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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.

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CMF Dear Anxiety
  • replies: 29

At times I tell my anxiety to stop, go away, leave me alone. I thought it might be good to put it into a post. Feel free to write your own letter. Dear anxiety,I've has enough of you & you need to leave. I am a strong, confident, positive person & yo... View more

At times I tell my anxiety to stop, go away, leave me alone. I thought it might be good to put it into a post. Feel free to write your own letter. Dear anxiety,I've has enough of you & you need to leave. I am a strong, confident, positive person & you come in & try to take it away. You always pounce when I'm a little vulnerable & you just keep pick, pick, picking at me until my thoughts go round in circles. Well, you won't win. I know your game & I'm not playing.Go back into your little hole, you won't get the better of me Cmf

Haydennn My anxiety might be risking my access to support services
  • replies: 1

I’m currently trying to coordinate access to inpatient care, but I haven’t had to do this on my own before. Ive been working with my GP, but realising I just don’t know all the questions I should be asking him or any other services I’m speaking with.... View more

I’m currently trying to coordinate access to inpatient care, but I haven’t had to do this on my own before. Ive been working with my GP, but realising I just don’t know all the questions I should be asking him or any other services I’m speaking with. I’ve also called intake coordinators at private facilities to try and understand why the process is delayed and what other options exist. Each time I call I was provided a tidbit of useful and new information, but also I noted that the humans on the end of the line were understandably struggling with my persistent calls. Today when I tried to call I recieved an automated message, which led me to believe I’m on a DNA list. I’ve been feeling really anxious about ensuring I coordinate this process to the best of my ability to access the care I need, but today I think I got a bit manic and risked my chances with my preferred provider. I have been respectful and courteous, and have not taken out my frustrations on those I’ve spoken to but still I feel like I was harassing them and felt a lot of shame for trying my best to get myself care. Has anyone else who’s had to do this type of thing alone felt/ experienced similar? Did it ultimately impact your service access? I’m scared I’ve ruined my chances, so have reached out to a pathways service to help me navigate from here moving forward.

Ranga-1 Anxiety about family
  • replies: 9

Hello, everyone. For the past few years, my life has been incredibly stressful. My husband has had less than optimum health for a long time, but the past 18 months have been particularly difficult. He almost died about 18 months ago and since then it... View more

Hello, everyone. For the past few years, my life has been incredibly stressful. My husband has had less than optimum health for a long time, but the past 18 months have been particularly difficult. He almost died about 18 months ago and since then it's been one thing after the other (mainly stemming from the major medical episode). He can't work and this upsets him. I have to work and am finalising my degree (which I'm very happy about achieving). The main thing I'm worrying about at the moment is our 19yo son. He's resumed studies but has to attend the institution in another town two days a week, and it's difficult to motivate him. He does not drive owing to a medical condition and he had a minor medical episode a few weeks ago (he is now taking better care of himself, which is great). I worry for his mental health, too. I told him we support him on this journey and to talk to us if he needs to. He and I have a good relationship, so I'm grateful for that. We're in a rural town with no opportunity for what my son is interested in, so I'm helping him with getting ready to move to the 'Big Smoke', which I think will be good for him. I've ordered a book targeted towards young adults in their transition from living at home. I'm so worried all the time. I am a catastrophiser, which doesn't help me. I hate this fear and it's making it hard for me to concentrate on my studies. The stress has been ongoing for months. Has anyone else been through similar?

Natalie22 Embarrassed and uncomfortable.
  • replies: 6

On Thursday after my lunch break I got called into the directors office and asked if I take any medications at work. I said no, but I have my ventolin if needed. He then said that it has been brought to his attention that I have been taking pills fro... View more

On Thursday after my lunch break I got called into the directors office and asked if I take any medications at work. I said no, but I have my ventolin if needed. He then said that it has been brought to his attention that I have been taking pills from a blue canister. I was confused. I told him that I am starting a new medication on the weekend and he told me that I needed to give him the nam and side effects. As I was about to leave I pulled out a blue tin from my bag and told him that I have a blue canister of mints. He said that he did not need to show him. But I felt I needed to as I had basically been accused of taking drugs. Spoke to him this morning (Friday) and he told me that I was being aggressive and that I had been aggressive to my co workers after the chat. My anxiety has increased as I am embarrassed that they would have such a low opinion of me, did not speak to me directly and ultimately I had to supply private medical information. I am to an aggressive person and I have clearly came across the wrong way as I was frustrated and upset.

Morganc Who try to use CBD.
  • replies: 5

My doc advise me to buy CBD. Its really help?

