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
Jump to
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. Remeber, this is anonymous and the Beyond Blue team are here to help if you need it This section is for people who are experiencing anixiety 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 you 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 worthile 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

Shane46 Porn and cybersex addiction
  • replies: 3

I have a porn and cybersex addiction. It has got to an extent that it's effecting my mental health and happiness. I fear it is now adversely impacting my relationship with my partner. I want to recover from the addiction and never go back again. I am... View more

I have a porn and cybersex addiction. It has got to an extent that it's effecting my mental health and happiness. I fear it is now adversely impacting my relationship with my partner. I want to recover from the addiction and never go back again. I am looking for advice and help from others who have gone through this ordeal.

_kj confusion and anxiety in a new friendship/relationship
  • replies: 4

Recently my sister’s friend asked if I was seeing anyone. I’d barely spoken to him so I was confused why he was interested. I was fine to go on a date (I assume that was his intention) but I couldn’t do it straight awayI have anxiety, low self esteem... View more

Recently my sister’s friend asked if I was seeing anyone. I’d barely spoken to him so I was confused why he was interested. I was fine to go on a date (I assume that was his intention) but I couldn’t do it straight awayI have anxiety, low self esteem, and I’m shy. Interacting with others is difficult for me He said that was fair, but It took him a while to reach out, apparently he was waiting for the right time He was so nice, but it was small talk which I struggle with. He’d never start any conversations and went from replies every few days, to once a week, then nothing. Two months pass, I’m left on read, he’s gone? I check in to see if he’s still interested and he said he was “definitely keen” I’m told that’s normal, he’s busy, has anxiety, and overthinks. He goes quiet but it isn’t personal.I see him and my sister talking daily. But I message, he opens it right away then leaves it read. Maybe he responds days later if I’m lucky. He doesn’t seem interested in pursuing me but doesn’t act like he wants to be friends either. It’s giving me a complex Apparently his pushy friends burn him out, and he had an ex who would hassle him to reply more. So maybe he’s being cautious. But I’ve only ever given him space My sister said he probably sees me as a casual friend he doesn’t feel pressured into talking to all the time or right away. I don’t know how to take that. I decided not to contact him anymore to see if he’d reach out. Two more months pass, he didn’t He visited recently to help move furniture. He couldn’t hold eye contact with me, but had no trouble with anyone else. Little comments and gestures made me feel like he was interested, but when I spoke he seemed bored.When he was leaving he hugged my sister and shook my hand, but then awkwardly decided to hug me too. It’s confusing I message him later to say thanks for helping and now we’re in a conversation. Being left on read is inevitable and I’m not that resilient. I know I’ll spiral and shut down.I have some control when I don’t reply. But I’m torn between having control and feeling guilty about it, or giving that up and having my feelings hurt. It’s probably not that deep but I need to talk about it. Maybe this is normal in talking stages, but I’ve never been in this situation before and I’m over thinking every little thing and it’s wearing me down, I’m tired. I’m embarrassed. I don’t feel good enough. I’ve put in more effort than I can mentally handle and it’s not reciprocated. I’m at a loss

smallwolf Nervous about biopsy
  • replies: 18

Those here would know I'm a champion, but that does not make me special in any way. Like anyone or everyone here, I still have moments where anxiety sneaks in. Lately, I've had a lot on my mind, especially as Thursday approaches. So... In two days, I... View more

Those here would know I'm a champion, but that does not make me special in any way. Like anyone or everyone here, I still have moments where anxiety sneaks in. Lately, I've had a lot on my mind, especially as Thursday approaches. So... In two days, I'm heading to the hospital for a biopsy. While my MRI results were okay, my blood tests showed slightly elevated levels, which my doctor wants to investigate further. Prostate cancer runs in my family, so this adds to my concerns. I do take comfort in knowing that those in my family who faced it have come through it successfully. This feels a bit more serious than what I’ve dealt with before—outside of an eye surgery a few years ago—but I’m trying to stay grounded. I just wanted to share this, not for pity or sympathy, but because it’s been on my mind and if you have been wondering why I have not been around ... tiredness, nervous, not sleeping. I hope you can forgive me.

Guest_32894631 How to handle general Stress and Anxiety
  • replies: 2

Hello everyone. I potentially had some for of anxiety my whole life, yet I have from young age gradually worked on moving my comfort zone to a point that likely impresses other people.However, there's one part that seems to cause consistent anxiety o... View more

Hello everyone. I potentially had some for of anxiety my whole life, yet I have from young age gradually worked on moving my comfort zone to a point that likely impresses other people.However, there's one part that seems to cause consistent anxiety or pressure to the point of lots of sleepless nights and I wonder on how to best handle this.I'm a single parent with full-time care.I am living in Australia (Australian citizen) without family and only very minimal support network, and not many friends. This is partly because I'm not overly social, but also because being am extremely busy with being a single parent and working a demanding full-time job, and renovating my house bit by bit.The centre of my worries is my daughter.Being a good dad.Providing for her.Being there for her.And not dying before she is 18.The last one probably sounds odd, but I was unlucky enough to nearly die twice within the past 4 years on completely unrelated "bad luck" illnesses, and yes I live a healthy lifestyle.My ex is a complete mess and would not be able to cope with parenting (hence I have full care).So, there's a lot of pressure to juggle parenting, income, live in general, and health.Work live balance has somewhat fizzled out when I became ill the first time, around 4 years ago.I simply struggle to get back that joy, and rid of that anxiety.I don't laugh anymore.A nudge in the right direction to get back on track would be great!

