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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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Happy_Girl1 I just can't get it together, & it's getting worse.
  • replies: 1

I hate anxiety. I really do. I feel like a shell of a person and no matter where I turn, it comes back to bite me. I'm FINALLY about to start therapy.. & I really hope it helps! ive had ODC since I was 8.. I thought it went away but I've recently rea... View more

I hate anxiety. I really do. I feel like a shell of a person and no matter where I turn, it comes back to bite me. I'm FINALLY about to start therapy.. & I really hope it helps! ive had ODC since I was 8.. I thought it went away but I've recently realised I've just replaced the compulsions with others. i was first diagnosed with depression at 18.. And it's never gone away for long. now I'm 27, married with children, and have realised I have server social anxiety too.. That I don't remember having as a child, but now I can only talk to people one-one-one (family included) when I talk to a group of people (2 or more) I lose my train of thought, get anxious & distracted. Just last night my husband had a friend over & the kids were playing in the lounge room & I just couldn't handle it, I removed myself to scrub the tiles in the bathroom 'because it really needed doing'. I've given myself a 4 hour lunch break today (I'm a small business owner) because I just had to get out of there. I'm starting to wonder if I will ever have a normal life! I have a wonderful husband, & beautiful kids, a great paying job, a beautiful house, I have NOTJING to feel so depressed and anxious about! At night I lie in bed and think about all the horrible things life has thrown me & I wonder if I will every be happy & truely appreciate my life! My eldest is 4 this year & keeps asking to invite her preschool friends over to play, which I would LOVE, I love kids. But that would mean I'd have to introduce myself to their parents, call them and possibly have them over to and I just can't bring myself to do it. I don't want my condition effecting my kids like this. I just want to be a better person. Well. There is my introduction. I'm hoping to talk to other people & maybe get some moral support from others who know what it's like to live with anxiety.

Sara7 Question about anxiety symptoms/signs
  • replies: 3

Hi there, I have a question about the symptoms and signs of anxiety. I have a feeling that I may have some sort of anxiety that is effecting my work. But I look at the symptoms and they don't really match... I don't get the racing heart, tightening o... View more

Hi there, I have a question about the symptoms and signs of anxiety. I have a feeling that I may have some sort of anxiety that is effecting my work. But I look at the symptoms and they don't really match... I don't get the racing heart, tightening of chest, hot/cold flushes etc. Unless I have to stand up in front of people and do a presentation, or introduce myself. Which I know many people experience! However, I don't feel this way generally, although there are a lot of other things that I worry about doing (especially at work) such as taking phone calls if I'm not 100% sure of the information I am imparting or speaking to customers in front of my colleagues. I seem to have a blank mind when it comes to trying to communicate. I can't recall things and even if I can, I struggle with my wording. Then I feel useless, embarrassed and ridiculous. I spent a whole 2 days at a training course contributing nothing to discussion, other than a few suggestions here and there in our group activities. But there was no way I could confidently present our findings. I haven't always been this way, but it's seemed to have gotten steadily worse for me in adulthood and now I'm in a job where it's imperative to have great communication skills and contribute. And I'd like to. In team meetings I barely say anything. If we have a group discussion about something and I do speak up, I feel that I'm being cut off. It's bizarre actually because I could always chime in after getting disrupted but I lose the confidence. I'm pretty sure that my mind is exaggerating these feelings. I get along really well with my work mates, I'm pretty easy-going at work and am always finding something to laugh about. Work is actually a very nice environment, but that sinking feeling is always close by. I avoid doing certain tasks at work because I'm worried that I'll stuff it up. I put it off until I'm alone or I absolutely cannot procrastinate any longer. I'm surprised no one has picked up on this or at least no one has mentioned anything. I want to be good at my job and it really frustrates me that I do this. Unfortunately, I've been doing it for as long as I started at this job - about a year and I haven't really seen much improvement in myself. Apparently I'm really good at avoidance. I do have snowballing worries - I am always over thinking. I'm starting to also over think in social situations. I do have moments of restlessness - I pace sometimes when I'm alone with these thoughts. I'm becoming irritable with things that wouldn't normally irritate me. It's come close to the point where I could call in sick and I feel like doing so, but I just force myself to go in. Usually it's ok. Nothing bad happens. No one outs me as a fraud. But I'm waiting for it. Even these feelings seem ridiculous because I have this great opportunity to really do something I love doing. I'm so, so lucky to have this job. I'm worried that one day I'll give it away for no good reason except for this confidence issue. I've stuck my head in the sand for so long and now it seems to have all come to a head. Now I'm angry at myself for letting it get this far. I'm not sure if this is even anxiety or just a general self-esteem issue that needs ironing out? Would very much appreciate any input or suggestions. Thank you.

