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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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RecognisingAnxiety Anxiety/Mental Health Plan
  • replies: 5

Hi All, new here. I have suffered from anxiety for many years, and have coped as many others have done as I've read in the personal stories and threads, throwing myself into work and sedating with alcohol. Not a binge drinker partying all night, but ... View more

Hi All, new here. I have suffered from anxiety for many years, and have coped as many others have done as I've read in the personal stories and threads, throwing myself into work and sedating with alcohol. Not a binge drinker partying all night, but enough to dull me and get to bed by 9:30pm, then awake at dawn and back into it. Did that solid for the last 15 years - no socialising and they had to force me to take holidays. I've been like this most of my life recently however it has become overwhelming and I've stopped working and am seeking help to work it out. The usual symptoms outlined on sites like this - didn't want to see or talk to anyone or answer the phone, some OCD (esp when stressed), irritability, ages to fall asleep, neck/jaw/back pain, worrying about things which may (and didn't ever) happen etc.. My GP knows I had anxiety issues for a while and I have been on a low level antidepressant for ages which certainly helped. I saw her again last week outlining the issue and first action was blood tests, 24 BP check (my BP very high for my age - 43) and a mental health plan with some follow up counselling from a clinical psych. Of course, given my condition I'm pretty anxious about what to expect. Have of course stopped any drinking and getting myself out for a solid walk each day. I have told my parents and (albeit very limited) social group, so wondering what to expect next. Anyone have any advice? Thanks.

Katty What happened to my life?
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone, my life has gone downhill in the last 6 months. I used to be the girl who would ride her motorbike anywhere, go get a tattoo on impulse, hang out with friends and have a drink. I don't know what set it off but I started having some sympt... View more

Hi everyone, my life has gone downhill in the last 6 months. I used to be the girl who would ride her motorbike anywhere, go get a tattoo on impulse, hang out with friends and have a drink. I don't know what set it off but I started having some symptoms of health problems eg: tight throat, light headed, heavy feeling in the chest. I've had ct scans, ecg's, blood tests, there is nothing physically wrong with me. Problem is now I feel worried all the time that somebody has missed something. I have panicky feelings about not being able to breathe, I've had nasal congestion for months now and that makes the panic worse, feeling like I can't breathe! The big worry is that now I'm too scared to take any medication of any type in case I'm allergic to it, even things I've had before like simple medication for a headache. I'm not allergic to anything, but now I worry my self silly thinking 'what if?' I want to go back to the person I was at the beginning of the year and not be this panicky nut bag I want to be able to go to the shops without being frightened that my throat will close and no one will be able to help me. Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks

tash_b Feeling overwhelmingly anxious about something that should be simple.
  • replies: 2

I have to go to the HCF Dentist this afternoon, and I have to go by myself and talk to the receptionist. My brother will be getting there later than me but is meant to have the first appointment, so I have to swap the two appointments around. I've ne... View more

I have to go to the HCF Dentist this afternoon, and I have to go by myself and talk to the receptionist. My brother will be getting there later than me but is meant to have the first appointment, so I have to swap the two appointments around. I've never had to go by myself and I know it sounds so petty but I'm really scared. Can anyone tell me what exactly you're meant to say to the receptionist when you get there, and do I need to go see the receptionist again after my appointment before I leave? I know how ridiculous this sounds and I hate that I can't just push my fears aside, but no one in my family understands how big a deal this is for me because they're all really confident and I'm just not. I also have a habit of making a complete fool of myself on a regular basis, and really want to avoid that which is why I'm feeling so nervous. Can anyone help?

messy29 Anyone out there with health anxiety?
  • replies: 3

I haven't sought help before this, but I am feeling so completely terrible that I thought it might be a good option. Long story short, I have had 5 deaths in the family in so many years and I suppose I am now very preoccupied with a fear of a termina... View more

