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
Categories
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

BeyondBlue Hi! Check out this post if you're not sure how to start
  • replies: 0

Hi there and welcome to the Anxiety section of the Forums First of all, thank you so much for joining us here. We think it’s amazing that you’ve taken this step to getting support and learning from this Community. You are very welcome here and we are... View more

Hi there and welcome to the Anxiety section of the Forums First of all, thank you so much for joining us here. We think it’s amazing that you’ve taken this step to getting support and learning from this Community. You are very welcome here and we are really interested in what you might want to add to these conversations. We get it, having anxiety makes it hard to share in a public place. Remember, this is anonymous and the Beyond Blue team are here to help if you need it This section is for people who are experiencing anxiety in some form in their lives. This might be in social settings, at work, or just in the day to day. You don’t need a diagnosis to post here. If it feels like the right spot for your post, go right ahead! We know that feeling anxious can make it hard to reach out so we want you to know that getting this far is amazing and a great start. A few tips for getting the most out of this section: Get involved when you can! Posting and replying is the heartbeat of this community and you DO have something worthwhile to share (when you’re ready ) Every experience is different. There is no competition here. We know how challenging anxiety can be and how it comes in all shapes and sizes. What you are experiencing will be respected and supported here. Trust yourself! You are the expert in your experience. This community works because people like you share what has worked for you. Thank you for getting involved and taking a look. We can’t wait to hear from you! Beyond Blue

All discussions

Start a discussion

Elephant86 The power of loving healing relationships
  • replies: 1

The connections we have with our family our friends or other important relationships in our lives are the things that keep us going and persavering in life. The first relationship is your mum and the relationship I have with my mum is very prominent ... View more

The connections we have with our family our friends or other important relationships in our lives are the things that keep us going and persavering in life. The first relationship is your mum and the relationship I have with my mum is very prominent in my life because everyday I spend time with her and we cook dinner with dad every night. The connection you build will not only be with your parents but other prominent relationships like your teacher at school. The story that resonates with me was I was walking behind everyone on the camp but my teacher was walking with me. In another instance I went snorkling with my principle. My beautiful sister, I have a close bond with my sister and she is my great guidance and compass she always showed me the right path in life. My sister is super intelligent and I am so proud of the beautiful powerful women she has become. My brother is a larican and we ave a beautiful connection with a laugh of helping him with homework. We would also watch the foot ball and cricket and play cricket for that matter. We have knowlegdable conversations about many topics like science and history. There are many other connections in life that we all develop through out our lives these connections guide us and protect us all of our lives. We also have our close friends and confidants that guide us in our key decisions in life the show us the right path in life. Then you have the myriad of female confidants that give you giudance and protection in a loving and caring guiding force. I have been extremely blessed to have these powerful womwn in my life and surrounding me like angels. I feel we are sent people to guide us protect us for a purpose and I am gratful for the love and guidance of these powerful women in my life. We are surrounded by angels and people who love us and guide us and we must never take them for granted that they exist in our lives and you never be rude and disrespectful to them. You must realise how lucky and how precious they are and always show love and kindness to them. In giving we receive You must always beleive in the good hearts of the people around you and relise they only want to help you. There are wonderful doctors and nurses that are there to guide and protect you and get you better and we must show them love respect and gratitude for there honourable work they do for us everyday. You must find strength and comfort in the powerful relationships that surround us and respect what they bring to our lives.

Flop Starting work when you've never had a job before
  • replies: 3

Hi all, I've been heavily considering working as of late. It's a big leap but one I think would be most beneficial... at the same time extremely nerve wrecking. I seem to struggle when it comes to schedules, having things to do on certain days stress... View more

Hi all, I've been heavily considering working as of late. It's a big leap but one I think would be most beneficial... at the same time extremely nerve wrecking. I seem to struggle when it comes to schedules, having things to do on certain days stresses me out a lot. I wonder if that's common? I'm concerned about work itself, but also the days leading up to it. I don't want to worry myself sick prior then the day to arrive, I don't see how I could force myself to go with all that worrying. It wouldn't be manageable. If I do proceed, I'm planning on going through CVGT, which sound really understanding, they provide work experience and keep in contact after your employment. Sounds like a decent support structure. Anyone have experience with employment companies that help people get work and stay in work with anxiety? I'm seeing a psychologist monthly, my next appointment is coming up soon. I'm on medication... so this step makes sense? Although my presumed stress makes me extremely apprehensive. I don't want to do nothing with my life, but I'm also scared of everything that work entails, despite actually wanting to do it. Any advice, your own personal experience and encouragement/kind words are appreciated. Thank you for reading

creative_thinking I have not felt the same lately it's been strange for the past couple of months. So much has changed
  • replies: 1