Chinch Seeking support with anxiety
  • replies: 8

Hi Everyone i'm new to this and am seeking some support with anxiety. I've had panic attacks before when I was in my early 20s and am scared they're coming back.... My Mum was diagnosed with cancer in December and is undergoing treatment. It's put a ... View more

Hi Everyone i'm new to this and am seeking some support with anxiety. I've had panic attacks before when I was in my early 20s and am scared they're coming back.... My Mum was diagnosed with cancer in December and is undergoing treatment. It's put a lot of stress on me as you can imagine and i'm starting to have anxiety symptoms: heart racing, in my head a lot, crying a lot, irritable and drinking to escape. Of course I hide this from Mum which is easier now i live in another city with my partner. We travel to see her every second weekend and this is putting a strain on my relationship with my partner as well. He didn't react well at the beginning but now is being supportive and encouraging. We all have masks we show our boss, our parents, our friends etc but the truth is the person you're intimate with sees it all. I feel guilty of depending on him too much as we all have our own daily problems and i'm probably just burdening him with more. I know i've gone in head-first with this introduction and am seeking some others to discuss with tips or suggestions. My work life is going well and have a supportive manager and colleague, although somedays i really don't want to go to work and need a break from "life" to hide at home. I'm normally like that - usually I'm bubbly and embrace life and plans travels and outings with gusto. Also doesn't help that I'm in a new city (here almost 2 and half years) and my normal support network is in the city I grew up in. My partner and I are also struggling with settling and making friends outside of work. anyway - thanks to whoever read this and just a "Hi" back would be nice, Chinch

avalon2 I might have OCD or Anxiety
  • replies: 2

Hi, my name is Avalon and I have been thinking about OCD for a while now. I first noticed the symptoms a couple of months ago when I found myself checking my pocket for my phone countless times while walking down the street. Here are some of the thin... View more

Hi, my name is Avalon and I have been thinking about OCD for a while now. I first noticed the symptoms a couple of months ago when I found myself checking my pocket for my phone countless times while walking down the street. Here are some of the things I do: I always check things I am constantly scared that bad things will happen to my possessions I will walk down the street and even if I can feel my phone in my pocket I still have to pull it out as I get nervous about it not being there If i have my swimmers on under my clothes I have to put my hand under my shirt just to check my swimmers are still on I always have to lock my locker at school because i am afraid that things will be stolen I get nervous for no reason ( i feel really nervous now) I have to ask reassurance from people about silly things such as have you locked the door, is my phone in my bag, did you lock the car sometimes (very rarely) i have weird urges to do things that are dangerous even though I know I would never do them I would appreciate some advice or maybe some indications of whether I have OCD or anxiety.

Pompom Finally asked for help
  • replies: 2

I've taken the hard step of finally asking for help. I've always been a worrying anxious type, but it's taken a very long time for me to acknowledge that it's something I've lost control of. I'm always busy, I wonder sometimes whether I keep myself t... View more

I've taken the hard step of finally asking for help. I've always been a worrying anxious type, but it's taken a very long time for me to acknowledge that it's something I've lost control of. I'm always busy, I wonder sometimes whether I keep myself that way deliberately, because my mind can't wonder randomly if I'm busy. But when I do slow down and especially when it's time for sleep, this irrational brain of mine starts it's chatter and ruins my quiet time. It's having a big impact on my relationship too. My darling man has been very patient but my mood swings confuse him, he never knows which mood he'll face when he comes home from work. I had a really useful conversation with the Mindspot Clinic and am seeing my GP tomorrow for support. Mindspot asked me when I first noticed the anxiety start. It's hard to pinpoint, I've always been known as a 'born worrier'. But when I look back, I can recognise that even some of my thoughts & behaviour patterns as a child may have pointed towards an anxiety disorder. Trouble was, it wouldn't have stood out because my Mum and grandmother were the same, fidgety worriers. Is anxiety genetic or, having grown up watching them, is it learned behaviour? I don't know and I don't suppose it really matters. What does matter is I've accepted I cannot control this alone - I really have no idea how to if I'm honest. I feel that with the help of the Mindspot course, my GP and this site, I will learn valuable practical skills to manage this and find the bubbly me that I know is still in there.

