Immediate support
Immediate support

Mental health conditions

Anxiety and depression aren’t the only mental health conditions. Share what’s affecting you and learn more about managing your mental health.

Start a discussion
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
Jump to
Anxiety

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

Nette Social Anxiety tips
  • replies: 0

I am 62 and have recognized that my anxiety over these menopause years has escalated and I find myself only able to maintain certain friends mostly who I have known for a long time. I have recently had to retire and its now more than ever that I need... View more

I am 62 and have recognized that my anxiety over these menopause years has escalated and I find myself only able to maintain certain friends mostly who I have known for a long time. I have recently had to retire and its now more than ever that I need to make new friends. I'm so caution not to invade their family time. I have no children or companion. I need ideas of how I can safely make new friends. Recently some of my older friends have moved away due to my inability to socialise normally. I need some tips, please.

ihateocd OCD.. Nightmare
  • replies: 2

People think washing is ocd. Pretty much destroyed my life.

People think washing is ocd. Pretty much destroyed my life.

CCR Relationship Anxiety Attacks
  • replies: 2

Struggling to understand my anxiety. Probably had mild social anxiety for 30 years but it mostly surrounds relationships (I have an anxious attachment style). Anxiety dramatically escalated after a horrible narcissistic marriage which ended 8 years a... View more

Struggling to understand my anxiety. Probably had mild social anxiety for 30 years but it mostly surrounds relationships (I have an anxious attachment style). Anxiety dramatically escalated after a horrible narcissistic marriage which ended 8 years ago. Since then had 2 fairly short relationships with a borderline personality disorder and a severe avoidant attachment style - not surprising neither of those worked out. Have been seeing someone for 6 months. Very calm, kind, gentle soul. We are both so happy with each other and want this to last long term.My anxiety has been triggered by little things not working out as planned.I overreact, even when I know - logically - that it's no big deal and these things happen. My mind and body spirals into panic and I find it hard to hide my reaction or override the physical reaction happening. It is causing problems in our relationship - my partner feels like I'm being selfish/misunderstanding/overreactive etc. (and rightly so). The honeymoon phase seems to be wearing off and I know I'm the cause of this demise.In turn, this is causing me greater anxiety, because I know my irrational reactions are causing a rift in our beautiful relationship. I don't know how to stop it and I'm panicking...I've been really open with my partner about it, and he's really understanding. But I want to get it under control as my anxiety around our relationship potentially failing is worse than ever.

Depression

Depression affects people in Australia every day. Share your own story and learn about other member’s experiences with depression.

Gingerbluee Living with partner with depression, cPTSD, and addiction
  • replies: 1

Hello I am reaching out because it has been really hard for me to live with my partner. I am thinking of quiting after supporting him for 2 years through a lot of darkness, his suicidal ideation, job changes, financial issues, addiction, civil court,... View more

Hello I am reaching out because it has been really hard for me to live with my partner. I am thinking of quiting after supporting him for 2 years through a lot of darkness, his suicidal ideation, job changes, financial issues, addiction, civil court, mood swings. Lately we have been having a lot of fights and even after we talked it out, I feel like I am the only person making effort to rekindle the intimacy, while he just use depression as his reason for not able to provide any affection. On reflection, I have been living in hypervigilance, e.g make sure what I watch on Netflix does not trigger his trauma and spiral him into depression; or when we go get grocery I am worried if he's going to snap at others. He has taken his medication and seek therapy but I dont know how long I should support him while putting my mental health at risk. One day I woke up feeling great then dragged down by his low mood. Yesterday we had another argument and he told me "you do realise this is going to put me into another crash right". Please give me advice on what I should do.

Guest_94608298 Feeling so depressed
  • replies: 1

I was sexually assaulted last year and as a result fell pregnant. I was going through a lot of stressors at the time including possibly being homeless with 4 young kids as a Single Mum, financial stress and also without a car. I ended up being talked... View more

I was sexually assaulted last year and as a result fell pregnant. I was going through a lot of stressors at the time including possibly being homeless with 4 young kids as a Single Mum, financial stress and also without a car. I ended up being talked out of an abortion by a close friend and my GP whom both appeared to be very pro-life. I have regretted not having an abortion and my mental health deterioated throughout the pregnancy. I than got to the point i i could no longer look after myself or my children. Every day i have struggled with night terrors, anxiety, panic attacks and depression and had to be on medication. Ive had to give up my independency with my kids and move in with family for help. Im due to give birth next week and am extremely anxious. I am giving the baby up for adoption but i wish i wasnt going through any of this and still regret not having gone through with the abortion. Im so depressed and miserable pretty much every day. I dont know how to get through this. Nothing in me wants to go through labour or childbirth but theres no other way forward. I feel so much regret for where I am today.

