Hi

[shane70]

I have suffered from anxiety and minor depression for about 20 years, always just keeping these up and down emotions under control.

Now 51, I feel it is getting harder to control and seems at times to consume my life, again, some moments are worse than others. One moment you are on top and can cope, the next there are too many things to manage.

These waves of emotion cripple my ability to sometimes function, to the point where I just want to sleep and not get out of bed. Anxiety brings so much fear when trying to perform day to day work tasks.

This is the first time I have reached out like this as I have got it in my head over the years you should just deal with it, but now I realise that doesn't work, joining this community and posting here is a first step for me.

I know this is a long journey but I hope in time I will find ways to better manage these problems.

[Sophie_M]

Hi shane70,

Welcome to our open and friendly community. It is so great to have you join us today and we hope that you visit us as often as you need. 

Managing anxiety and depression on your own can be a hard feat to overcome on your own, particularly when things become challenging. To reach out to this community is a very brave thing to do as it calls to be vulnerable and open about some of the rawest things dear to you. Sometimes showing others the sides that we don't like is also taking a very powerful stance you have chosen to stand in the spotlight and say "here I am, as I am". This is a very powerful stance indeed.

If you would like some help finding mental health support, we would recommend that you get in contact with the Beyond Blue Support Service. They are available 24/7 by phone on 1300 22 4636 or on Webchat 1pm-12am AEST on our website: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport  One of our friendly counsellors will be able to talk through these feelings with you and can offer support, advice and referrals. 

MensLine Australia is a free 24/7 telephone and online counselling service for men with emotional health and relationship concerns. You can contact them on 1300 78 99 78 or https://mensline.org.au/ 

You do not have to deal with anything alone, the community is here to support you and we welcome you with open arms.

 

[Adele59]

Hi Shane, I've come here today for the first time and your post is the first I have read. Welcome! Like yourself, I have realised that I can't manage my anxiety alone and need to reach out. Tomorrow, I'm seeing my GP to discuss for the first time and identify what next. I have tentatively (but likely) resigned from my job as I need to take time out to focus on managing my anxiety. Thankfully I can afford to do this as I have a very supportive partner. I've lost 7kgs in weight over the past month as I struggle to eat without feeling like I want to be sick. My anxiety is mostly work related, anxious when I'm there, even more anxious when I'm not there, fear of failure, making mistakes, being criticised, a perpetual cycle of fear. I hope you can feel supported through this forum, and know that you're not alone. I'm 49 and I've decided it's time to sort this out, it's been going on for too long and I can't maintain my day to day with it. Finding this page will hopefully help me feel a connection to people who understand what I'm going through.