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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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BeyondBlue Hi! Check out this post if you're not sure how to start
  • replies: 0

Hi there and welcome to the Anxiety section of the Forums First of all, thank you so much for joining us here. We think it’s amazing that you’ve taken this step to getting support and learning from this Community. You are very welcome here and we are... View more

Hi there and welcome to the Anxiety section of the Forums First of all, thank you so much for joining us here. We think it’s amazing that you’ve taken this step to getting support and learning from this Community. You are very welcome here and we are really interested in what you might want to add to these conversations. We get it, having anxiety makes it hard to share in a public place. Remember, this is anonymous and the Beyond Blue team are here to help if you need it This section is for people who are experiencing anxiety in some form in their lives. This might be in social settings, at work, or just in the day to day. You don’t need a diagnosis to post here. If it feels like the right spot for your post, go right ahead! We know that feeling anxious can make it hard to reach out so we want you to know that getting this far is amazing and a great start. A few tips for getting the most out of this section: Get involved when you can! Posting and replying is the heartbeat of this community and you DO have something worthwhile to share (when you’re ready ) Every experience is different. There is no competition here. We know how challenging anxiety can be and how it comes in all shapes and sizes. What you are experiencing will be respected and supported here. Trust yourself! You are the expert in your experience. This community works because people like you share what has worked for you. Thank you for getting involved and taking a look. We can’t wait to hear from you! Beyond Blue

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romantic_thi3f Health anxiety - Tips, ideas and coping strategies - Please share what works for you
  • replies: 7

Hi everyone, I've been seeing a lot of posts about health anxiety lately so I thought it might be worth (hopefully!) trying to create a masterpost where we can share all of our tips, ideas and coping strategies to how to get through our health anxiet... View more

Hi everyone, I've been seeing a lot of posts about health anxiety lately so I thought it might be worth (hopefully!) trying to create a masterpost where we can share all of our tips, ideas and coping strategies to how to get through our health anxiety. This can include anything from - nothing is physically wrong with me but I feel like it is - to - I have one condition that's okay but it feels like it's getting worse - to - my anxiety makes me feel like I'm having a heart attack (or something else) and I can't let go of it. Or anything in between! This is also a post for people who are unsure whether there is something else going on or they are confident in that it's all weird manifestations of anxiety. Anyways, here are my tips : - Write things down. Having that physical record of symptoms both get's it out of my head, helps me find patterns (i.e. is it worse when this happens) and helps the Doctor see the trends over time. - Try to not go Doctor shopping and not look at things on the internet. I think a good Doctor is one who is able to give you all the information 'I want to order x test because y' or 'I don't feel like x test is needed because of y'. I also know that if I were to bring in something from the Internet they aren't going to judge me and instead take me (and my worries seriously) and look at it all logically. - Try and find things that help you relax. I personally like colouring, walking the dog, reading and going on Pinterest. But I think it's about finding out what works for you personally. - Learn to breathe. Our anxiety systems are in flight or flight mode - so being able to really breathe deeply can already start to help. - Learn about anxiety. It blew my mind that anxiety in my head could be the reason that something in my stomach was haywire - so being able to make those connections can help. - Try to challenge our thoughts. A lot of this comes down to CBT (a type of therapy) which is about identifying some of those thoughts and beliefs that aren't always true. When our body screams 'ahhh it must be cancer' we must challenge it and ask why? Where is the evidence? How do we know this is true? One of my favourite metaphors with this is to pretend you are a lawyer in a courtroom. Anxiety screams it's head off but has no logic - a little bit like a 3 year old I hope this helps! Please feel free to add to it and share what's working for you. We're all in this together even when it can feel so isolating.

Oz_twins Defeat
  • replies: 2

My depression and anxiety was at it's worse last year and I feel like I am in an upswing at the moment.... The problem is, now when I do have my bad days (especially with my anxiety) I seem to notice them more. And it really effects work at times. I ... View more

My depression and anxiety was at it's worse last year and I feel like I am in an upswing at the moment.... The problem is, now when I do have my bad days (especially with my anxiety) I seem to notice them more. And it really effects work at times. I honestly just feel defeated.

nikolas17 Anyone else get anxiety just going to the shops?
  • replies: 2

I went to the city the other day and it was hell! I would rather stay at home by myself then go out with friends in crowded places. anxiety is hell

I went to the city the other day and it was hell! I would rather stay at home by myself then go out with friends in crowded places. anxiety is hell

Tina_Syd Trying to control my temper
  • replies: 2

Hi Just wondering if it's normal to feel always angry? I'm smiling and laughing on the outside but inside I just want to scream and it's not fair on my pets because they always see the worst side of me. I want to stop it but I'm always so angry. View more

Hi Just wondering if it's normal to feel always angry? I'm smiling and laughing on the outside but inside I just want to scream and it's not fair on my pets because they always see the worst side of me. I want to stop it but I'm always so angry.

