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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.

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bob_the_builder anxious about going out into the world.
  • replies: 4

Hello, I am a new young Adult who is only just getting started on the road creating a future for myself. I was wondering if anyone has experienced these emotion and anxiety that I feel toward getting a job to support myself through life and UNI. And ... View more

Hello, I am a new young Adult who is only just getting started on the road creating a future for myself. I was wondering if anyone has experienced these emotion and anxiety that I feel toward getting a job to support myself through life and UNI. And those emotion also towards getting a university education. I don't like doing task and other everyday things alone, I dislike driving alone and not fond of the idea of going to uni classes not knowing anybody, which cause me to have breakdowns about it. I just want to live peacefully and become finally stable. But i know that it won't happen without having hardships and challenging moment in my life to get there. When i had job during high school I would cry and get angry before most of my shift, and I still do it to this day with preparing for a job interview -that I am unsure of taking- or anything that involves talking to strangers and new people. I tend to overthink about my life choices and what they could result in, and I also tend to be optimistic about my future. But eventually reality knocks it down, which causes me to become more anxious about my future. So, my question is that I would love for anybody to let me know if they have experience similar to this and are able to provide advice on what road I should take to help me become willing to want to go out into the world by myself and do things I dream of doing. Thank you!

Elizabeth Louise Anxious Ex Husband about my adventures with the Kids
  • replies: 13

My Husband doesnt want me to take the kids kayaking because he is "concerned". I have taken the kids twice already without him. If i take them it means i dont care about him and they get to experience a fun day. If i dont take them, i appease his anx... View more

My Husband doesnt want me to take the kids kayaking because he is "concerned". I have taken the kids twice already without him. If i take them it means i dont care about him and they get to experience a fun day. If i dont take them, i appease his anxiety but we miss out. He says his concerned of the risks. What risks? That they will drown? They can swim and they have done it twice before. All I can think of is some fun & adventure and making memories with them. The past 6 weeks all I have been doing is packing, unpacking, moving and renovating. I'm exhausted and stressed and want a break and a little adventure. Plus it's my birthday soon. I wanted to do a fun activity with the kids. When i explained this he says I am free now I can do whatever I want and that I never listened when we were together. But I know he will hold it against me. And when I ask to get back together he will throw it in my face and say I don't care and they are just words and I havnt shown him that I care about him. (Just some background. I really want to get back together but with hes afraid. He blames me for it all says its all my fault, he fled because he's been hurt) I have mentioned to him not to worry I won't do anything dangerous. The kids will be fine. I even asked him if he would feel more comfortable to come along with us and would that help. He says No. I have pointed out that this is anxiety and fear is holding him back and to please challenge those negative thoughts. He always thinks worse case scenario. He reminded me that I did this last year when I was on holiday with the kids. We were on a tour boat ride in the Whitsundays and it was chopping seas and he was included in the online group and saw the weather forecast. Someone posted something about do not go out on the sea its 22 Knots. But our boat was full! The Captain changed from the sail boat to a stronger faster boat and I was confident in the captain. My husband wasn't there and he asked me not to go. I didn't want the kids to miss out on snorkling! And they were really looking forward to it. The boat trip was chopping at times but it was fine. We were safe. He still knocks it to me. That I had an opportunity to show him that i care about his concerns and listen. I think it was so unfair. What do I do? I want to save our relationship, but I also want to Live a little. It was a horrible year last year. I went into depression. I really need some adventure in my life to make me feel alive.

Weeny Can Anxiety cause coughing? New here.
  • replies: 9

So I had a work breakdown about 3 months ago, and had a lot of issues since, and have finally got to the point I have about 50/50 ok days and bad days, instead of nearly everyday that I was having. But I get this cough that comes and goes, not really... View more

So I had a work breakdown about 3 months ago, and had a lot of issues since, and have finally got to the point I have about 50/50 ok days and bad days, instead of nearly everyday that I was having. But I get this cough that comes and goes, not really bad, but just persistent and annoying, so was wondering if stress/anxiety can cause coughing.