So much has changed nowadays, I have to think about a lot more things than before the prices of everything are so much and it's getting really hard to survive. The demand for everything is so high and don't think I have caught up to that demand of pe... View more

So much has changed nowadays, I have to think about a lot more things than before the prices of everything are so much and it's getting really hard to survive. The demand for everything is so high and don't think I have caught up to that demand of people getting employed. After I finish my degree it might not be relative to the job market but it'll still be good to know what those topics are. It's so hard to do university studies. I'm trying to adjust but I feel like I don't have time I'm eighteen and I'm really stressed people might say u have so much time but I'm alone by myself doing so much stuff by myself working full-time and renting my place. I failed some of my subjects it's getting annoying I don't have anyone to talk to in person it's all online which I really dislike, I know some people say just move on but I tried but I can't. I have been trying to do new things like go the gym, rock climbing, bike riding, swimming and skating. I still feel like I am missing something, everything is so new to me as I moved cities it's taking time to get used to but I still feel like I to be socialising to make friends. If there is anyone out that wants to be friends or needs a chat I want to be there for someone and I need someone so we can hang out and get bubble tea.

Pepnala-23 OCD
  • replies: 1

Hi!I am a teen that has not been diagnosed with OCD but am hoping to get support from others with this condition to fully understand it. Over the last few year I have had a several intrusive thoughts that will not go out of my head. I feel that all t... View more

Hi!I am a teen that has not been diagnosed with OCD but am hoping to get support from others with this condition to fully understand it. Over the last few year I have had a several intrusive thoughts that will not go out of my head. I feel that all the pressure of my family and friends lives, feeling like if I can’t see them they may be in danger and it is up to me to not let that happen by making up rituals and the like. I have struggled with anxiety and depression in the past so wondering if I am overthinking (very likely as I do this a lot) possibly having ocd or it is just the anxiety? In the past I have seen 2 different psychologists and one school councillor but have had a hard time opening up to them so have had no benefit from this. Any support or advise will be greatly appreciated. Thanks,Pepnala-23

JoyBlackbird Trigger Foods
  • replies: 1

Not sure where to put this but this felt best 6 months ago I went to a 2 month camp trip where I lived with 7 other people. 3 of those 7 people bullied me everyday by constantly commenting on the way I ate, how much I ate and much more. They even had... View more

Not sure where to put this but this felt best 6 months ago I went to a 2 month camp trip where I lived with 7 other people. 3 of those 7 people bullied me everyday by constantly commenting on the way I ate, how much I ate and much more. They even had a list of foods I wasn't allowed to eat, these foods were mostly fatty foods such as avo, yogurt, etc. After 2 months of bullying I came home extremely underweight with lots of self-image issues. To this day, I struggle with eating food, especially avocado's and yogurt. (Which ironically used to be my comfort food) I am happy to say now I am at a healthy weight but still sometimes struggle with self-image. Today, I tried eating avocado toast! However, massive feelings of guilt and anxiety filled me while eating it. Some days are really bad but most days are good. Might keep updating on my progress, depends how I feel. Thanks for this safe space, Joy

123Hels Social anxiety and new job
  • replies: 4

Hello!Ive recently started a new and very exciting job, which I’m thrilled with. My boss is lovely and the team are amazing. Most are far younger than me, but they’re all very inclusive and kind. I have noticed that my anxiety is starting up again th... View more

Hello!Ive recently started a new and very exciting job, which I’m thrilled with. My boss is lovely and the team are amazing. Most are far younger than me, but they’re all very inclusive and kind. I have noticed that my anxiety is starting up again though. Everyone in the team are very high energy, and super confident to talk in front of each other about everything and anything. What seems to happen with me is I am beginning to lose the confidence I entered with. I can’t seem to contribute to the conversations when I’m in a large group with the whole team. I almost shut down and become quite anxious. Thoughts of, will what I say be stupid, irrelevant, engaging like theirs? Sometimes, I think I’ve asked stupid questions and just don’t ask anymore. I’m better in small groups of 2 or 3, but big groups I’m terrible.I am noticing it is affecting my happiness in the job already! I’m worried that my awkwardness is also being noticed by the others and it’s getting me down. anyone else going through this and what’s your advice please.thank you

somebody12 Alone and a failure
  • replies: 1

I had a child during covid, lost touch with friends and have had family troubles for a while. Partner works very long hours and I work full time so child is in day care. On weekends I’m busy cleaning, cooking, washing and getting ready for the week. ... View more

I had a child during covid, lost touch with friends and have had family troubles for a while. Partner works very long hours and I work full time so child is in day care. On weekends I’m busy cleaning, cooking, washing and getting ready for the week. As a consequence I feel like I never have any down time and I don’t have anyone. I got drunk on Friday around work people so am also feeling anxious about that. Any advice?

