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.

All discussions

KFPDW Can't think of the right thing to say
  • replies: 1

There are times where people wind me up or have a go and I can never think of the right thing to say in the moment. It's only long after it happens when I think of something and by then it's too late. The convo finished with them having the upper han... View more

There are times where people wind me up or have a go and I can never think of the right thing to say in the moment. It's only long after it happens when I think of something and by then it's too late. The convo finished with them having the upper hand and I'm kicking myself that I couldn't think of anything quicker. I feel weak when that happens. What do I? And can I move past it when I miss the mark which feels like most of the time? These people who have a go don't care what effect they have on others. I try to do what I can to be pleasant with others and make a effort, it feels like a slap in the face when people just wind me up or have go for cheap kicks and I feel like there's nothing I can do to stop it.

KFPDW Trying to enjoy myself but it's Hard!!
  • replies: 5

Ok, I've been trying to do things that help me relax more so I'm not constantly worked up all the time with my anxiety. Like I have been playing this game where there's a racing mini game which I won the first round for going back to play the rest of... View more

Ok, I've been trying to do things that help me relax more so I'm not constantly worked up all the time with my anxiety. Like I have been playing this game where there's a racing mini game which I won the first round for going back to play the rest of the game. When I finished the rest of it I went back to the racing part, I told myself that I wasn't bothered if I lost because I already beaten it. So I played the mini game again and I lost and I still got annoyed about it. And I don't know why because I feel like I shouldn't be annoyed but I am. And the thing is I'm able to win the mini-game over and over afterwards. But my mind is still stuck on the fact I lost. I want to be able to enjoy playing games and do other things without having to worry about winning or losing all the time. Why is this happening? Even when I give myself permission saying it's ok if I do lose?

gloria10 Help with Insomnia
  • replies: 4

Hi all, I'm hoping to get advice with Insomnia today, which has been bothering me for a good couple of weeks. I think I have had one good sleep. I know some of the issue is noise from the neighbour's and I have ordered some ear plugs to block noise. ... View more

Hi all, I'm hoping to get advice with Insomnia today, which has been bothering me for a good couple of weeks. I think I have had one good sleep. I know some of the issue is noise from the neighbour's and I have ordered some ear plugs to block noise. I have also tried using calming music, which does help, but sometimes I just want peace and quiet, and this rarely happens. Any advice would be appreciated. I am taking time over the next few days to try and unwind, but if something has worked for you it would be great to know! Gloria10

KG_1975 Home alone for the first time in 10 weeks
  • replies: 1

I have had a recent bout of severe depression and anxiety. I have had a 4 week stay in a mental health unit and I am doing better, but my husband does FIFO and has to return to work after 10 weeks off. I am really anxious about being home by myself f... View more

I have had a recent bout of severe depression and anxiety. I have had a 4 week stay in a mental health unit and I am doing better, but my husband does FIFO and has to return to work after 10 weeks off. I am really anxious about being home by myself for the first time in so long. He has been doing all the cooking and housework and I’m worried with how I’m going to cope. I am still struggling with motivation and get really tired easily. Does anyone have any advice on how to make this transition easier?

MyProfile Had a child, now I can't cope with distressing news
  • replies: 11

My son is 20 months old and since he was born I have struggled pretty significantly with difficult news events or sad stories, especially in regards to children being hurt or killed. I want to know how do I cope? How do these parents cope who have lo... View more

My son is 20 months old and since he was born I have struggled pretty significantly with difficult news events or sad stories, especially in regards to children being hurt or killed. I want to know how do I cope? How do these parents cope who have lost their kids when I am a completely stranger not coping with knowing someone's child has died?! It physically hurts me, intensely, I can hardly bear it. I really want to know how these parents are coping, especially of children who have passed, because I need to know that they have somehow managed to bear that huge loss and pain and suffering and not complete died inside.

KFPDW Raw Talent vs me
  • replies: 12

Am I any less than people who have raw talent? I had to work through a lot to get to where I am today. I worked to get my speech delay in order, I worked hard to understand people better, I worked hard to become the artist/animator I am today and I h... View more

Am I any less than people who have raw talent? I had to work through a lot to get to where I am today. I worked to get my speech delay in order, I worked hard to understand people better, I worked hard to become the artist/animator I am today and I have been working hard with my mental health and everything else in my life. And there are people who have raw talent who picks things up quicker than me. So am I any less than those people who get things done or achieve stuff quicker than me?

Blues21 Please help
  • replies: 4

Hi anyone out there who would like to chat. Suffer from anxiety. Chatting to someone sometimes helps. I called the councillor on beyond blue, that helped abit. Like to chat to anyone that suffering from anxiety/ panic attacks. thanks john

Hi anyone out there who would like to chat. Suffer from anxiety. Chatting to someone sometimes helps. I called the councillor on beyond blue, that helped abit. Like to chat to anyone that suffering from anxiety/ panic attacks. thanks john

Rach93 Anxious
  • replies: 8

Hi guys, today is the day I go see the neurologist about all my weird symptoms I experience everyday! It started off as what I believe to be anxiety I felt panicky a lot, heavy chest, chest pain, burning sensations etc. then it turned into tingling i... View more

Hi guys, today is the day I go see the neurologist about all my weird symptoms I experience everyday! It started off as what I believe to be anxiety I felt panicky a lot, heavy chest, chest pain, burning sensations etc. then it turned into tingling in my legs and numb patches.. I have weaned off my tablets that I was taking for a few months and since taking half for 10 days then stopping after that I have experienced burning sensation in my scalp and it seems to be persistent all week.. I feel hot all over & burning .. I will bring it up with neurologist but Wanted to know if anyone has has this symptom persistent? I know I am stressed as I have a little baby I am looking after and I do have some anxiety. I have a headache sometimes that makes my head feel heavy too..

Jo1982 Medication for anxiety not working
  • replies: 1

If anyone takes moderate dose of anti-depressants for anxiety how long did it take before they saw any benefit? I think it’s been about 6 weeks now that I have been taking it. I don’t feel better and I feel a bit worse actually, not more anxiety but ... View more

If anyone takes moderate dose of anti-depressants for anxiety how long did it take before they saw any benefit? I think it’s been about 6 weeks now that I have been taking it. I don’t feel better and I feel a bit worse actually, not more anxiety but flat, irritable, not much enjoyment in anything, can’t handle my toddler. I think I will start reducing dose to stop all together but I’d hate to do that if it’s maybe going to get better if I stick with it for a few more months. If anyone could share how long it took for them to know if a medication was right for them I’d love to hear about it. Thanks.

New_star Social anxiety at events
  • replies: 2

Hey all, The other day i went to a social bowls evening. I found i was feeling very anxious when we sat down as a group to dinner. There was alot of tension in my arms and body. Alot of negative thoughts going around my head where i thought people we... View more

Hey all, The other day i went to a social bowls evening. I found i was feeling very anxious when we sat down as a group to dinner. There was alot of tension in my arms and body. Alot of negative thoughts going around my head where i thought people were judging me. I was very quiet. Then when people would ask me a question to help me get involved i think the anxiety on my face would show as people looked at me a little concerned. I think it just takes time and practice. Repeatedly going to these things. Practicing positive self-talk. Thinking ahead about topics i could discuss.