Is it Anxiety?

[Macchiato]

Hi. 

I'm an 18 year old, bisexual guy and I've just moved into Australia five months ago. I'm not certain but I'm doubting that I might have anxiety.

Lately, I've caught myself fidgeting alot. Although I notice that I'm fidgeting, sometimes I can stop it but sometimes I can't. I'm introverted. Yet nowadays, I find myself reaching out more to people. I think I might be afraid of being alone. For instance, this morning I found out that my roommate was moving out. Tho we don't have a strong bond between us, I felt sad. The feeling stayed with me for the whole day and I couldn't focus. I usually am not this kind of person and this is new to me. 

I also wanna reach out to a psychologist or therapist, but I don't know how and I'm not sure if I'm brave enough for it. 

I'd like to know your thoughts and experience on this one. It'd mean alot to me.

Thanks in advance.

[Sophie_M]

Dear Macchiato,
 
Welcome to our supportive forums’ community, thank you for being brave enough to come here for encouragement to take that next step in getting support for your concerns.
 
Congratulations on the move, we can understand the need to socialize and not feel alone after having moved away from your previous home and loved ones. It sounds completely reasonable reacting with sadness to a roommate moving out, even though it was not a strong bond, it still appears to have been a valued relationship.
 
While you wait for the amazing support from our lovely community, we just wanted to pop in and remind you that Beyond Blue is here if you need support. We encourage you to engage with professional supports to assist with any concerns you have regarding potential anxiety, if you would like to discuss what steps to take next our counselors are here to help.
 
Beyond Blue are available 24/7 for calls and chat via this link.
 
Thank you again for joining our supportive community and sharing your experiences, we hope you find the shared insights and advice of our members helpful.
 
Warm regards
Sophie M

[Fern42]

Hi Macchito, 

That's exciting that you have made the move to Australia 'The Land of the Down Under'.  I definitely think you are on the right track if you feel like reaching out to a therapist. Seeing a general practitioner might be a good starting point, they might even be able to provide you with some strategies for the anxiety you are experiencing.

I do understand the barriers that you might feel towards reaching out however you may feel much better for it after making that step. I do think you are already on the right track if you already know where you your next steps may be to improve how you are feeling.

Given you have not been in Australia long, I could imagine you may not have had the chance to make long lasting friendships yet? I also see you said you are feeling a bit sad when your roommate said he was moving out. Is there anyone you have met or any circles you have been around where you think it might be worth putting yourself out there to make some new friendships? This might help with feeling less lonely. It's hard moving to a new place. I know how that feels myself while also being an introvert, moving really puts you out of your comfort zone. I just knew that once I made some more friends and was able to gather my own identity in a new place I felt better and less anxious. It does take time.