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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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joey Fighting anxiety
  • replies: 2

There is something inherent in anxiety that makes you want to fight it. To refuse acceptance. That's what anxiety is - it makes you want to fight, often yourself. I have been quite accepting of my depression. I didn't like it but eventually I accepte... View more

There is something inherent in anxiety that makes you want to fight it. To refuse acceptance. That's what anxiety is - it makes you want to fight, often yourself. I have been quite accepting of my depression. I didn't like it but eventually I accepted it's presence. I admitted it to myself. But not my anxiety. I have never really accepted that I have an anxiety disorder. Any yet in the end it probably affects me equally if not more. I am no longer depressed but I am still anxious. I still occasionally have panic attacks. Maybe its because I can't accept the problem (even though I know it and can write it, deep down I can relate to it). Does anyone else find anxiety harder to accept than depression?

Everyotherday Agoraphobia about going into the shops
  • replies: 3

Hi Everyone, I’m new to the forumJ . I have anxiety and agoraphobia. I feel extremely anxious when we (myself and my partner) need to go do the weekly grocery shopping. I could never imagine doing the grocery shopping alone. I would really like to ha... View more

Hi Everyone, I’m new to the forumJ . I have anxiety and agoraphobia. I feel extremely anxious when we (myself and my partner) need to go do the weekly grocery shopping. I could never imagine doing the grocery shopping alone. I would really like to have that independence and not having to rely on him so much to do everything for me that involves talking to strangers on the phone or going to a shop. I feel that at 25 I am less of a person because I get so anxious about these things that others (who don't have anxiety) do without a second thought. Once I've been to a place about 5 times I feel more relaxed but I feel so overwhelmed walking into a shop for the first time. I buy all my clothes online or when my partner is with me at the clothing shop. The last time I went into a shop alone was for christmas presents - something I really needed to do without my partner but the entire time I was so nervous and couldn't wait to get out of the shop - afterwards I felt dizzy and weak. If there really is something I really need from the shop I will go into the shop on my own and buy it - but it's that dreading feeling I feel when in the shop. I feel very alone and was just wondering if anyone else felt like this. I don't think my partner understands at all how anxious I get.

Mystery_Belle Seeking help
  • replies: 4

Hi guys, Thanks in advance for lending your ear. I currently am in a little bit of a spiral. I havent been officially diagnosed with anxiety but have been told for the past 7 years to seek help. I have been coping really well by refocusing my stresse... View more

Hi guys, Thanks in advance for lending your ear. I currently am in a little bit of a spiral. I havent been officially diagnosed with anxiety but have been told for the past 7 years to seek help. I have been coping really well by refocusing my stresses and frustrations with exercise over time. But since i have injured myself back in january, and unable to push myself, my little quirks and struggles are starting to rear their nasty little heads. The reason I have been so reluctant to seek help is because I struggle to find a sympathetic doctor who doesn't just brush it all off to stress and i should sleep more. I know that i need more sleep, i know all this, what i need is help and i dont' need to be brushed off, because it makes me feel even worse. Does anyone have any tips, tricks of doctor recommendations in the Brisbane area? I've looked at the directory and can't seem to find someone who i feel comfortable calling. Thanks guys again.