dear_jieon I'm done acting fine
  • replies: 2

Ever since Covid My Anxiety spiraled and now it's dangerously high. I would get bullied for existing, liking mainstream music just to fit it, have social media just to fit in, for just being a female and for "being fat" when I'm healthy at best. I ha... View more

Ever since Covid My Anxiety spiraled and now it's dangerously high. I would get bullied for existing, liking mainstream music just to fit it, have social media just to fit in, for just being a female and for "being fat" when I'm healthy at best. I had been sent d3ath thr3ats on Discord from this random girl telling me that I was unwanted and that I should h_ng mys3lf (this girl doesnt even know me), i had been manipulated and a target of being a liar during Primary school to the point nobody could even believe my side on of stories even with evidence only because my jealous fake friends wants my life to be miserable. Now I get bullied for the people i hang, when i hang with a popular person, i get bashed or neglected, when i hang with an outcast, i would be called a rat. I would even getting bullied for not know how to play Basketball when I dislike the sport, like i nearly cried. I would ask questions since my head would blank out only for students to groan at me and say that "i'm dumb". If i try to be confident i will get bullied for it again because it will come off as "attention seeking". I feel like I wanna go genderless but if I do I will also get Bullied for being different. It's like i dont even belong on the world, i cant even talk face to face about my struggles without tearing up or sounding like a drowning rat with my mouth trembling, scared i will be judged for it. I cant even make eye contact for 3 seconds without looking away time to time. And then i get bullied for having a iPod as a type of Phone Replacement, not having fancy technology or a clean bedroom, i would even get bullied for wearing clothing which "isnt female". And it doesnt help that I go to the city to stay with my nan for the holidays who would make me feel even more worst as she wants me to be feminine so badly and i dont wanna say no incase she says false info about my family (like she did in the pass). And since I live in a small town i would be scared if something which is family business goes out to the public, i would be shamed on and harassed. I'm just scared of everything and I just need some valid advice.

x_BLUE_MOON_x My Problem
  • replies: 1

Hi, I'm a 30 year old female, and I have this problem where I am obsessed about my collectables (video games) (figurines) (memorabilia) for about 7 years now. I worry about the cosmetic condition of them, how clean they are, and if there just right/p... View more

Hi, I'm a 30 year old female, and I have this problem where I am obsessed about my collectables (video games) (figurines) (memorabilia) for about 7 years now. I worry about the cosmetic condition of them, how clean they are, and if there just right/perfect? And it's been taking over my life and has become very mentally unhealthy for me. This all first started 7 years ago, when I got a thought in my head that my collectables were contaminated/dirty. I had a mental breakdown, it really hurt me. And ended up in psychiatric hospital twice. I have been diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, Specific Language Impairment, Depression and Anxiety. I don't have a offical diagnosis of OCD because, my psychiatrist (which was also 7 years ago) said it could be ocd but he wasn't sure. So not a proper diagnosis?? I'm currently on anti-depressants. When I'm happier in my life, my obsession with my collectables become less and less powerful. I have tried a lot of things, getting out of my head, going out and having a social life, exposure therapy, mindfullness, positive self talk, and it worked for a while then it would stop working. And the thoughts and obsessions about my collectables would come back again and again. In addition to my obsession with my collectables I have as well some common OCD symptoms. As for the common OCD symptoms, they don't really worry me and I'm able to let them go. The only time I have ever had really bad common OCD symptoms was when I was a teenager. And I was doing a mental rountine in my head everyday, doing things in three's, making things symmetrical, fear of certain numbers and colours. But over time most of my OCD symptoms disappeared. I don't think most OCD symptoms just magically disappear, especially during that time I didn't take medication, didn't do therapy and didn't do mindfullness. So I find that very odd and confusing. But I do know, that when this obsession started with my collectables, I had no life, I was not happy, had no friends, no social life, trouble making friends, I was isolating myself in my bedroom and my collectables were the only thing that gave me joy. Also, I think there's a few causes to this obsession? Mother and sister issues, being lonely, trouble making friends, previous common OCD symptoms, my self esteem, my recent diagnosis of Autism, what I went through in my past, and other things. At the moment I'm currently seeing a psychologist for OCD. Is this ADHD, Autism, OCD or something else? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thank you

EmmaL21 Anxiety and Perimenopause
  • replies: 11

I have had chronic anxiety since 2016, but I have always managed to keep it at bay with medication/exercise. in August 2023 things started changing. Anxiety was consistent. I do have a lot of life stressors inc family, work, moving. Periods slightly ... View more

