explain stuff to her)

Nuggsie Anxiety is back
  • replies: 4

It's been along time since I posted on here. I've been doing well for a couple years but due to new health problems my GP swapped my meds . The new meds aren't working at all, I've been to the gp 3 times this week and to ED, I've also rung the health... View more

It's been along time since I posted on here. I've been doing well for a couple years but due to new health problems my GP swapped my meds . The new meds aren't working at all, I've been to the gp 3 times this week and to ED, I've also rung the health direct number, all anyone want to do is bandaid fix or they don't know how to help me. im supposed to be getting a call from mental health from the hospital. Dear god I pray that the ring me, I can't go through this again and still work full time. im so burnt out from having invasive surgery and just soldering on by myself. I wish I had taken more time out to recover instead of just going back to work straight away. I haven't been the same since I had my operation, and I think all the pressure from dealing with the surgery has come back to bite me. thank you for listening xx

Stormgrl101 my thoughts
  • replies: 5

Too many rambling thoughts, as per usual. Sorry if it doesn't make sense :S I find it weird that everyone is different and forced to find a way to live and cope in this world. Many different beliefs, values,morals, cultures, careers and experiences. ... View more

Too many rambling thoughts, as per usual. Sorry if it doesn't make sense :S I find it weird that everyone is different and forced to find a way to live and cope in this world. Many different beliefs, values,morals, cultures, careers and experiences. Communication with other people, whether it be strangers to me or family is a daily struggle. It's something we all have to do yet it feels unnatural and weird to me. People talk all the time and I don't know how they do it. Many times I can't find the voice to talk let alone come up with something to say. Going out in public, see people going about their day. How do they work out their next move or what to do next? How do they have such long conversations with people and it not bother them? Day after day. I try to do my homework from the psychologist. Have a small conversation with the cashier at the supermarket. Even a 'hello how are you' will do. I get up to the register and nervously look at all the people around and instantly feel overwhelmed. I squeak out a 'hello' and that's that. I go to the car and burst into tears. I have failed yet again.I've only ever had one job. Which ended with me having a breakdown and quitting. Although leading up to it I was often feeling overwhelmed at work so much i just couldn't do it. All I want is to work for my money, enjoy what I do and live in my own place. I hate feeling like a burden to my family and best friend. I wish I I could be a better person for them. I feel isolated and alone. Stuck. I don't even know where I'll be living next year yet. Might have to go back to parents house. I just want a break!

Grizzo introduction
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone. .have just joined this group.hope to get some more info on my condition! ? I'm 34 have major confidence issues and have so since I was a teenager! Have a wife and 2 beautiful children a house and I work full time, I can't bring myself to... View more

Hi everyone. .have just joined this group.hope to get some more info on my condition! ? I'm 34 have major confidence issues and have so since I was a teenager! Have a wife and 2 beautiful children a house and I work full time, I can't bring myself to drive a car I have issues in crowded places I can't even enjoy going to the movies or a show without stressing if I can get a seat away from everyone so I can get up when I please! My ideal way to spend my downtime is completely alone without any body I can't even sit down to eat with my family! Have been trying to get help from a doctor and been referred to a psychologist. . But I don't enjoy talking with anyone about this so this has not been helpful! Currently taking medication. Works sometimes to control the physical signs like sweating and rapid heart and trembling but has not helped me with confidence. Basically I want to know how to have fun again and get myself back on track and have fun with my family. Thanks in advance for reading my story! Mick

Prawn Turning in a circle!
  • replies: 6

Hi I have had anxiety for a while and I often have the power to handle it but I do also get the occasional point when it seems to beat my head. I have the tools and some knowledge to fix that. But one thing I don't know what to do about is, my digest... View more

Hi I have had anxiety for a while and I often have the power to handle it but I do also get the occasional point when it seems to beat my head. I have the tools and some knowledge to fix that. But one thing I don't know what to do about is, my digestive system just doesn't seem to want to operate and it is causing me to turn in a circle because I try to eat healthy and do exercise and it doesn't work and I still put on weight and it is really starting to get me down because I am loosing confidence in myself. Anyone know or been through this symptom on anxiety before?

Petrie Constant worry
  • replies: 1

I've had anxiety for as long as I can remember. For the past 10 or so days however I have been experiencing extreme anxiety. Far worse than anything I've felt before. I've been constantly worrying about a variety of topics. As one subsides another ta... View more

I've had anxiety for as long as I can remember. For the past 10 or so days however I have been experiencing extreme anxiety. Far worse than anything I've felt before. I've been constantly worrying about a variety of topics. As one subsides another takes it's place. I've had a few panic attacks during this time and have been crying a lot. My partner is taking me to the doctors as soon as we can get an appointment but I was just wondering if anyone had any tips for how I can manage this in the mean time. Just hearing about other experiences would be helpful too. Thanks

TheGuyYouHate Life is Hard
  • replies: 3

I really have no idea how this works and i am very sorry im not the smartest person in the world, so this might be a little difficult to read. Im a 19 year old guy and i just dont know how to move on, i have recently been involved in a rather lengthy... View more

I really have no idea how this works and i am very sorry im not the smartest person in the world, so this might be a little difficult to read. Im a 19 year old guy and i just dont know how to move on, i have recently been involved in a rather lengthy legal situation and i have been mistreated by the police. I find myself constantly afraid and anxious the fear of not knowing what my feature legal status will be is really getting to me. i find it hard to go out as the police had released my name, making everyone i see feel like enemies. I thought i was okay for a few months but just recently i realised that im really not okay and i have no idea how im going to move on. if anyone has any advice please it would mean so much to me for you to give me a hand. ( i havent been able to see a counsellor or a psychologist for a few months now as i cant find a job due to the police releasing my name)

Scotty2013 Hi been a while
  • replies: 4

Hi been a while again, Im back here giving Facebook a rest, I'm find it's increasing my Anxiety. The adding of people i don't know, groups are not run properly, more like dating sites, place is an Anxious Landmine. I'm find it a difficult platform to... View more

Hi been a while again, Im back here giving Facebook a rest, I'm find it's increasing my Anxiety. The adding of people i don't know, groups are not run properly, more like dating sites, place is an Anxious Landmine. I'm find it a difficult platform to be open about things,I'm not sure why, yet people here see it also. The only difference here i am not liking 100 things or spending 12hrs a day getting overwhelmed. I wish this Anxiety didn't have so much influence on me, but it does, i get very overwhelmed easily, on the internet as i do in life...and become burnt out and exhausted. yet i don't want to feel left behind. :(..I Hope Geoff and David and few others are still about, I miss your words of Wisdom! Adios! as David used to say! TC