NoWhereWoman Confused and struggling with mood swings
  • replies: 4

Hi, I (20F) have been struggling for a few years now but I don't know exactly what's going on. I've been experiencing depressive symptoms since I was little but my hypomanic symptoms only began 2 years ago. I fit so much of the criteria for bp2 but t... View more

Hi, I (20F) have been struggling for a few years now but I don't know exactly what's going on. I've been experiencing depressive symptoms since I was little but my hypomanic symptoms only began 2 years ago. I fit so much of the criteria for bp2 but the timing doesn't seem to really match up with what I've heard about bipolar, well at least the hypomanic part of it. My depressive episodes will last for weeks to months at a time. No questioning that but what confuses me is that then all of a sudden seemingly without a trigger I experience something that ticks a lot of the boxes for hypomania. Like the elevated mood, hypersexuality, excessive spending, risk taking behaviours, more talkative, increased self esteem, racing thoughts. Like on paper it sounds like hypomania but then it only lasts sometimes half a day to 2-3 days but I've heard for it to be bipolar it needs to be longer than that. And to make it confusing in that "hypomanic state" I can also have a really bad low all of a sudden and then 5 minutes later be back to my really amazing high and continue on with the "hypomanic" episode. So now I'm so confused what's going on with me and because of the timing of everything my psychologist is unsure whether I have bp2 or not. I'm struggling so bad with these mood swings and I feel so out of control and unpredictable. I'd really appreciate if anyone shared their thoughts about this. I just want to know if anyone else has experienced this or heard of something like this.

PTSD and trauma

A space for discussing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), domestic abuse, sexual abuse and other trauma. Please note some content may be distressing.

Bigdog72 Why are bad choices made when 11/12yo destroying me 40 years later
  • replies: 3

Hi im not sure wether this is in the right section or if there even is a right section. I find this hard to put out there for all to see but will try. Im 53yo male that has suffered seperation issues all my like due to being adopted. Dont get me wron... View more

Hi im not sure wether this is in the right section or if there even is a right section. I find this hard to put out there for all to see but will try. Im 53yo male that has suffered seperation issues all my like due to being adopted. Dont get me wrong i was very lucky to get exception adoptive parents. I was sent to boarding school before my 12th birthday. So seperated again. Would run away from school on weekend into the city. Where i met a friend a few years older than me. He introduced me to drugs n other people that i then allowed to abuse me to get the drugs i needed. Im sorry if this doesnt make sence but nothing in my head does.

JulieA Husband charged with sexually abusing my 7 year old Grandaughter
  • replies: 3

I separated from my husband the day he was charged - January 2025i am now living with my daughters.I miss my husband terribly and worry about how he is coping.i know contacting him is not the right thing to do but the pull is extremely strong.Has any... View more

I separated from my husband the day he was charged - January 2025i am now living with my daughters.I miss my husband terribly and worry about how he is coping.i know contacting him is not the right thing to do but the pull is extremely strong.Has anyone been through anything similar and has some advice for me.It would be greatly appreciated

Suicidal thoughts and self-harm

This space discusses suicide and self-harm. Consider limiting the time you spend here. To use the section safely, read the pinned discussion.

Bigdog72 What do u do when u can't get help
  • replies: 5

Due to PTSD caused by sexual abuse i live constantly with dark thoughts. No a day goes by that i dont think of ending it all. I keep fighting but it gets harder n harder everyday. I have been to my gp and have a mental heath plan but due to living im... View more

Due to PTSD caused by sexual abuse i live constantly with dark thoughts. No a day goes by that i dont think of ending it all. I keep fighting but it gets harder n harder everyday. I have been to my gp and have a mental heath plan but due to living im a regional area and being on a careers pension i cant afford to pay to get help. My dr has sent out alot of referals and cant get me in to see anyone. Presented to hospital a few times which is a 100km drive one way and they just send me home saying u seem ok now. No sure how to get help anymore. Im getting scared that on my own i wont be able to keep fighting. Only thing i think lefyt is to harm myself to get the help. I know this is not something i should be thinking but quickly running out of options. Im sorry to dump this on here i know in the end is my problem to deal with as it has always been. I do appreciate u all.

123gottapose mounting pressure is pushing me to bad actions
  • replies: 1

studying has become overwhelming, moving house is overwhelming, trying to keep up with my relationship is overwhelming, and it's led me to act on self-harmful thoughts. i can't fix anything truly, because i can't afford to, i can't focus on my study,... View more

studying has become overwhelming, moving house is overwhelming, trying to keep up with my relationship is overwhelming, and it's led me to act on self-harmful thoughts. i can't fix anything truly, because i can't afford to, i can't focus on my study, i'm worried that i'll fall apart. it's happened before, i've hurt myself, struggled with my study at the same time, dropped out, and then it's gotten worse. i can't hurt my partners again, but i'm hurting myself as well. i can't drop out, because i've never succeeded at anything either. honestly it's making me want to disappear forever, but i can't do that. and i hate that. why can't i just go away?

Raven I'm planning and I'm scared
  • replies: 2

So I'm in a new relationship only been together 4-5 months, we are living together and I'm pregnant already, I'm just done lately and have been thinking about harming or offing myself a lot lately. I'm currently trying to figure out a therapist and e... View more

So I'm in a new relationship only been together 4-5 months, we are living together and I'm pregnant already, I'm just done lately and have been thinking about harming or offing myself a lot lately. I'm currently trying to figure out a therapist and everything but right I'm just very alone