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

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

Start a discussion

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.

Pixie15 Manipulation?
  • replies: 2

Hi, I am wondering if anyone knows if anxiety can make someone more vulnerable to manipulation and covert aggression?

Hi, I am wondering if anyone knows if anxiety can make someone more vulnerable to manipulation and covert aggression?

deletrious New here, looking for some Advice/Help
  • replies: 2

Hi, I'm at a young age of 15 and i'm currently in a relationship with my girlfriend of nine months. The tricky part is the fact that ever since i've got in this relationship i've had mental issues.. Thoughts and feelings that are so negative they rui... View more

Hi, I'm at a young age of 15 and i'm currently in a relationship with my girlfriend of nine months. The tricky part is the fact that ever since i've got in this relationship i've had mental issues.. Thoughts and feelings that are so negative they ruin all my motivation to actually live my life. They get to a point where I just want to end this relationship just so they can be over and I can be normal again but I know for a fact if I get into another relationship they'll still be somewhere on the horizon. These thoughts are vicious, they're the basic thoughts of 'Oh, she's out with her friends.. I wonder if she's cheating on me' then it goes to the extreme of 'Is she even thinking of me? Could she be cheating on me or found a better guy..' 'Why is it taking her so long to reply is she in-danger?' Then it comes to the basic negative thoughts that are not as prevalent and in the mind as the ones above like. These thoughts start off as 'Is she losing love for me? Am I going to lose her' These thoughts are so negative that it ruins my day and injects poison into our relationship when I need reassurance (She doesn't take it to well when I ask these things) I don't know if this is anxiety or insecurity but i'll state the fact of in my past relationships (Yes besides the fact im at a young age they were all within a year of eachother) I never had these thoughts, I could be continously happy and enjoy my relationship and be ontop of the world. I don't know what to do and it'll be the end of us if I don't get these sorted out but first I need some information on what i'm experiencing so I can find a way to suppress and treat the issues. Is there anyone that could shine some light on this, it would be much appreciated? :s

LeedsUnited21 Jumpiness and Fear
  • replies: 8

Ok so for about a year now iv been really really jumpy and have bad anxiety now.. my bodyis in fear all the time.. I cant relax and have muscle pain and stuff.. I don't think im depressed as it hasnet stopped me going out and and working but its maki... View more

Ok so for about a year now iv been really really jumpy and have bad anxiety now.. my bodyis in fear all the time.. I cant relax and have muscle pain and stuff.. I don't think im depressed as it hasnet stopped me going out and and working but its making life very shit indeed cause I jump not only for noises butwhen someone walks around the corner and its quiet etc.. I have no idea why.. I tried some pills and stuff but nothing has helped.. please help does anyone else have this?

jakyl Help, I'm over feeling like this
  • replies: 1

I have shocking depression/anxiety, and there is no reason why, as my business life is starting to become successful. I have had this thing for about 13 or 14 years now, but it is so erratic like super highs to super lows in seconds. In my school day... View more

I have shocking depression/anxiety, and there is no reason why, as my business life is starting to become successful. I have had this thing for about 13 or 14 years now, but it is so erratic like super highs to super lows in seconds. In my school days I was kind of popular but now I am hated equally by everyone (except for my wife, she is gold) I am so scared of speaking on the phone, and I used to have good phone skills (10-12 years ago). I walk in to a room and I feel like everyone starts talking about me (am I schizophrenic?) and meeting new people, just forget about it! when I go to a supermarket for example as soon as I say hello their facial expression just drops. Even people that I have known for 15 years, I feel very uncomfortable around them, and don't say much because my voice quivers I am that nervous, it shows and then they hang serious crap on me and I'm just over it. I have gone to the doc and been prescribed an antidepressant a couple of times and a serotonin thing once,but neither worked for longer than a day or 2 (placebo effect maybe?) and the doc's just blow me off every time and make me feel like I'm making stuff up (as I feel comfortable with a doctor for some reason, and don't show symptoms there for some reason???? I don't even go very often like 3 times in the last 5 years) I took a lot of xtc and smoked a lot of weed not so long ago, but clean now and still feel like crap. Anyone had something similar and can help out with anything, I mean anything I'm desperate! Cheers

jenjo1 Anxiety/Phobia
  • replies: 1

Hi everyone! I am new to these forums but am hoping to deal with my anxiety/phobia and panic attacks once and for all! My anxiety is mainly centred around a specific phobia of mine - heights! Therefore I hate bridges, flying - anything high! This is ... View more

Hi everyone! I am new to these forums but am hoping to deal with my anxiety/phobia and panic attacks once and for all! My anxiety is mainly centred around a specific phobia of mine - heights! Therefore I hate bridges, flying - anything high! This is coupled with driving anxiety. I panic when I can't picture the route (ie. going over any bridges) and when I go anywhere new. My panic attacks are centred around my response to the situation (I am terrified that when I fly I am going to panic and open the door and jump out!!). Does anyone else have a specific anxiety and/or panic attacks relating to specifics and how did you address them? Does CBT really work??? I am really keen to change my current life pathway and reconnect with the outgoing person I once was! Thanx!

Wasso64 Not sure what to do...
  • replies: 2

Hi, I have only just joined and its kind of reassuring to see other people dealing with similar issues. I was supposed to have my first ever counselling session today which i was feeling optimistic about but I couldn't leave the house this morning an... View more

Hi, I have only just joined and its kind of reassuring to see other people dealing with similar issues. I was supposed to have my first ever counselling session today which i was feeling optimistic about but I couldn't leave the house this morning and I'm now feeling worse then ever. I have the most amazing husband who is so lovely and sweet but just doesn't understand how it feels to worry over every single tiny thing and feel like people are laughing at you or hating you all the time even though you know it's probably not true. Every time I leave the house I feel like something bad happens or I build it up so much in my head that it feels awful and I always find something negative to take away from it no matter what it seems really difficult to have a positive or happy experience without something bad happening afterwards even thinking back to our beautiful wedding all the negative points are foremost i my mind before the happy ones. We live with my inlaws and I'm certain they think I'm rude and lazy as I can't leave the house and try to avoid socialising with them I don't mean anything personal against them it's just that socialising is difficult and essentially a chore for me. I feel like I say stupid things and always feel awkward and misunderstood. My friends at uni have started talking about me and getting annoyed that I miss so many classes when they always go I still work really hard and I'm happy with my marks but I constantly feel judged by them which ironically makes it harder to go and confront them so I miss even more classes. will go to the ends of the earth to avoid confrontation which is very difficult as I work on checkouts in a supermarket and deal with some pretty horrible people sometimes on a daily basis and just have to take it. Simple daily tasks that are so easy and normal for people become massive mountains for me and I can get so worked up over it then I feel really lazy and awful and I've been gaining a lot of weight which in turn makes me more uncomfortable to go out as I feel like nothing looks nice and have never really had good self esteem. I really wish I could have made my appointment today, I feel like I'm missing out on my entire life and friends and ruining my husbands life too. I get way too much sleep and still feel tired constantly. my sisters and family get annoyed and angry with me as I go for months without talking to them it's not intentional i just don't realise. I know what I should do I just put up all these blockages I make myself and feel so stuck and as though people don't really understand or just think I'm shy or a bit weird. i just needed to let some of this out as I'm having a particularly bad day today.