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

Tomella Breakdown at the supermarket
  • replies: 3

My local supermarket is getting a makeover and they have moved things around. I went in last week and was a bit freaked out by this. Luckily I had a list and managed to get out with everything I needed. Today was shopping day again, and I was prepare... View more

My local supermarket is getting a makeover and they have moved things around. I went in last week and was a bit freaked out by this. Luckily I had a list and managed to get out with everything I needed. Today was shopping day again, and I was prepared, but they had changed more things and I was completely thrown and had a meltdown. I feel completely crazy, as it is only the supermarket and I will get used to it, but I am not coping very well with the changes.

hurley Anxiety, Panic Attacks and new meds!!!
  • replies: 1

I'm a 45 year old female and ive just started back on medication for anxiety, I have been dealing with anxiety and panic attacks for years, I'm into my seventh day on meds and it feels like my anxiety is worse, I feel not to bad for parts of the day.... View more

I'm a 45 year old female and ive just started back on medication for anxiety, I have been dealing with anxiety and panic attacks for years, I'm into my seventh day on meds and it feels like my anxiety is worse, I feel not to bad for parts of the day. I am always thinking something is seriously wrong with me I just hate this feeling, would love to here from anyone who is going through the same thing. My doctor also says im perimenopause OMG!!!

kelly91 struggling to handle the 'Bad Days'
  • replies: 4

I have depression and anxiety caused by a lifetime of things always going wrong. As of late I have been really good! Ive started my new job (which I am loving) but today feels toxic, I went to the shopping centre and had a panic attack because of the... View more

I have depression and anxiety caused by a lifetime of things always going wrong. As of late I have been really good! Ive started my new job (which I am loving) but today feels toxic, I went to the shopping centre and had a panic attack because of the amount of people there, I then yelled at my little cousin because she kept trying to be close to me and all i wanted was space. Now im at home and i feel so alone. My bedside table is filled with different types of pain medication and there is a bottle of wine on the floor. I find its such a struggle on days like today to stay away from them all but everything is in eyesight. I wish i had friends that understood. no one seems to care.

TS 6am and still awake...
  • replies: 2

Hi, The sky is getting lighter outside and the birds are starting to chirp, but I haven't had a wink of sleep since trying to go to bed hours ago... my heart is racing and I've been on the verge of tears (if not bawling my eyes out) for the past 5 ho... View more

Hi, The sky is getting lighter outside and the birds are starting to chirp, but I haven't had a wink of sleep since trying to go to bed hours ago... my heart is racing and I've been on the verge of tears (if not bawling my eyes out) for the past 5 hours now. Things have been like this for almost 6 years. Not every night, not even most nights - but every now and then, it happens. Sometimes without warning, sometimes triggered by an upsetting event. And once it starts, the anxiety grows and snowballs and gets infinitely huge until all I want to do is leap out of my body, away from my racing heart and mind, to somewhere far away. I toss and turn and get more and more freaked out by everything until I have no choice but to get out of bed and away from the thoughts by parking myself in front of the TV to try to forget everything. And it's always, always on the back of my mind: will tonight be another one of *those* nights? I am a naturally anxious/high-achieving person. I've been through two incredibly stressful degrees (I'm almost 27) and now, because I have chosen not to pursue the path my education would indicate (another story), I am looking for a job - without much success. I feel so helpless when this "sleep anxiety" happens to me. I don't know what to do I don't know where to turn. My boyfriend is incredibly supportive and tries his best (he stayed up with me for 3 hours tonight but he couldn't keep his head up so I told him to go to bed) but it's not something I expect people to understand or know how to help. I've tried going to my GP and she referred me to a psychologist, who didn't help all that much. I'm at a loss for what to do. I know I should probably consider seeing another professional. I am just so exhausted. If it persists like this I'm afraid of what I might do. I know it's linked to feeling useless/unemployable/not having money or direction but this began well before all of this was even an issue. I just want to be normal - to fall into bed like a normal person, close my eyes, and fall asleep... Helpful related threads: Sleep

Anxious Can't sleep so anxious advice needed
  • replies: 2

Every night when it gets dark I start freaking out that I can hear noises around my house and that someone is going to try break into my house and if that happens I get so panicked that I I don't know how I would react or what I would do. I have my t... View more

Every night when it gets dark I start freaking out that I can hear noises around my house and that someone is going to try break into my house and if that happens I get so panicked that I I don't know how I would react or what I would do. I have my tv on the lowest volume setting and listen to all the noises, my heart races, I get really scared and I can't seem to shake it! i know it's just a fear and my sensible side tells me I'm being silly but I can't help it.. I'm so sick of this feeling of being afraid every night it's only stated to happen over the past few months, I really need some advice on what could help me! so if you have any tips or ever feel like this please share as I'd really appreciate some peace if mind..

Cindy89 Overwhelmed
  • replies: 3

I don't think im really depressed or have any particularly strong anxieties. I am just overwhelmed. Overwhelmed that I can't find a new job, that I have to commute for hours every day, that I don't know how to build a strong career or build a new car... View more

I don't think im really depressed or have any particularly strong anxieties. I am just overwhelmed. Overwhelmed that I can't find a new job, that I have to commute for hours every day, that I don't know how to build a strong career or build a new career. That I really don't have many positives at the moment. I really just want to have things to look forward to and I want to enjoy myself. It's making me really stressed and I feel like I am taking it out on others around me. I don't want to stress other people out, because everyone seems to have their own stresses. I am really not sure who to talk to or how to deal with things. I know I need to be proactive and make changes, but I guess thats easier said than done.

