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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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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.

HelloTea Anxiety about Anxiety Management
  • replies: 3

Hi, you can call me T, I'm a 31yo female who has had anxiety since early childhood and as I grew, the diagnosis changed to add a few more letters - ADHD, PTSD, OCD (and PMDD & Emetophobia). This is my first post. I have mostly been getting by well. T... View more

Hi, you can call me T, I'm a 31yo female who has had anxiety since early childhood and as I grew, the diagnosis changed to add a few more letters - ADHD, PTSD, OCD (and PMDD & Emetophobia). This is my first post. I have mostly been getting by well. The medication + psychological management tools have been working well, up until recently. A couple of weeks ago I managed to catch covid (my 2nd time) and took time off work to recuperate. I'm someone who loves my job, it is a highly stressful industry but the benefits outweigh the types of things we can experience. So, being unwell is a single trigger enough for me, having to isolate away from my friends and family was harder than I thought. My anxiety thoughts started to race and the psychological tools that have typically helped in the past weren't effective as usual. I've reached the realisation that I may need to change my medication. I'm not here to ask about medication specific advice, more so - advice on the change of it, advice around side effect management to a degree. I'm feeling a bit deflated, I know it's okay to need extra support sometimes, I just didn't imagine it would be me or right now. My biggest worries with changing medications is the possibility of being unwell and being so unwell it'll impact my ability to work. My job is my happy place. My home can be a little scary because it feels isolating. I am seeing my GP doctor today (21st Feb), I will absolutely be sharing my concerns with her and take on board her medical advice. I just want to see if other people can relate to me, if they found a particular task or something helpful during a change that's bringing anxiety and that type of thing. Thank you,I hope you can find something to make you smile today T

concernedparent76 Child Panic Attack During Windy Weather
  • replies: 3

Hi I have an 11 year old son who over the past 3-4 years has developed an irrational fear of stormy/windy weather, to the point where he suffers mild panic attacks and feels he has to flee the area. This was a real issue at school a year or so ago an... View more

Hi I have an 11 year old son who over the past 3-4 years has developed an irrational fear of stormy/windy weather, to the point where he suffers mild panic attacks and feels he has to flee the area. This was a real issue at school a year or so ago and he was having time off however he seems to have self managed this. He is quite a good soccer player and enjoys playing however if the weather turns inclement he runs from the pitch in distress. We have sought help from a child psychologist he views his anxiety as very mild however it does impact outdoor activities. I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar issue with their child and what they did for it. Also if anyone knew of any natural medication that could be taken to take the edge off and would still allow him to function during outdoor activities. Anything that makes him drowsy is obviously out of the question. Cheers

EmiJ I have wasted so much
  • replies: 5

I am writing this because I have hit an incredibly low point.I am 31 and feel like I have destroyed myself and wasted so much time. I have thrown away some great opportunities and just seem to set myself up for the same failure every time I try to im... View more

I am writing this because I have hit an incredibly low point.I am 31 and feel like I have destroyed myself and wasted so much time. I have thrown away some great opportunities and just seem to set myself up for the same failure every time I try to improve myself.It’s just getting to the point where it is now pitiful and it gets worse when you think that your problems are nothing compared to some people’s.None of my coping mechanisms seem to be working and I honestly hate myself and grieve constantly for the person I could have been if I wasn’t such a comfort bubble self pitying coward.

Aussie.Girl Feeling held back by finances.
  • replies: 4

I am in my late twenties and I feel like most of the freedoms of adulthood are behind a paywall I can't afford to remove. I would love to be able to travel, or try new experiences, or even buy my own house one day but I can't fathom how I would ever ... View more

I am in my late twenties and I feel like most of the freedoms of adulthood are behind a paywall I can't afford to remove. I would love to be able to travel, or try new experiences, or even buy my own house one day but I can't fathom how I would ever be able to afford any of these things given the rising cost of living. I know this is probably a common feeling in the current climate, but I still feel like I have somehow been cheated out of the life I was promised as a child - where I could have or do anything I wanted as long as I worked hard... I feel like life is designed in a way where all I have time or energy for is work and chores, and it leaves nothing left for hobbies or friends. Or I can have hobbies and friends but no money to afford necessities. I can't see any way around this, and I end up stressed and disappointed either way. I'm also worried that I'm simultaneously wasting my young and healthy years by working, and by not having the freedom to experience the world and all it has to offer. Any advice? I'm just feeling really stuck and hopeless lately. I keep getting told to find a job I love, but being forced to to anything - even if I love it as a job makes it a stressful activity and I just end up burned out and upset.