jess_r Onset of anxiety/ depression feeling scared
  • replies: 1

Hello everyone, over the past 2-3 months I have started to become really anxious even when I'm not in a situation that is stressful, I think I have been having panic attacks as sometimes even for no apparent reason I get a massive gush feeling over m... View more

Hello everyone, over the past 2-3 months I have started to become really anxious even when I'm not in a situation that is stressful, I think I have been having panic attacks as sometimes even for no apparent reason I get a massive gush feeling over my body, rapid heart beat , pains across my chest and belly, lightheaded and dizzy and nausea ... It's awful, sometimes I feel like it a not going to end. But I focus on my breathing and it's ends soon after. Lately I haven't really even felt like leaving the house or even going to work I would rather stay home on weekends now instead of meeting up with friends. i have just been to my first psychology appointment and from that session the psychologist recommended going on some anti depressants , so I went to my GP and she has given me a low dose anti depressant. I started it today. I am scared that it's gotten to this point and Scared /worried it he anxiety/depression is going to take over my body, does anybody else have these feelings? And what are best strategies to cope? I am going back to my psychologist weekly at the moment which I'm hoping will help.

ThousandMiles Hearing others hyperventilate...?
  • replies: 2

Is this a problem for anybody else? Whenever I get panic attacks, difficulty breathing always seems to happen. But I've noticed that if I hear somebody else hyperventilating, or breathing really heavily/irregularly/weirdly, it makes me feel very unco... View more

Is this a problem for anybody else? Whenever I get panic attacks, difficulty breathing always seems to happen. But I've noticed that if I hear somebody else hyperventilating, or breathing really heavily/irregularly/weirdly, it makes me feel very uncomfortable and start to hyperventilate. E.g., in a recent exam, the girl in front of me starting jokingly "hyperventilating", and it induced a panic attack (I managed to control it but it was scary, suddenly my breathing went weird). And today, my psychologist was talking about it and then randomly demonstrated, and I started to have difficulty again. This has happened a few times before. Is this normal? Any advice??

Anxiety123 Anxiety - Self Diagnosed
  • replies: 3

I feel very confident that I suffer from anxiety and have done so for approx 5 years. I've not spoken to a Dr about it, I live in a small rural town and the Dr actually lives next door to me - I'm not sure I'm actually comfortable discussing it with ... View more

I feel very confident that I suffer from anxiety and have done so for approx 5 years. I've not spoken to a Dr about it, I live in a small rural town and the Dr actually lives next door to me - I'm not sure I'm actually comfortable discussing it with him. I have a very happy and fulfilling life - I have no reason to feel the way I do, and for that I feel ashamed and selfish. I am close to celebrating my 6th wedding anniversary with my husband whom I married at 19 years of age - we have an amazing relationship with great communication and respect for each other. We have two gorgeous, well behaved daughters aged 5 & 2. I work full time in a high pressure management role which I absolutely love. So as you can see - life is everything I could ever have hoped for. We have great friends, we're financially comfortable, we have so many hopes and dreams for the future of our family - but despite all of this, every day I feel anxious, stressed, unable to relax, fear of the unknown and other irrational stresses which truly affect my wellbeing and mental health. I have a lot of trouble sleeping due to my mind racing a million miles an hour, I have a terrible memory which adds to my anxiety as I stress about forgetting something important - which is highly unlikely given that I'm so organised it could almost pass as OCD! I'm an avid list writer so forgetting things really isn't very likely, but I still worry constantly about this every day. I don't have a fear of one thing in particular, I just worry and over think absolutely everything. I'm a control freak and I never ever relax, I'm always working on something new or stressing about something going wrong - my mind is never still. I have researched well being and mind tools extensively for approx 3 years, and I logically know what I need to do to improve my mental health - but it seems as though I can't be practical about any of it and put it into action? I really wish I understood why I stressed so much and why I over think absolutely everything, I just wish I knew how to make myself relax and enjoy the moment. My boss is encouraging me to apply for a role which will be a huge leap in the right direction for my career and will offer a bigger wage and a relocation from the desert to the sea side which would be lovely, and while it excites me so much I keep thinking to myself "Oh you're really not good enough!" and "What if you get there and you disappoint everyone" and "What if the team doesn't like me as their new boss?" and "Maybe I don't have enough knowledge and these people will expect me to be able to support them more than I actually can!" etc ... I do this about every opportunity or situation in my life - I terrify myself thinking that I will look like a fool and I'm a fraud and I'm not the person people think I am etc. I get sweaty and shaking hands and fast beating heart etc when I'm faced with a new, uncomfortable situation and I turn it into a massive deal thinking everyone is staring at me etc. The weird thing about this is that I actually am very outgoing when I'm comfortable and am quite a loud, confident character - when I've ever had a conversation with someone about my extreme shyness and anxiety when meeting new people in different situations etc they are either really shocked or just laugh and say "yeah right! we can't shut you up - I can't see that happening!" etc .. but it's completely true, I get so so nervous when meeting new people especially in a professional sense that I want to vomit. So that's a bit about me and what I'm feeling - I'm really just after some advice/experience on what the best PRACTICAL treatment available is? I would really like to avoid medication, I've heard of places that offer 'sessions' where they manipulate parts of your head and neck etc to relieve muscle tension which is supposed to be very effective? Has anyone tried anything like that? I surround myself with positive triggers such as motivational quotes, reminders to do things that are good for myself, exercise and diet plans etc but they all just end up in the pile of things I stress about forgetting! I've tried to just relax and take each moment as it comes a live free, but it just doesn't work for me. I enjoy fast paced highly organised living but I really need to remove the negative thoughts and be happy! Thank You