BlueBen First post and seeking advice and experience
  • replies: 31

Hello all, Currently living through the worst personal crisis I have experienced so I have come here for support and advice. 12 months ago I was diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder, I have PTSD due to emotional and sexual abuse from a previous re... View more

Hello all, Currently living through the worst personal crisis I have experienced so I have come here for support and advice. 12 months ago I was diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder, I have PTSD due to emotional and sexual abuse from a previous relationship and only very recently have I realised the extent of my sleep apnoea. All these combining to create a personal health crisis that I am trying to fight my way out of. The catalyst for this crisis came about a month ago when my partner left me. Living in a brain fog for the past few months in the lead up to the separation, I lost my ability to communicate fully due to the effects of the complete and utter physical and emotional exhaustion. I was, and remain absolutely devastated that this has happened and that we couldn't work through this crisis. First of all I visited my GP and had blood tests and a general physical examination, a MHCP and a referral to a psychologist. I have started seeing the psychologist which has so far been mainly backward steps due to the emotional stress I am feeling and the additional problems the sessions have so far released. I had tried to block out the abuse from a previous relationship, all I was doing was trying to ignore it and the emotional and physical symptoms have continued to haunt me. I have finally realised the effects that my until recently undiagnosed sleep apnoea, and had a sleep study test completed. I am tomorrow seeing the sleep apnoea specialist to start a 4 week trial with a CPAP machine. Having not slept properly in maybe a couple of years I am exhausted physically and emotionally and cannot wait to have that one decent nights sleep. On a daily basis I am still emotionally vulnerable, when distracted by work or tasks I am less anxious. I still have trouble falling much less staying asleep (on average I get 3-3.5 hours sleep per night) I wake most mornings at 3am and remain wide awake until my alarm goes off. I have begun taking supplementation to try to boost my immune system and also stress management. I have begun taking over the counter medications for anxiety management. I have had anxiety and panic attacks due to the delays in the time it takes to see psychologists. I have no one to talk to apart from my sister and I am struggling to deal with any of this. I am trying to be pro active and practical but it is not that simple. Mental health is not something that is easy to share or talk about with friends. I am suffering in silence.

AnonymousLass Spiraling downward
  • replies: 1

Hi there, I have been suffering from anxiety since I was a young child - I got diagnosed at the age of 18 with major depressive disorder and social/generalised anxiety when I was seeking help from psychiatrists and psychologists. I am 24 now and it’s... View more

Hi there, I have been suffering from anxiety since I was a young child - I got diagnosed at the age of 18 with major depressive disorder and social/generalised anxiety when I was seeking help from psychiatrists and psychologists. I am 24 now and it’s been a constant roller coaster of “am I better or worse than where I was since starting this journey of life being all about my mental health?” I have quit over 5 different jobs in the last 6 years over my anxiety, I have dropped out of university because of failing grades and lack of attendance. I essentially see no prospects for my future and those around me are becoming increasingly worried about my inability to leave the house and my flakiness when it comes to seeing people and sticking to plans (which inevitably gives me more anxiety for succumbing to my avoidance) I do have great family support, which I can appreciate that without it I most likely would not be here and I would be homeless/unable to afford my medication as they financially support me. Lately I have been too anxious to go to my doctor appointments and far too anxious to go to Centrelink to apply for a disability pension over the fact that I cannot keep a job down because of my illness. I’ve isolated myself from friends because I don’t feel good about myself, i have nothing to talk about since my day revolves around being at home using my pets as support and therapy. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to leave bed as I know I need to feed them and make sure they’re ok. Its not all gloomy, and I can appreciate that. I have days where things feel good and my anxiety isn’t as overwhelming, or my depression isn’t keeping me slumped. But it’s so hard to start my day when the first thing I feel upon waking is dread, tingling coursing through my body, heat covering my chest and face and the day of anxiety awaits ahead. Im currently on medication that I take daily which I’m scared to come off of as the withdrawals are horrible. I’ve tried other medications for anxiety which provides a mask and temporary relief however the potential for addiction is there and I avoid asking my doctor for them for fear of misusing for euphoric effect rather than a tool to help me progress through my day without psychical symptoms. I’ve avoided my psychologist and psychiatrist and have not seen them in well over a year and only go to a GP to get my prescription signed and sometimes I get a family member to do it for me. Anyone else come out of this?