Ralph23 Parent support for teen with anxiety
  • replies: 2

We have a 13 year old who is suffering from anxiety. He symptoms have become worse over the last few weeks with the return to school. We are seeing a psychologist with her, however our household is breaking down quicker than any positive changes can ... View more

We have a 13 year old who is suffering from anxiety. He symptoms have become worse over the last few weeks with the return to school. We are seeing a psychologist with her, however our household is breaking down quicker than any positive changes can occur and I don't know what to do.Does anyone know of a support group for parents dealing with a teen with anxiety?

K_Ley Am I going backwards
  • replies: 3

Hi it has been quite a while since I was on here as things were going pretty well. My sister's death in May last year was the catalyst to seeking help although I think I probably needed it long before that. I am in regular therapy and was even able t... View more

Hi it has been quite a while since I was on here as things were going pretty well. My sister's death in May last year was the catalyst to seeking help although I think I probably needed it long before that. I am in regular therapy and was even able to go 5 weeks over the christmas new year period with no therapy at all. In early January I almost lost my brother he was in a critical condition when the ambulance arrived. He is ok now, but still having tests as they don't know what caused him to collapse in the first place. Hopefully we will get answers one day. Anyway, I am a teacher and since returning to school the requirements of the job have increased 10 fold. I had to take the day off today to get some work done to try and relieve the pressure. My anxiety is through the roof and quite frankly I currently feel like I am drowning. Therapy is currently fortnightly and I feel like I need to increase it back to weekly until I get on top of things at work. My head is saying this is a step backwards though and I don't want to look at it like that. What do you think is increasing my therapy a step backwards????

Richju Fear of driving
  • replies: 11

I have a fear of driving in unfamiliar places and I easily give into this fear, making excuses such as my poor sense of direction, my failing eyesight due to my cataracts. But the real reason is that I'm afraid of the fear itself. After all, driving ... View more

I have a fear of driving in unfamiliar places and I easily give into this fear, making excuses such as my poor sense of direction, my failing eyesight due to my cataracts. But the real reason is that I'm afraid of the fear itself. After all, driving is a risky persuit. I'm afraid that I will do something unwise and cause an accident, if I panic. I don't like that feeling of fear sitting in my stomach. Just thinking of driving in the city incites feelings of dread. I learnt to drive to my son's house, very close the city but there are so many roadworks on that route now, I have lost confidence, fearing I might take a wrong turn and end up in the city. And when I have plucked up the courage to drive over to my son's, I don't enjoy myself, as I'm worried about the return journey.The GPS is helpful but not infalible. I remember the friendly voice advising me to make a u turn on a freeway once!I have asked friends to accompany me when venturing to new places but each time they just say, 'There's nothing wrong with your driving.' But there's obviously something wrong wirh me! Can anyone offer advice please.Regards,Richju

Well-being Anxiety
  • replies: 3

Hi. I suffer anxiety in many forms. Performance, social and general. It can really cripple me from just doing day to day tasks. It manifests itself in perspiring, nausea, fatigue and just feelings of dread. It affects my relationships and day to day ... View more

Hi. I suffer anxiety in many forms. Performance, social and general. It can really cripple me from just doing day to day tasks. It manifests itself in perspiring, nausea, fatigue and just feelings of dread. It affects my relationships and day to day living and is absolutely exhausting. I try to sleep, eat and do some form of exercise to try and overcome it. As well, I try breathing techniques, praying, distractions etc to try and get on top of it but tend to get beaten down in the end. I find it extremely embarrassing and always feel deeply ashamed and guilt ridden. Am at a lost.

