Anxiety

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. Share your own story and learn about other member’s experiences with anxiety.

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

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

StartingOutSlow Life feels overwhelming
  • replies: 4

I started out life with high functioning anxiety and depression, survived that way until I had my first child and post natal depression (6 years ago). These days I feel like I can still present as high functioning to most people, but inside my home a... View more

I started out life with high functioning anxiety and depression, survived that way until I had my first child and post natal depression (6 years ago). These days I feel like I can still present as high functioning to most people, but inside my home and day to day life I am struggling. I lost the high functioning part in my personal life and now people close to me can see the cracks (really just my husband and kids, not that the kids know what they’re seeing). I get the stuff done that is urgent, like the laundry and groceries, the kids are well cared for, my husband is involved in childcare and chores. But whenever I have a moment with no urgent needs I just end up wasting the time – numbing, scrolling my phone. The list of things that need doing seems never ending, and despite wanting to make progress (like fixing a leaking tap or replacing a light globe) I just can’t seem to find the energy to start. It’s like life is overwhelming and the never ending list of things that need to be repeated every day or week is overwhelming. I know I need to improve my self care, but no matter how hard I try I can’t seem to make progress, I don’t get as much sleep as I need, I don’t eat well unless it involves feeding the kids too, I’m not as active as I’d like to be. I know I will feel better if I improve these things, yet I don’t. I also don’t have enough fun in life, mostly because I don’t know how to have fun, I don’t really know what my hobbies are. For the last couple of years I’ve always talked to my psychiatrist and psychologist as though I’m doing okay, yes I have anxiety but a normal level for things that were happening in life, yes I’m tired but I have a baby. To them I would have presented well with good insight. I really did believe I was doing well, but now I’m not so sure. What is a normal level of anxiety or stress? I see my psychiatrist next week, and a new psychologist in 3 weeks, but I’m not even sure how to explain to them what the problem is. I don’t feel like I can articulate it well. It’s like I want to be better but can’t do the things that I need to do to achieve that because I’m working so hard to stay afloat. Has anyone else had this experience? What helped you?

ozziebear This sounds ridiculous but it is creating great anxiety for me
  • replies: 11

I know how pathetic this sounds and there is so much more in the world to worry about but I can't get over this issue. I have a 65" smart tv which is now out of warranty Every now and then it goes blank for a few seconds. This is causing such stress ... View more

I know how pathetic this sounds and there is so much more in the world to worry about but I can't get over this issue. I have a 65" smart tv which is now out of warranty Every now and then it goes blank for a few seconds. This is causing such stress and anxiety for me that I hardly watch my tv anymore. I know this sounds so childish and I need to grow up but when it happens I totally fall apart. I wish this did not affect me the way it does. What do I do I can't call for help as it only happens about every 2 weeks. Please don't put me down but any advice on what I should do would be so appreciated it. Should I try to live without a tv perhaps?

Beaser Feeling overwhelmed and need to talk.
  • replies: 114

I wish this wasnt the case but things are getting overwhelming for me again . The world just seems a lonely place at the moment. I have friends who i seen on the weekend and i do get relief then. Its when i get back to being by myself that i crash. I... View more

I wish this wasnt the case but things are getting overwhelming for me again . The world just seems a lonely place at the moment. I have friends who i seen on the weekend and i do get relief then. Its when i get back to being by myself that i crash. I have an appt with my psychologist today and had GP appt but he cancelled on me . I have had recent life events that have really made me distraught and lonely the main being a relationship breakup. Im also unhappy at work and i feel like everything is so grey for me. I have been a life time sufferer of anxiety and depression and being 56 it has tired me out. Im actually quietly proud of how i have managed to keep going and get as far as i have . Im scared about where i will end up from all this as i dont know where to turn . I have tried all my life to be a good person and think i have been .. I have always helped where i could and been a good citizen. My family seem to have a history of depression and anxiety but i feel i have copped the worst of it . Ive always been oversensitive and let things affect me. I just want all this anxiety and depression to go away. I have turned to these forums recently and its been a help to me . My anxiety and depression just gets so tough at times. Where do i turn too in this place i just want to be happy again and want the same for others. Brett I

Owlingo Can't get a psychologist and I'm scared
  • replies: 1

After talking to my psychiatrist about my thoughts and how I'm finding it hard to handle the side effects of my medication, she told me to try getting a psychologist. But I'm not being paid by centerlink and don't know if i ever will unless I work, w... View more

After talking to my psychiatrist about my thoughts and how I'm finding it hard to handle the side effects of my medication, she told me to try getting a psychologist. But I'm not being paid by centerlink and don't know if i ever will unless I work, which I can't because I'm struggling with severe depression and anxiety. So I can't afford to get a psychologist and I'm afraid I'll never get better. What if I can't cope or do this on my own? What if my anxiety and depression keep coming back? What if I do things wrong? What if I'll never get over my fears and my trauma? What if I go crazy? I really feel like I need a professional to talk to. I can't stop stressing when things like this happen. I'm just constantly overthinking. I can't believe in myself to get through this. I feel like I need someone to tell me what to do and how to think.

ozziebear Is this anxiety
  • replies: 4

About 6 months ago I had bed bugs so i paid an exterminator to come and get rid of them. still to this day i am forever pulling my bed apart to see if they have returned, which they have not. Is this anxiety doing this and should I discuss it with my... View more

