Immediate support
Immediate support

Anxiety

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

Start a discussion

FAQ

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

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

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

View the guidelines
Categories
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

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

Start a discussion

Macca1 anxiety ? Not sure but any advice would be great
  • replies: 2

Hi this is my first post, so not sure what to expect. About 6 years ago I was married to an unfaithful partner. I wasn't aware of what was happening until she phoned me to say she was leaving me for another man. I took it bad and hit the drink to tak... View more

Hi this is my first post, so not sure what to expect. About 6 years ago I was married to an unfaithful partner. I wasn't aware of what was happening until she phoned me to say she was leaving me for another man. I took it bad and hit the drink to take the focus of our empty home. But that was then. I am now remarried to a lovely women and we have a beautiful daughter. I have been diagnosed with depression recently and am on some meds to help, but just today I think I had a bit of a panic attack doing something ( trimming horses feet- I'm a farrier) that I do on a very regular basis. In my mind I kept thinking I'm going to stuff this up... Ridiculous for me! last Saturday was my nieces birthday and I was having a dark morning ( crying for no good reason) I tried to go to the party but found myself almost crying ( again no reason) and I ended up driving away so no one would see me. not sure what brought these negative reactions at all ! any suggestions would be appreciated. I'm feeling like I'm falling apart!

AnxietyMum DHS and Anxiety
  • replies: 1

hi there. Recently my children were removed from my care as I had a pretty big relapse. I can't seem to control my anxiety yet I have 3.5 weeks to get a hold of it before I have to go back to court to try and get my children back. Everyone is telling... View more

hi there. Recently my children were removed from my care as I had a pretty big relapse. I can't seem to control my anxiety yet I have 3.5 weeks to get a hold of it before I have to go back to court to try and get my children back. Everyone is telling me it's impossible but I'm desperate to try. Please if anyone has some suggestions or ideas on how I can achieve this???

MissDaisytheXD i suffer from random painful tightening of my chest, has lasted 3 days this time but mentally i feel ok? Help me please!
  • replies: 2

Hi there everyone I'm a noob here and i would be stoked if someone may be able shed some light on what is happening to me. I was diagnosed with stress related depression at age 10, then diagnosed with anxiety and mild PTSD nearly 3 years ago at age 2... View more

Hi there everyone I'm a noob here and i would be stoked if someone may be able shed some light on what is happening to me. I was diagnosed with stress related depression at age 10, then diagnosed with anxiety and mild PTSD nearly 3 years ago at age 23 after leaving a 10 year violent and emotionally abusive relationship. In the last few years i thought my anxiety was dealt with and that I was officially on the mend but this year for the first time in my life, i started randomly experiencing a very tight chest. I can't take a full deep breath, can't yawn properly, and after about 24 hours of trying to inhale it becomes painful to breathe in. It feels like my lungs can't expand all the way, like someone is sitting on my chest. I also feel my heart rate increase. But i don't get the shakes, i don't feel any urge to cry or get angry. I was told it is an anxiety attack, but mentally i feel fine. These tight chest attacks are becoming more frequent and lasting longer. The one i am experiencing now has lasted 3 days. I have tried breathing excersises, stretching and even tiger balm to help ease the tightness but nothing works much as of yet. I have even started getting them while at my demanding and stressful TAFE course, but usually i only get them at home. I've had to go back to bed and try to sleep if off as after 3 days it is really getting sore. I would greatly appreciate any info, advice or stories from anyone who has experience in dealing with these issues or has experienced it for themselves!

Jools1968 What is wrong with me
  • replies: 2

Hi All, My name is Julian and I am 46 yrs old. Thank you for welcoming me here. I am not sure what's wrong with me. I am on antidepressants and have been diagnosed with Depression and have so for many yrs. I seem to be getting worse and am seeking mo... View more

Hi All, My name is Julian and I am 46 yrs old. Thank you for welcoming me here. I am not sure what's wrong with me. I am on antidepressants and have been diagnosed with Depression and have so for many yrs. I seem to be getting worse and am seeking more counselling. I am getting so paranoid about everything and everyone around me. I am so defensive at times and think everyone is out to get me. I cannot seem to take any criticism, even if its positive. I know I was involved in an armed robbery a few yrs ago at a servo I worked at, and ever since that day I have gotten very defensive and lost my edge when it comes to talking to people. I am not sure if its a trust thing or what. I have also been made redundant from 2 different jobs, which makes me trust people even less and not want to put the effort in as it seems like the harder you work the more chance there is to be stomped on. I get to a stage sometimes where I think everyone would be better if I was not around etc, but doing anything silly scares me. Do I have anxiety on top of my depression, I have no idea and I am scared about it. I have no energy to do thing, or go to work which is not like me normally. Please advise.beyondblue's clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636.