I haven't sought help before this, but I am feeling so completely terrible that I thought it might be a good option. Long story short, I have had 5 deaths in the family in so many years and I suppose I am now very preoccupied with a fear of a terminal illness or death. Anxiety, which I have lived with for 6 years, is only starting to become 'unmanageable' now, after the death of my Nana one week ago. Has anyone else, with this kind of experience, had these kinds of episodes where you are just terrified of getting sick, or dying, or perhaps 'creating' symptoms? I keep getting these numb, tingly types of symptoms in my arms and hands, I am sure my anxiety is causing them (coupled with being a student and using a computer 10+ hours per day). Can anyone help? Need someone to talk to.

alicia I dont know what to do anymore and im worrying myself sick..
  • replies: 5

i don't understand whats happening to me, i thought i got over my anxiety and out of the blue when i was watching a movie with my husband i had a sudden panic attack that was back in May, since then i have been worried if il keep getting them. i star... View more

i don't understand whats happening to me, i thought i got over my anxiety and out of the blue when i was watching a movie with my husband i had a sudden panic attack that was back in May, since then i have been worried if il keep getting them. i started feeling better again until i landed back from the UK and felt abit sick so i took some cold and flu tablets and had an immediate allergic reaction and was taken to hospital i have never had a reaction to anything before. since then i have not been able to eat properly and i get scared of having an allergic reaction even though i had it before with meds not food and every time i go to eat i basically have a panic attack and think my throat and face is swelling up and im constantly checking in the mirror poking my tongue out to check im ok.. i get all light headed and start to space out alot more often than what i used to its like im not even real when this happens, i have now lost 6 kilos in 4/5 weeks unintentionally. its starting to take a toll on me at work as i keep freaking out over everything like if i feel something like a pain in my body or if i feel remotely sick i get obsessed with where the pain is from and think im going to die and now even my husbands calling me paranoid and says i freak out allot. I am always feeling so heavy, weak, tired and really emotional i couldn't stop crying today for no reason i am worrying myself sick with whats going on with my body, i also have been getting bad reflux when i try and eat and upset guts getting diarrhea. i have been to the doctors and had blood test done on nearly everything except hcg levels and they all came back fine stool samples to see if i have a parasitic infection ( i had one back in feb) and those test came back clear, i also told them i came off the contraceptive pill 7 weeks ago and all they have said is it may make me have mood swings, could coming off the pill make me feel like this?? like im going crazy??. im so worried that i cannot eat and recently cant really stomach water .i just want to go back to normal again and stop freaking out but i dont know how or what to do!! has anyone had symptoms like this or know of anything i can do to help??

jac__ Possbile Anxiety ?
  • replies: 4

I get really anxious over stupid little things, like when my teacher picks people to read out of the text book or when I have to get up to walk in front of the class. Even when I have to press the bell and walk off of the bus, I play it over and over... View more

I get really anxious over stupid little things, like when my teacher picks people to read out of the text book or when I have to get up to walk in front of the class. Even when I have to press the bell and walk off of the bus, I play it over and over in my head planning out what I am going to do before I actually do it and I have major butterflies and I just feel really nervous for some reason. Those are the small things but the bigger ones are if I have to speak in front of people or when I get confused or lost/stressed and upset. I get really overwhelmed, for example one day I had an exam over the phone that I hadn't studied for and I had no idea what to do and I broke down crying and I felt so overwhelmed that I couldn't stop crying, I was shaking and I felt like I was going to be sick and for the rest of the day I was just really jittery. Another time I was late for school so I was naturally really anxious about getting in trouble and some things happened and I got really confused as to where I was meant to be going and all of a sudden I started crying and I ran to the bathroom and locked myself in the cubicle. Some of the things I remember feeling were: Shaking, Cold but then hot flushes, headaches, feeling like I was going to be sick, I couldn't stop crying and I had massive butterflies in my stomach for the rest of the day. It was like I was fine one minute and the next I wasn't. After that, I researched anxiety and I thought I may have some form of anxiety but I keep telling myself that I am overexaggerating. This may sound stupid but I keep thinking that I'm just doing this for attention so that people will feel sympathy for me, but i'm not that type of person and it is driving me mad. I want to tell someone but I keep telling myself that I don't have anxiety which is kind of making me believe that I don't and if I tell someone and I don't actually have anxiety I think I would be really embarassed and I wouldn't know what to do. I know that my parents and friends would want to help me whatever happens but i can't help feeling this way. I don't know what to do, if anyone could give me some advice/help me that would be great, even just give me your opinion on this situation please???