strangebrew Anxiety, Panic Attacks and CBT
  • replies: 5

Hi, I have recently been referred to some Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to assist with my daily anxiety and frequent panic attacks. I understand the general concepts with this, to train your brain to dispute the anxious or negative thoughts, before t... View more

Hi, I have recently been referred to some Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to assist with my daily anxiety and frequent panic attacks. I understand the general concepts with this, to train your brain to dispute the anxious or negative thoughts, before they turn into escalating physical symptoms. However I am a bit nervous about this. Has anyone here gone through it, and if so, was it helpful in particular with General Anxiety and Panic Attacks? How intense was the therapy? I have fears of future triggers and that I will break down if subjected to these types of situations that can trigger alarms. Thanks Strange Brew

BeeBianca1 Anxiety - Feeling Alone, Like I am going crazy
  • replies: 8

I recently posted on here, I was feeling positive with just starting medication and it feeling like the medication is working but then as you do with anxiety I got to thinking and over thinking, what if I can never come off medication, what if I am c... View more

I recently posted on here, I was feeling positive with just starting medication and it feeling like the medication is working but then as you do with anxiety I got to thinking and over thinking, what if I can never come off medication, what if I am crazy? I have generalised anxiety, the physical effects of my anxiety are intense sick feeling in the bottom of my stomach, tight chest, chest cramps, rapid breathing, headaches, dizziness, not being able to sit still etc followed my the feeling of complete panic and fear my mind over nothing in particular then my mind starts to go off on tangents about anything and everything - My anxiety doesn't feel like its over anything in particular and the worst thing is it happens around the people and places I consider 'safe' like at home, around my boyfriend or out and about - anywhere! Its like I have no where to turn nowhere will it stop. When it first started the symptoms and thoughts were constant, non stop and completely over the top, I couldn't control what I was thinking the only way I can describe it is like my brain had been split in half one positive side and one negative side and they were fighting with each other to stay in control. This immediately got me to assume that I must be crazy something that I repeated in my head over and over it wouldn't stop. The problem I find the hardest is that my anxiety never turns into a full blown anxiety attack where I hyperventilate and eventually it goes away or at least that's what I think people have?, it stays at the constant panic stage and how can I help myself or calm myself down when I don't know where this anxiety has come from or what has caused it. Does any one else feel like this? or am I going crazy? I am on medication, I see a psychologist and I am doing everything in my power to overcome this but sometimes I feel beat, and when it happens it feels like it will never end! like I am the only one out there and I then find it hard to even take the word of a psychologist that I am not 'crazy' because it feels so different to every post that I have read. I feel defeated and alone! Interested in replying to this thread and not already a member of our forums? Join up here RELATED THREADS Anxiety is killing me Racked by guilt for my anxiety disorder Owning my anxiety Can someone challenge me? Does it help to focus on anxiety?