Jimy Conundrum of Staying
  • replies: 9

Hi All,Sorry for the sulk!Due to my close friendships with 2 close friends in the Quora group, I want to remain anonymous.During our conversation, both of them flagged up red flags that I needed to see a mental health person and take some therapy. I ... View more

Hi All,Sorry for the sulk!Due to my close friendships with 2 close friends in the Quora group, I want to remain anonymous.During our conversation, both of them flagged up red flags that I needed to see a mental health person and take some therapy. I am not certain what caused that feeling based on our discussion.In a nutshell, my wife and I moved to Australia from the UK several years ago and although she has settled in, I am not. I have always wanted to return, however with a few children and a couple of houses, it seems an unrealistic goal to reach. The message I was sending to my friends in both conversations was that I was uneasy here and was unable to see anything positive in what I had accomplished. As a result of the manner in which I presented my topics, I appeared to be negative in my approach, despite being thoughtful and content about my circumstances.In both instances, they advised me to take some time to reflect upon my current situation before making a decision. However, if I leap into seeking assistance, what will be the outcome of that?

PBelle Embarrassed and freaking out
  • replies: 2

So I’m embarrassed to say that I did a bit of road rage today and now I am freaking out whether I will get in trouble with police.So I am driving along 80km zone, wet road and low visibility. Dark car with no headlights being driven going 40-50kms. L... View more

So I’m embarrassed to say that I did a bit of road rage today and now I am freaking out whether I will get in trouble with police.So I am driving along 80km zone, wet road and low visibility. Dark car with no headlights being driven going 40-50kms. Learner driver. I pass him but couldn’t see the car and we nearly hit. He beeped me. Like it shook me . I slow up ahead and turn off road, onto a side road and he follows me. Thinking that he will say something and I will say I’m so sorry I didn’t see you, if you could out ur lights on He passes me slow and supervising driver gives the finger, I yelled at him to put his lights on. It’s a one way road, so I’m behind him, still no lights, so I flash him to give the hint. Eventually he pulls over and I stop too, now this learner was a danger on the road and the supervising driver was just head down on his phone. I went up to say to put headlight on cause he couldn’t be seen and it was a safety thing, supervising driver just said “ that he is learning” he refused to put down the window so I’m yelling so he can hear. That it was his responsibility to teach him, and to follow the road rules and on a wet road with cloudy and dark car you can’t be seen and I nearly hit you, turn your lights on. Anyway he kept ignoring me and typing on his phone. After a couple of minutes of yelling, I left but I’m so scared. What if he reported me to the police? I have never acted like that before, usually cautious and considerate of learner drivers, but this one was causing a dangerous situation,should I be freaking out about the police knocking on my door?

Sally-Anne Thinking The Worst
  • replies: 1

At this moment I am feeling stressed, anxious and my heart feels like it’s pumping faster than usual. I’m not in any physical danger, it’s just how I’m feeling. Im a mother, wife and grandparent. Obviously, we experience various levels of stress that... View more

At this moment I am feeling stressed, anxious and my heart feels like it’s pumping faster than usual. I’m not in any physical danger, it’s just how I’m feeling. Im a mother, wife and grandparent. Obviously, we experience various levels of stress that comes with family. However, I sometimes feel helplessness and I have no voice but just words and actions going on in my head. They involve negative occurrences that I manifest as a consequence to an issue occurring in my life. I’ve seen psychologists over the years for different reasons but have never really been able to get relief from any sessions. Or, I’m just not able to express my thoughts concisely. Either way, I feel emotional pain and struggle to think positively. My issues involve not being able to express my thoughts because I fear the consequences of my real voice. Why you may think. The reason is, I have experienced a close relative who suicided and I still feel blame. I have a real fear most of the time that one of my loved ones will suicide because they can’t get on with life or whatever they are experiencing. This may sound over exaggerated but it’s how I think. I’m currently taking medication for anxiety and the Dr says this is the best drug for me but I wondered if it really is. There is a lot more going on in my life and it would take a while to explain but for now. I hope to read other people’s thoughts and opinions.