_11cara Where can I go to?
  • replies: 2

I would like to seek some advice. I am currently on my placement, and I am experiencing significant stress and feelings of being overwhelmed in the area I am into. I am unsure about how to handle it, and it is having a detrimental impact on my mental... View more

I would like to seek some advice. I am currently on my placement, and I am experiencing significant stress and feelings of being overwhelmed in the area I am into. I am unsure about how to handle it, and it is having a detrimental impact on my mental well-being. I am having panic attacks, depression and anxiety. I cannot express myself properly. I cannot even answer basic questions because of fear and lack of confidence within myself. I am on a lot of pressure. Can't sleep at night, can't eat properly. What should I do?

sam_ Needing time out: Feeling overwhelmed by work and having anxiety attacks
  • replies: 1

I suffered from major burnout in 2021 after the passing away of my mother and suffered from overwork (60+ hours a week) and a very toxic management structure (I work in tech). In 2022 I took about 6 months off to reset and went back into the workforc... View more

I suffered from major burnout in 2021 after the passing away of my mother and suffered from overwork (60+ hours a week) and a very toxic management structure (I work in tech). In 2022 I took about 6 months off to reset and went back into the workforce on a short contract to get my confidence back.Late last year I spent much time looking for the right permanents role and was excited to start at a new organisation. I explained my burnout openly and what I was looking for an organization and the interview process was really positive and a match in values and culture. After I started they needed someone to help out on another tech project with the promise of hiring people to support me and then I would eventually go back to my regular job (the one I was hired to do). However, none of this has eventuated and I have been working in 3 roles with little support from my manager. I thought I was doing ok from a point of view of managing my stress levels, but as we get closer and closer to launch the work is piling on and I have all levels of the organization literally hounding me. My peers have all come to me asking me how I can be doing all of this by myself. I keep raising these issues with my manager and it was acknowledged each time "you have a lot to do" and "Tell me how I can support". - support hasn't come.Last week I started having anxiety attacks, something I hadn't experienced since my first burnout and when my mother passed away. Along with that, not sleeping and a constant headache. The thought of work tomorrow has me in fear and dread, I've already cried a few times and had an anxiety attack. I was supposed to catch up on work today and I couldn't even face it.I want to take some time off, but I am literally a single point of failure and me not being there is a major blow, I am feeling guilt but also knowing my mental health is a real issue. My partner has suggested I just go to work and do the bare minimum, the issue is I have no control over these anxiety attacks and when they come. I have presentations across every team in the organisation, plus working with the delivery team to launch....I am so scared I'll literally collapse in front of them. I am not even sure what I am asking here. I just feel so trapped. I also know taking time off won't solve the issue. I can take a week but when I come back it's the same workload. I need them to change something... Help!?

Elephant86 My healing pathway
  • replies: 1

The pathway to healing from your mental health is different for everyone and today I want to talk about ways I used to heal from my situation and the condition I have and how I recovered from it. I want to talk about my diabetes and what a challenge ... View more

The pathway to healing from your mental health is different for everyone and today I want to talk about ways I used to heal from my situation and the condition I have and how I recovered from it. I want to talk about my diabetes and what a challenge and what steps I took to keep myself fit and healthy and on my healing pathway. About 4 years ago I was diagnosed as a type 2 diabetic and when I heard this I thought my life was over and I was scared I know when you first get your diagnosis of a chronic condition it is terrifying but I decided to talk to my nutritionist and my doctors. The first thing was I changed my diet and started eating more fruits and vegtables less processed food which means no chips, choclate and icecream I was sad but I wanted to live long so I started reading about different foods and I switched to the meditaranian diet more more fish less red meat and healthy salads everyday. It was hard but I realised I could become a disciplinced jedi and change my eating habits and save my life in the process. The next story was when I was 11 and I was diagnosed with my epilepsy and I would have grand Mal seizures and would end up in hospital during school and that brought fear but I said to myself just thing positve and focus on getting better. It is very important in these situations to head medical advice. I still can't drive due to my epilepsy which makes it difficult to find a job. I was a time of great fear for my parents dad would stay at night and mum during the day my parents are my heroes. I know there are many families like mine who go through this and you must never feel you are alone the community always stands behind you to love and support you through your difficult time. The next story happened when I was 15 and I was diagnosed with bipolar it still is a struggle to this day. I have manic episodes and depressive episodes and I know there are others in the community who suffer through this as well. I decided to not let this defeat me I decided to listen to my parents and my doctors and do things to keep myself well. I cycle 40min on a stationary bike to keep fit. I read and many books as i can. I do my meditation in the morning and love listening to music the temptation are my favourite. As a person with a disability I think I was not meant to live an ordinary life. I think all people with a disability are extrordinary and you must have the love and self beleif that you are powerful beyond measure and you will face adversity.