opy69 not sure if i can be fixed
  • replies: 1

i have suffered from anxiety since i was 17 and depression since i was 32 i am now 44. i never knew i had ether until 6 years ago i would just get a tingling feeling in my hands then extremely hot then loose my vision and pass out once every couple o... View more

i have suffered from anxiety since i was 17 and depression since i was 32 i am now 44. i never knew i had ether until 6 years ago i would just get a tingling feeling in my hands then extremely hot then loose my vision and pass out once every couple of years never gave it much thought. then 12 years ago my younger brother committed suicide and my attacks servilely increased until i had to see a doctor who gave me medication it did not help it did stop the attacks but did not stop the constant sensation that something was not right.so i sleeked a natural remedy with vitamins and minerals which has stopped the sensation but has not helped with my depression which i have suffered with since the lose of my brother nothing makes me happy i just pretend to be happy. i found a great job 8yrs ago were i made a lot of friends and 4yrs ago built a house with my wife and two teenage boys hoping it would give me happiness and self worth which it didnt it just increased the presser then 2yrs ago a larger company brought out the company i worked for and my friends started leaving then 2months ago i was let go. now i feel lost again im trying to find work but have had no luck like normal everything is going to shit i owe thousands on land and water rates im now behind in my house payments.im starting to lock my self away from the world again im lashing out at the people i love my wife is tired of it she has put up with so much.22yrs of dealing with me she deserves better im on new meds now which has helped with my anger but not with my confidence.i have always felt responsible for the lose of my brother that i didnt see it and didnt stop it.im scared i am going to loose everything i worked so hard for yet i dont seem to care enough to swallow my pride and ask for help or maybe i just dont want to admit that i have failed again i guess thats why im writing this i dont know who else to tell any advise would be greatly appreciated and thank you for taking the time to read this

missy86 How to deal with anxiety and going out
  • replies: 3

For some time i have had a fear of going out of the home, some days are worse than others. I think its the fact that i get scared of having a panic attack? i do put a lot of things of and don't go places cause of it. how does one get over this? I had... View more

For some time i have had a fear of going out of the home, some days are worse than others. I think its the fact that i get scared of having a panic attack? i do put a lot of things of and don't go places cause of it. how does one get over this? I had to have a scan the other day and that was scary, i could feel the panic coming but i tried to change my thoughts and it went away!, do i just keep on pushing myself? i don't really go to the store cause of this or i try to put of family gatherings

tigerlibby Do I have anxiety?
  • replies: 2

I think I have anxiety but I'm not 100% sure can you guys please help me? the symptoms I suffer from are: hot flushes blushing scared of socializing hate going to public places shopping centers/restaurants sweating clammy hands heart rate goes up fre... View more

I think I have anxiety but I'm not 100% sure can you guys please help me? the symptoms I suffer from are: hot flushes blushing scared of socializing hate going to public places shopping centers/restaurants sweating clammy hands heart rate goes up freezing finger tips shacking worrying swallow a lot Other things you need to know is: I have a huge phobia of public speaking such as speaking in front of the school which I avoid, speaking in front of the class eg speech I avoid reading in front of the class I avoid and even talking to someone in person. My blushing makes it a lot worse because I can feel it happening and everyone points it out because im in year 7 and it makes everything worse. I barely put my hand up in glass but I only do it for some teachers such as my maths teacher and my pdhpe teacher but never volunteer to read. BLUSHING!!!!!! blushing is a big put down in my life, I think if I don't blush then I wouldn't be scared to public speak or even talk to my friends. When im talking to someone my brain automatically thinks "omg what if I blush, theyre gonna think im some kind of loser." That's when I start to blush, its very frustrating because everyone looks a you. Ive got some speeched coming up for school and sometimes at night I think about suicide, I mean nothing to the world im only another human destroying earth im not gonna be famous or talented so why should I deserve to live? I don't think ill ever commit suicide. I was going so well with this blushing that I stopped blushing for about 2 weeks and when I got an award on stage I still had the symptoms all but blushing but the whole year seven was up there so I had nothing to worry about, but then I was shopping which I rarely ever do and my mum saw someone I know and she was my friends mum and we were talking and she goes your red what have you been doing, I was speechless the world stopped it felt like agers until I managed to spit out I got embarrassed easily. It turned my whole life upside down ever since ive been blushing and have gotten worse. I also never go shopping because im scared ill see someone there and then blush or think im stupid for wearing the wrong clothes. Its really hard I told some of my friends that I think I have anxiety and none of them understand like they make me do things like talking in front of the class and even things like going to the toilet by myself or going to the canteen ive never gone to the canteen by myself and this year only 2 ive gone to the toilet by myself which im quite proud of. Can you please tell me if you think ive got an anxiety disorder.

Sucram Treading water
  • replies: 2

I found out approximate 10 months ago that my wife has been cheating on me and this not the fist time in our 18 years of marriage . It really knocked me for six and I know I am suffering from anxiety every time she goes out or I see her texting on he... View more

I found out approximate 10 months ago that my wife has been cheating on me and this not the fist time in our 18 years of marriage . It really knocked me for six and I know I am suffering from anxiety every time she goes out or I see her texting on her phone. We have had marriage counselling and I still love her very much but I can't shake the uneasy feeling I get when she goes out without me. We seem to go good for 2-3 weeks then something triggers me into a spiral and I find it hard to even talk or look at her. I won't our relationship to work but I have real trust issues and I always think the worst. I have always thought of myself as a strong man, and if a mate was telling me his wife had cheated on him I would say leave her. It's not that I fear being alone or that I am doing this for my 3 kids, I do love her, but I am just a mess inside and the constant cycles of up and down is emotionally draining. It also affects my thinking at work and if I have to go away for work I suffer constant anxiety. its horrible feeling this way, I hope the triggers become less and the cycles end, I know I am not the same man I used to be and it makes me mad inside that a broken heart can cause so much pain.