About 6 months ago I had bed bugs so i paid an exterminator to come and get rid of them. still to this day i am forever pulling my bed apart to see if they have returned, which they have not. Is this anxiety doing this and should I discuss it with my psychiatrist, I am obsessed.

louies Medication
  • replies: 1

Hey allI'm RissI have Anxiety and depression. And am about to go into hospital to get my medication changed its a privet hospital and I don't know what to expect. I also have to leave my 2 and 4 year old at home with there dad whitch I'm sad about. T... View more

Hey allI'm RissI have Anxiety and depression. And am about to go into hospital to get my medication changed its a privet hospital and I don't know what to expect. I also have to leave my 2 and 4 year old at home with there dad whitch I'm sad about. There is also the fear of never feeling good again. Please any advice will be great

redpanda13 Should I question my father if he's cheating again?
  • replies: 2

So last year my father told me to help him send a file on his phone and when I had his phone I saw this app which had a bright red love heart on it. The app looks suspicious. But other than seeing the app, he hasn't displayed any other suspicious beh... View more

So last year my father told me to help him send a file on his phone and when I had his phone I saw this app which had a bright red love heart on it. The app looks suspicious. But other than seeing the app, he hasn't displayed any other suspicious behavior that he's cheating. He has cheated in the past so that's why I'm making assumptions on him at the moment. I tried letting this go but it's still in the back of my mind. Any suggestions of what I should do?Thank you!

reika falling out with a friend... and seeing them everyday
  • replies: 7

Hi, Last year I had a falling out with a friend. It was a messy, awkward and confusing falling out. Very soon after, this person deleted me from their social media accounts. Unfortunately we have the same classes so I see them frequently. Every time ... View more

Hi, Last year I had a falling out with a friend. It was a messy, awkward and confusing falling out. Very soon after, this person deleted me from their social media accounts. Unfortunately we have the same classes so I see them frequently. Every time this person, sees me, they physically turn the other way and avert their gaze. This small action hurts me to no end. Although the falling out happened last year, I find that I am constantly thinking about it, playing out what happened in my head and every time they avoid me. I can't help but feel the thing that made us fall out was very trivial, though rationally I know I should respect their decision. Emotionally I feel anxiety, guilt, anger, confusion... I feel anxiety any time I have to go to university because I know I will see them, even if it is just a brief passing at the corridor, because I know they will avoid me. I am living week by week mentally figuring out how many times I will see this person. I make elaborate plans to try to walk a longer way etc. to avoid them. The fact that I'm racking my brain over this makes me feel guilty. Although I am very embarrassed about this, I've shared this with some close friends (though I do not go to university with them) and family. They have been very supportive. However its 1 year later and I am still anxious about it. My friends and family have expressed confusion as to why I'm still so worked up about it, and I agree with that, and the fact that I still am makes me feel even more guilty. I'm trying to cope by exercising and hanging with my partner, but at the end of the day, or whenever I have a moment to think, this fills up my mind. It is so exhausting. I just hate that I'm worked up over something that really began from something so trivial, but has wallowed in my mind for a year now. This kind of situation has happened to me before (three times!) where I've had conflict with a friend and felt anxiety every time I saw them. During high school this happened too and it left me in depression for two years until high school ended and I did not have to see them anymore. So this time around, do I have to wait until I finish university for my anxiety to end? I know I need to move on, and I keep telling myself that, but I can't help but feel anxious.

Basilboy Big mistake and anxiety
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone, I've made a big mistake (under tough conditions). I'm having some serious intrusive thoughts and being incredible hard on myself. My mistake is work based and could be catastrophic for my career. I also have information that could destro... View more

Hi everyone, I've made a big mistake (under tough conditions). I'm having some serious intrusive thoughts and being incredible hard on myself. My mistake is work based and could be catastrophic for my career. I also have information that could destroy a business. I'm so torn as to what to do and I don't know how to stop the racing, intrusive thoughts.Thanks everyone, I'm new to this community but must say the chat feature saved me today!

Alel Uncomfortable with feeling okay
  • replies: 2

I've recently been diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression as well as agoraphobia. I've also been dealing with my fear of vomiting, fainting and sometimes weather ever since I was young. I'm only on my 2nd week of my meds and i still feel on edg... View more

I've recently been diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression as well as agoraphobia. I've also been dealing with my fear of vomiting, fainting and sometimes weather ever since I was young. I'm only on my 2nd week of my meds and i still feel on edge or low sometimes. But most of the time, I feel relaxed and okay. The thing is tho, I don't know what to do with this feeling? Because when I'm anxious or depressed, I have steps and practices to do. But when I'm happy, I just have to live? Why is it so weird to me? I don't know what to do. Even tho I feel better, I don't see the appeal of going out, doing a hobby or going for a little walk even. I'm just sitting on my phone. All day. I know meds takes a while to actually work, I don't know how it feels for meds to fully work as I was never got to that point with my last mess. So I'm still quite scared of what's to come before it works or if it actually works. I'm also afraid that I'll never overcomle my fears as I can't get myself to face them. As well as accepting I have a chemical imbalance. It just makes me feel broken knowing I'll deal with anxiety and depression for the rest of my life. It just seems like such an exhausting and terrifying life. I also got alot of bad things going on in life, but luckily not too bad. I have to work on finding a life for myself and getting over my past. There's just so much, which is quite overwhelming, and being uncomfortable with feeling okay is just pushing me back. I want to make progress but now I have to get comfortable with it?