busa71 I'm struggling a bit
  • replies: 3

I'm definitely struggling a bit at the moment. I recently received some very unexpected and frightening news regarding some ongoing health concerns that I've been working through. And, I now find myself in a new and unfamiliar place. I'm surrounded b... View more

I'm definitely struggling a bit at the moment. I recently received some very unexpected and frightening news regarding some ongoing health concerns that I've been working through. And, I now find myself in a new and unfamiliar place. I'm surrounded by people who care for me and have offered me some much appreciated support and guidance. Having said that, the news of my recent diagnosis and the physical symptoms of the illness and treatment are knocking me around. But, it's more than that - It's not just the physical symptoms that are bothering me. The psychological load has become pretty extreme - the not knowing how long or what will happen next or how bad it'll be (for both me and my loved ones). And, there's also the lack of control (the feeling of helplessness.) I'm not really sleeping and I seem to be constantly on edge. Sometimes, I'm not sure if I've got the strength to see this thing through. I'm doing what I can to make room for this new experience and care for myself appropriately (self compassion and mindfulness techniques have helped a bit, along with some time for reflective practices and gratitude exercises). But, the struggle continues. Put simply, I don't feel ready to go - I love my life and my beautiful wife and my children and all my wonderful relationships and my home and my experience of all these gifts. All too often, the physical and psychological symptoms of my illness seem to remind me of what is coming to an end. I seem to live in a strange new place now - one of extremes - a place where terrible and frightening experiences sit right alongside moments of profound thankfulness and gratitude. I don't want to let go. In the end, that's the truth of it - I just don't want to say goodbye to it (my heart aches for what will be lost).

Aussie.Girl Overwhelmed with problems I can't fix
  • replies: 1

I'm really struggling at the moment. I feel like I can't do anything to fix the 'real' problems in my life, and that any tasks I can manage to complete need doing again almost immediately. Without going into too much detail, three of the four family ... View more

I'm really struggling at the moment. I feel like I can't do anything to fix the 'real' problems in my life, and that any tasks I can manage to complete need doing again almost immediately. Without going into too much detail, three of the four family members I live with have long term health issues (and the other works full time and is rarely home). One of these people is experiencing particularly bad symptoms recently. This puts a lot of strain on everyone and means that we all have a bit of a short fuse at the moment due to stress and frustration. All of us have issues with anxiety too, which only makes things worse. My 12yr old dog is also have digestive issues which we are still trying to find the cause of, so that it can be treated more effectively. The vet thinks it is stress induced and I agree; but he is storm-phobic and we have had a lot of humid weather and storms lately so it's kind of out of my control. He's ok, still happy and active etc but it's another thing that has been weighing on my mind. I also need to find another job because I left my previous one as it was too high pressure (and was giving me RSI). However none of the jobs I can find are suitable and most have ridiculous requirements for availablity (6 or 7 days a week is too much). I just feel like all the things which are causing my anxiety are the ones which can't be fixed... And when I try to ask what I should do about that the answer is basically accept it and move on. How am I supposed to accept the fact that I have no control over my own life? I realise this is a bit of an exaggeration, but at the moment it really feels like there's some external force which is actively trying to prevent me from accomplishing anything and I am SO SICK OF IT. I don't want to accept the fact that I can't help my family members (including my dog) feel better, and I don't want to admit that no matter how much effort I put in it could make no difference at all. I know I have to try my best anyway and just do what I can, but I'm so tired of trying and trying and never seeing any payoff to acknowledge my efforts. I try to be there for everyone and make them feel a little better, but at the end of the day nothing changes. Why isn't life fair? Why can't everyone be rewarded for their hard work and kindness? What harm would it do if that were the case? Sorry for the rant. If anyone has some advice I would really appreciate it. I guess I'm just over feeling like external factors (illness, the weather, the availability of decent jobs, a lack of money etc) have more control over my life than I do.

Faithh Anxious, overwhelmed, panic and have covid
  • replies: 7

Hello,I'm really overwhelmed, panicked, stressed, anxious and just need to talk to someone.I have covid and pretty much feel recovered except for a cough here and there but I am so worried that I still haven't received a negative test (this means I s... View more

Hello,I'm really overwhelmed, panicked, stressed, anxious and just need to talk to someone.I have covid and pretty much feel recovered except for a cough here and there but I am so worried that I still haven't received a negative test (this means I still can't be near my partner) and so I am feeling very low mood and anxious to the point of feeling nauseated and just defeated and like I will never be fully recovered. I'm aware of how dramatic I sound - but this is my panic showing up Im not sure what Im asking here, but I guess Im looking for some reassurance during this very lonely time.Also may I add - it's 2024, and this is my first covid experience! Thanks for listening!