Sandy78 I'm worried about where my life is going to end up.
  • replies: 3

I've suffered anxiety and depression for about 10 years now. Ive also suffered with anorexia and bulimia. I've been married for 13 years and my husband has stuck by me through all this time. I've tried just about every medication there is out there w... View more

I've suffered anxiety and depression for about 10 years now. Ive also suffered with anorexia and bulimia. I've been married for 13 years and my husband has stuck by me through all this time. I've tried just about every medication there is out there with no success. i think they made me worse. I've been seeing councilors for all these years and do my best to stay on top of things. I get up and go to work every day, I look after my 2 children with my husbands support. I exercise 5 days a week and I don't withdraw myself from social situations and do things that used to make me happy. But none of this works. I can't seem to find a medication that helps and lately I've come to a point where I just want to give up and sleep all the time. My husband says Ive been just like a zombie for the past year. I'm there in body but not really mind. I haven't been happy for a long time and I'm always sad. Is there really any hope. I know there are a lot of people a lot worse off than me but it doesn't make any difference knowing this. My 6 year old daughter last night asked my husband " is mummy ever going to be happy". I just don't know what to do anymore.

worriedrachael CHEST TIGHTNESS??????
  • replies: 3

Help! *a little disclaimer * i have had my heart listened to and I have been told that I have no trace of asthma. so my new anxiety symptom( I thought I had experienced thm all!) is chest tighness? please if anyone gets this let me know your experien... View more

Help! *a little disclaimer * i have had my heart listened to and I have been told that I have no trace of asthma. so my new anxiety symptom( I thought I had experienced thm all!) is chest tighness? please if anyone gets this let me know your experience and if you have overcome it. my chest tightness feels like someone is sitting on my chest and is so uncomfortable , but goes away if I can distract myself.... i feel like I'm going bonkers....yes I have started to see a pschcologist also seeing bev aisbett for a counselling session( she is the author of the "IT" series) I have been prescribed medication and am still contemplating it. Has anyone been on an anti-depressant? thanks xxxx

abluejay i don't know what other choice i have
  • replies: 1

my life is a mess. it's over. there is no way out for me anymore. i have severe agoraphobia and can barely leave the house and i've been like this for years. i have zero support and spend 90 percent of the time completely on my own locked in the hous... View more

my life is a mess. it's over. there is no way out for me anymore. i have severe agoraphobia and can barely leave the house and i've been like this for years. i have zero support and spend 90 percent of the time completely on my own locked in the house staring at four walls and listening to my own thoughts. i have nobody that loves me or cares or checks in. i had so many dreams and they are all without reach. i can barely look after myself and i am 37!!!!!! and i have the capacity of a toddler for self care right now. There is something so terribly wrong with my brain, i can feel it and i feel like i am dying all the time. I want to be strong enough to put myself out of my misery. but i am scared.

Marley How to cope with stress?
  • replies: 1

Hi there i haven't been here in a while, things were going ok for a while. I just need some advice. Does anyone have any strategies of coping with everyday 'life' stress? i suffer from 3 autoimmune conditions which make me tired, give me aches & pain... View more

Hi there i haven't been here in a while, things were going ok for a while. I just need some advice. Does anyone have any strategies of coping with everyday 'life' stress? i suffer from 3 autoimmune conditions which make me tired, give me aches & pains among many other things. I also suffer GAD and have HAD depression. I also have two annoying kids aged 11 & 13 who just annoy me because they can. My husband works night so I have to deal with them, dinner etc on my own, plus running around. i am not working but I want to go back to work but I get stressed easily and I just want to know how I can cope? I'm sick of these things controlling me, "I" want to control me. I want to travel in a few years and so need the money. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm hoping to see my psychologist next week who got an ear bashing last week because I was sooooo wound up and he tells me it's just stress. Yeah derr I figure that.