I have had chronic anxiety since 2016, but I have always managed to keep it at bay with medication/exercise. in August 2023 things started changing. Anxiety was consistent. I do have a lot of life stressors inc family, work, moving. Periods slightly started changing but nothing too serious. I had been to the dr and he told me it could be perimenopause. I dismissed it thinking I was too young. I did eventually start medication for 4 weeks and it made everything worse. So I stopped and went to another Dr. August I changed my medication as it wasn’t getting any better. Slowly started feeling better. However September came and things started going south again. Periods have started changing shorter, sharper, pain in my right hip, and every 2/3 weeks chronic anxiety attack that can last up to 1 week. Waking up in panic almost each morning. I have to take medication when needed to stop the panic. Does anyone have anything similar? It’s getting really tough and not feeling like living anymore. My 3 kids are the only think keeping me going.

Vvp Lonely birthday
  • replies: 2

Valentines, Easter and Christmas are not the best days for me i feel really lonely and sad but the worst day for me is my birthday, is my birthday today and this is the 5th year that nobody has wished me a happy birthday, my family, friends,my son, n... View more

Valentines, Easter and Christmas are not the best days for me i feel really lonely and sad but the worst day for me is my birthday, is my birthday today and this is the 5th year that nobody has wished me a happy birthday, my family, friends,my son, nobody, especially since I always make sure to be by there side celebrating there birthdays. I have always pushed though today in the past but somehow I just can't this year, I just feel totally hopeless and lonely and I just think why, why am I still here, no one cares for me, maybe it's time to give up hope because each and every year becomes worse then the previous one for me, i know i have to fight and push though but when will things change, will I ever be truly happy again...

Elijahrams Anxiety & Depression
  • replies: 1

I am a 50 year old, who was raised by a super protective mother. My father was a very sweet, shy, he passed away in 2007. My mother recently in 2021. as we grew up my brother and my 2 sisters who were older than me were closer guarded by my mother. N... View more

I am a 50 year old, who was raised by a super protective mother. My father was a very sweet, shy, he passed away in 2007. My mother recently in 2021. as we grew up my brother and my 2 sisters who were older than me were closer guarded by my mother. None got of us got married. My sister who is 2 years older than me got pregnant when we were still in school. She got the wrath of my mother. Interestingly both my mother who was a nurse and my father who was a porter both worked for a Psychiatric Hospital. I lived with my mother until he died at the age of 84 and i was 47, i am now 50. I worked menial jobs I had girlfriends, i lived literally in the basement and had two kids with two of my girlfriends. Obviously i rebelled sometimes and sneaked my girlfriends, but there way things went i knew my relationships would be doomed. The ladies grew impatient with me they took me as a mamas boy, i see my kids one is grown and working, my last one is 14. I never known how to be with ladies in a more responsible way as a man. Even though i took care of my kids the best way i could, because she had money than I did she would buy my kids gifts, take them away, make decisions i did not know about. at 50 i never found a chance or strenghth to overall he. When we grew up we never attended parties, go on school trips. I have always had anxiety, and a very low self-esteem. Now that she is no more, instead of feeling better i feel worse. I cannot keep relaltionships i find it hard to keep long term relationships, i give ladies money, help them with what they need, but i can't ask them to help with house chores, or cleaning dishes. I understand its low self esteem, but i can't do anything about. recently i started coping with alcohol, obviously it has not made my life easy. i cannot sleep, i have bills, its just total chaos. I just found out my girlfriend of 2 years has been having a guy friend for the past 6 years. She was using my tablet in forgot to logout of whatsapp, i could not help it. I thought this one was it but i found a message where the guy asked where is your hubby. she replied that guy is not my hubby, a hubby is someone you gonna marry. i was devastated, when i asked her about it she just snapped and asked to leave saying she does not feel safe when i asked her question like that. she went to her home, so i cant push here because it will be like i am stalking her. So i started my binge drinking with the little money i have, its total chaos.

Leo_Klies14 Starting new medication and need some encouragement to cope
  • replies: 2

Hi guys,I’m relatively new here and it’s great there are resources like this to reach out for support. I am also glad to find a supportive community out there. I have generalised anxiety disorder and I found reaching out for support has helped so her... View more

Hi guys,I’m relatively new here and it’s great there are resources like this to reach out for support. I am also glad to find a supportive community out there. I have generalised anxiety disorder and I found reaching out for support has helped so here goesI have started transitioning from taking one antidepressant to another and I am on day 10.It has been quite challenging for me to be honest and I’m experiencing mental side effects like increased anxiety and heart palpitations. My gp has mentioned that it may be tough for the first few weeks as your body adjusts and to give it time.I’m also going through a very challenging personal situation at the moment and there are times where I am losing hope that things will get any better.I am wondering what everyone’s experiences were whilst starting new antidepressants and how to cope with the first few weeks when you feel like you can’t.