My doc advise me to buy CBD. Its really help?

ruminator_ Mistake at work and rumination
  • replies: 6

Hi everyone, I have struggled with anxiety my whole life. I have never been formally diagnosed or visited a psychologist (except for a one off visit when I was little) and strongly suspect I have ocd. I constantly ruminate and obsess over things that... View more

Hi everyone, I have struggled with anxiety my whole life. I have never been formally diagnosed or visited a psychologist (except for a one off visit when I was little) and strongly suspect I have ocd. I constantly ruminate and obsess over things that I’ve done in the past and doubt myself to the point where I could pretty much convince myself of anything. Yesterday I had a bad day at work and received a disgruntled parent phone call that could have been avoided if I had handled a situation a different way. At the time, I did as much as I could do but hindsight is 20/20 and there were other things I also could have tried to help the situation before resorting to other solutions. I just can’t believe I overlooked it! I know this all seems vague but I’m paranoid and have never sought personal advice online. It wasn’t the end of the world and I talked to my manager who I’m close to about it and she agreed that I could’ve done things differently but said not to worry about it. Except, I AM worrying about it! Last night I thought I had put it to rest but now I’ve woken up this morning and can’t stop obsessing over it. What if this and what if that, what’s going to happen now, is this going to keep getting brought up etc. I am a perfectionist and have a huge fear of making mistakes. I don’t tend to usually and have become quite confident in my role and always try to remember to not become complacent because that’s when things can go wrong. I don’t think I was being complacent with this particular situation but now I’m thinking I must’ve to have overlooked something so simple.I’m really beating myself up over it. While I know the world didn’t end, I keep going over everything the parent scolded me about and can’t stop thinking about how I handled the situation leading up to the call. This parent isn’t the most rational so I feel like it’s going to come up again which also worries me. I just don’t know how to move on from it and stop my intrusive, obsessive thoughts from taking over. I try to be present and in the moment but I feel like I can’t enjoy my weekend now because I have to sort it out in my head first and rationalise my actions. I usually find comfort in learning about mistakes other people have made at work and knowing that they would have handled the situation the same way. A coworker said she has done and would’ve done the same thing as me but it still isn’t helping me get over it.Sorry for the rambling, my thoughts are all over the place! I know it doesn’t seem like what happened was a big deal because I haven’t explained what exactly occurred in great detail but it’s probably one of the biggest oversights I have made at work in a long time. Any guidance or help would be much appreciated!!

Marg-87_ Anxiety
  • replies: 8

Hi. I think I suffer from anxiety and am finding it difficult to cope. I suffered a stroke seven months ago and nothing seems the same since. The stroke affected my balance only so I know people are suffering more than I am. I feel unsure of myself w... View more

Hi. I think I suffer from anxiety and am finding it difficult to cope. I suffered a stroke seven months ago and nothing seems the same since. The stroke affected my balance only so I know people are suffering more than I am. I feel unsure of myself when I am moving about. I always feel something is going to go wrong when I go out. I am still working and work myself into a state each day I go to work. To outsiders I appear to be doing well but I’m not. Thank you for reading.

Beaser Feeling Scared Again.
  • replies: 64

Hi and best wishes to everyone. I know that there are people doing it so much harder than me. But i just feel defeated at the moment. Im just so lonely and i miss my ex partner so much and i know i have to move on .I started a new job that i was goin... View more

Hi and best wishes to everyone. I know that there are people doing it so much harder than me. But i just feel defeated at the moment. Im just so lonely and i miss my ex partner so much and i know i have to move on .I started a new job that i was going well at but i couldnt go in on Wednesday and i feel really bad about it. Im sick of fighting this battle and im tired from it. Just how much do i have to go through . Im sorry to be on such a downer but i dont know where to turn to at the moment. If i break it down im lonely and scared.I wish every one a good day . Brett.

gloria10 Anxiety about mum going away
  • replies: 2

Hi, I'll be looking after mums place while she's away in a few weeks and I'm already nervous. I guess I feel more isolated with lack of support if something goes wrong. In order to manage it Im trying to plan some nice things to do including walking ... View more

Hi, I'll be looking after mums place while she's away in a few weeks and I'm already nervous. I guess I feel more isolated with lack of support if something goes wrong. In order to manage it Im trying to plan some nice things to do including walking the dog, but appreciate any help. I've also had a messy time with job trials and now I may be able to get a permanent part-time one, so its all happening at once. The role is different to what I've done before too. The heat has not helped either this week. Gloria10