Queen_Diamond Health Anxiety and Google
  • replies: 4

Hi all; I have been suffering from anxiety for approx 14 years now after the sudden death of my cousin. Since that event I started having panic attacks and developed a phobia of death and illness/llife threatening conditions. I have recently returned... View more

Hi all; I have been suffering from anxiety for approx 14 years now after the sudden death of my cousin. Since that event I started having panic attacks and developed a phobia of death and illness/llife threatening conditions. I have recently returned to counseling and learnt of the term or diagnosis "health anxiety" and realized this is exactly what I suffer from. I have been having alot of trouble managing my anxiety lately due to an seemingly uncontrollable urge to Google symptoms. Every slight pain or ache or bodily sensation I experience causes anxiety and symptom researching which in turn causes more anxiety when I inevitably find alarming information! Does anyone else suffer from symptom checking or Googling? How can I stop myself from doing this?

askignquestions Dizziness?
  • replies: 10

Hi, I don't know the "correct" word for this feeling, but I was wondering if anyone would be able to identify and/or relate. Every once in a while (but more frequently lately) I've been getting dizzy. It happens when I am sitting down usually. Its li... View more

Hi, I don't know the "correct" word for this feeling, but I was wondering if anyone would be able to identify and/or relate. Every once in a while (but more frequently lately) I've been getting dizzy. It happens when I am sitting down usually. Its like the world spins for a second, and my head physically drifts to the side or in a circle, like I am dizzy. Its a strong dizzy too. Almost like my head isn't connected anymore and I can't see. It fixes itself in a few seconds. I have a pretty strong suspicion its due to anxiety. I recently had a full blood workup because of being completely exhausted for weeks and it came back relatively normal. But in the past few weeks my tension has been getting worse, with daily headaches and shoulder tightness and pain, especially when waking up. Which is why I think the dizziness is also related to anxiety/stress. But I wanted some confirmation on that if anyone knew. Thanks.

ellj It came back!
  • replies: 2

5 years ago I sought help for anxiety after suffering for two years. I saw a doctor who sent me to a psychologist and also put me on medication, between the two it helped a lot! the last few months it seems my brain is excessively worrying about some... View more

5 years ago I sought help for anxiety after suffering for two years. I saw a doctor who sent me to a psychologist and also put me on medication, between the two it helped a lot! the last few months it seems my brain is excessively worrying about something at all times. My chest feels so tight, I loose my appetite and either can't sleep or don't want to get up in the morning! I do have some really good times too, but I feel like the anxiety is coming back quicker and quicker. I feel overwhelmed because I thought I ha beat this, does it mean it's with me for life? I have worst case scenario thoughts about my brother eg - he's an alcoholic because he parties on the weekends (he is also an electrician who has a good job), or worst case thoughts about my boyfriend eg- he doesn't love me (although he's just asked me to buy a house with him). Sometimes I am able to see that these don't make sense, but when I'm feeling particularly anxious I can't see the logic in anything. i feel like I can't speak to my mum about it because she is so worried about my brother (which is where my worry stems from), my best friend also has a lot of personal stuff happening so I don't want to bother her, and I'm afraid my boyfriend won't understand and he'll think I'm crazy and I would have ruined a perfectly good relationship. i don't know how to go back to seeing things clearly, without the tight chest and the stomach knots and the need for constant reassurance (ie that my brother got home safe Saturday night or that my boyfriend misses me when he is away at work).

Georgios Anxiety since I was 8
  • replies: 4

I have been anxiety since the age of 7 seven, although I.didn't know it at time, I am now 48years, and on medication for last 10 years. Last week I had a panic attack over a missed mortgage payment, and wake up in panic and thinking the bank.will tak... View more

I have been anxiety since the age of 7 seven, although I.didn't know it at time, I am now 48years, and on medication for last 10 years. Last week I had a panic attack over a missed mortgage payment, and wake up in panic and thinking the bank.will take house and we will.be on the streets with my 5 year old daughter. I had not been able to relax ever since and unable to concentrate at work or home ever since. I am now looking and abseced about, working extra hours and finding extra work.for more money, this has now brought me back 20 years to.when I had no money as a student, and feel the past 20 years has been for nothing, as I feel nothing has changed in life and has only.gone backwards. After feeling so.well last couple of years in now feel worthless and am.starting to withdraw from my wife and daughter. Wish could feel well.like before this panic attack.Thanks

C_O_C_O Social Phobia
  • replies: 4

Hi, I am new to this forum and just wondering if I could get some advice for curing social phobia. I get extremely nervous when placed in social situations, even with friends. I struggle at work to attend meetings which are occasionally required for ... View more

Hi, I am new to this forum and just wondering if I could get some advice for curing social phobia. I get extremely nervous when placed in social situations, even with friends. I struggle at work to attend meetings which are occasionally required for my job but I make up excuses as to why I cant go. Truth is, I get so nervous and blush so badly all over my neck and face and it makes me feel physically ill. Does anyone else here suffer from social phobia?

Remy82 How do I get my husband to better understand my anxiety and off?
  • replies: 5

Hi guys just wondering how others go about getting their spouse to understand and accept their anxiety? I have suffered from ocd and anxiety for many years and my husband is a wonderful person and has often held it together for us when I couldn't. La... View more

Hi guys just wondering how others go about getting their spouse to understand and accept their anxiety? I have suffered from ocd and anxiety for many years and my husband is a wonderful person and has often held it together for us when I couldn't. Lately when I'm struggling he says he doesn't know how to handle it any longer and doesn't like to think that things won't change. I hate more than anything that my issues have such an affect on him, yet I feel that these statements only make me feel worse and guilty. Does anyone else have this happen?