Pinkgold Workplace Age related comments/feeling anxious
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone, I work for a company, one of the workers has been making age related comments for a long time.Each time it really affected me, but I did not say anything until I reached breaking point, I just broke down and could not stop crying.. that'... View more

Hi everyone, I work for a company, one of the workers has been making age related comments for a long time.Each time it really affected me, but I did not say anything until I reached breaking point, I just broke down and could not stop crying.. that's when I thought I will take the matter further.since my breaking point I have anxiety, especially when I go into work, but I am glad I finally reported the person, I will not be silenced now.... I am so angry as I have had to take sickies because of this person as I am so anxious and when I do go to work it is a build up.Don't know how to overcome this feeling, as I have been feeling like this 24/7..broken sleep etc...Yes I have got an upcoming meeting for the first time since I have reported it which happened about 3 weeks ago, I am still having to work with this person, although not side by side..I feel like quitting

Rainbaker Hi
  • replies: 18

I can’t stop feeling the bad things that may not be real , but just get in the way of the beautiful people and good things in my life of which i have many . I feel a lot of burden from the expectations of people that I can’t find an answer . I don’t ... View more

I can’t stop feeling the bad things that may not be real , but just get in the way of the beautiful people and good things in my life of which i have many . I feel a lot of burden from the expectations of people that I can’t find an answer . I don’t even know if am making any sense sorry

Bond007 OCD and depression
  • replies: 3

First of hello and thank you for your time. Its great to see some support.. I am migrant in Australia who came nearly 15 years ago. Did all my studies, worked hard..etc etc. Somehow managed to get stage 1 testicular cancer 10years ago. Perhaps I didn... View more

First of hello and thank you for your time. Its great to see some support.. I am migrant in Australia who came nearly 15 years ago. Did all my studies, worked hard..etc etc. Somehow managed to get stage 1 testicular cancer 10years ago. Perhaps I didn't get much help and was pretty isolated after being diagnosed to cancer and fell into mental issues. Wasn't married either. I just blamed myself too much for cancer and engaged in lot of self loathing. Obviously the result was I got lot of anxiety and depression out of this. Quite right to say that I didn't laugh for number of years due to my mental situation. It's been difficult to forgive mydelf. I literally punished myself by creating or manifesting intrusive thoughts and being very harsh on myself. I have seen psychologists,psychiatrists etc. with some success. Currently working on self compassion, being gengle on myself etc. but sometimes it seems too hard. Engaging in some mirror work so I can learn to accept myself without any judgements. When my OCD is bad I worry about getting addicted to drugs like ice, harming my family etc. Also doing some ERP as that's proven treatment for OCD. also taking some meds which causes lot of drowsiness. Now my questions are and if someone can answer please.. 1) How do I engage in self compassion more? I have never been gentle to myself before. Self love has been foreign suject to me.. 2) How do you manage work, career and drowsiness? Its difficult to get out of bed even sometimes. 3) I don't feel motivated towards my career anymore. How do you manage such situation? Once I was highly motivated. I am worried about career and finance/money. Tia

PuppyLover789 OCD back at it again...
  • replies: 1

Hey all, I'm new to the forum and I thought maybe it'd be a good idea to seek some help. I'm a young adult suffering from OCD for about two years now. Recently I've been suffering from intrusive sexual thoughts, which disgust me incredibly. The worst... View more

Hey all, I'm new to the forum and I thought maybe it'd be a good idea to seek some help. I'm a young adult suffering from OCD for about two years now. Recently I've been suffering from intrusive sexual thoughts, which disgust me incredibly. The worst thing about it is that my thoughts start connecting to objects, specifically my pencils, pens and stationary. However, I'm about to start school again, which is when my anxiety starts to flare up especially. Not only are my intrusive sexual thoughts connecting to my pencils, but they're connecting to pillows, my homework, my textbooks, my cups, anything really. It is incredibly distressing and at some times I feel like I can't breathe. As I'm writing this post, I'm avoiding English homework because I feel stressed with the thought of using my pencil. Even with trying my coping techniques, such as reading, it doesn't work because my intrusive thought will get attached to that too. It's gotten through to the point where I can no longer enjoy fun times with my family and friends, study, do homework, or enjoy leisure activities I previously found pleasure in (reading, listening to music). I'm afraid that I'll have to be admitted back to a hospital soon if it gets any worse, and that place scares me to no end. Not to mention, it means I might fail school with a bunch of missed days already. Please, does anyone have any advice for me to overcome this monstrosity that's taken over my life?