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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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GreenEgg Telling my boss about my mental health
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone I’ve been wondering about whether I should discuss anxiety and depression with my boss. I’m wondering if you have any experiences or advice. They are incredibly supportive but part of that is they are constantly looking for development op... View more

Hi everyone I’ve been wondering about whether I should discuss anxiety and depression with my boss. I’m wondering if you have any experiences or advice. They are incredibly supportive but part of that is they are constantly looking for development opportunities for me, particularly in terms of leadership experience as the next linear career step would be a manager.The problem is that I can find this very triggering for my anxiety, and I’m really struggling. I know certain things are part of being a leader but I feel like I’m drowning and I can’t make a decision. I spend all day and night looking back over things and second guessing myself, not eating or sleeping properly. Running over hypothetical scenarios in my head. Playing them through and imagining something terrible, deciding I need to look into something more, ending up at a new scenario, etc. At the same time, I worry that if I tell my boss they won’t volunteer me for this stuff. That I won’t ever get the experience or grow or learn. That I can’t handle it and they’ll know that. But then I worry that I’m even thinking about telling them is a cop out, to avoid more responsibility. I feel like some of my quirks which they know will take on a different light.I’m just feeling really conflicted and stressed and not confident in myself right now. G

Russian_Red_Foxx I'm a furry and I want to come out to my parents, but I'm afraid of how they will react. What do I do?
  • replies: 7

For those who don't know, furries are people who personify themselves as an anthropomorphised animal, usually in the form of art, roleplay or sometimes dressing up as them. People tend to have a burning hatred for us, since they only choose to see th... View more

For those who don't know, furries are people who personify themselves as an anthropomorphised animal, usually in the form of art, roleplay or sometimes dressing up as them. People tend to have a burning hatred for us, since they only choose to see those who act out of line, going as far as to commit hate crimes and acts of terrorism (such as the chlorine gas attack at Furfest 2014). This is why I'm afraid to come out to my parents, since I don't know how they react, whether they would be understanding, disapproving or simply treat me like I'm not human. The furry community is one of my only sources of happiness and I'm afraid that they might cut me off if I tell them. However I don't want to stay in the closet because it's a big part of my personality, and I'm sick of having to hide it. Especially since there are so many events that I would love to attend, but I can't without my parents' approval. Do you guys have any advice on what I should do or how I should tell them? I know this may seem a bit different compared to everything else posted on this forum but this has been weighing me down for the last week or so.

Blondyroses GAD
  • replies: 1

Hi, I'm new to this group. I've had GAD all my adult life (and teenager but it was called high strung back then ) I am medicated for it which helps me a lot. I also suffer mild depression and PTSD and panic attacks but not regularly and also Social A... View more

Hi, I'm new to this group. I've had GAD all my adult life (and teenager but it was called high strung back then ) I am medicated for it which helps me a lot. I also suffer mild depression and PTSD and panic attacks but not regularly and also Social Anxiety.My husbands sisters (2of them,) invite themselves to stay when they come to Melbourne. Both are interstate and we see one more than the other. They usually bring their partners and make a night or two of it. It doesn't happen that often, ie maybe 3-4 times a year. I get very upset when they want to come and I spiral into a depression and anxiety immediately. One lot will be here in a couple of weeks and I know that will weigh on my mind until then and I will become more anxious. I don't like anyone staying AT ALL. I just want to be by ourselves (hubby and me) and he is quite happy to do that too. However, they're his sisters, and feel obligated to say yes every time. We are retired so not usually doing much but I wish we had the calendar filled just to avoid these stays. We are in country Vic not Melbourne so just a visit would not suit them. How do I manage this? Am I over reacting? This is real to me though. I get physically ill and my mood changes dramatically.Thoughts on how to handle this please?

KJDJ Panic Disorders - recommendation
  • replies: 1

Can anyone recommend a psychologist in Melbourne who specialises in panic disorders? A relative has had little to no success with therapy in the past - and is sceptical about having more - but those sessions were for generalised anxiety. I suspect th... View more

Can anyone recommend a psychologist in Melbourne who specialises in panic disorders? A relative has had little to no success with therapy in the past - and is sceptical about having more - but those sessions were for generalised anxiety. I suspect the ‘anxiety’ they are suffering now is, more specifically, a panic disorder, so I would like them to see someone with expertise in that area. I’m aware waiting lists are long. Thanks.

Over it! Heavy Legs - Perimenopause
  • replies: 2

Hi I'm turning 47 in 4 months, I've come off the pill after many years, and I'm experiencing what I think is perimenopause. My period is still fairly regular, but I'm experiencing hot clammy skin alot, weight gain, aching joints and recently heavy le... View more

Hi I'm turning 47 in 4 months, I've come off the pill after many years, and I'm experiencing what I think is perimenopause. My period is still fairly regular, but I'm experiencing hot clammy skin alot, weight gain, aching joints and recently heavy legs. I try to exercise 4 times a week on a spin bike, but my legs don't feel achy from that they just feel different?? is this a symptom anyone else can relate to? Thanks

Tomi1000 Is there any real new medication available , in development or soon to be FDA approved?
  • replies: 4

Hi guys, it's really nice to be here.I'm 32, suffering from depression, anxiety and OCD all my life, tried almost every pill the world has to offer, nothing helped, all of them cause severe damage, especially the one that does help a little - SSRI.I'... View more

Hi guys, it's really nice to be here.I'm 32, suffering from depression, anxiety and OCD all my life, tried almost every pill the world has to offer, nothing helped, all of them cause severe damage, especially the one that does help a little - SSRI.I've been off meds for almost 2 years now, and decided I'm stooping to be a lab rat, waiting for a real game changer in this field to come, my doctor always said that this won't happen and we stuck with the same garbage meds that we have today for another 100 years.But I think he is just radical. I do understand that new solutions are in development all the time. so, I want to ask you, are there any real new meds available or soon to be, that are not in any way connected to the conventional drugs that have been available for decades?I'll be happy to hear, I feel like I'm not happy since I'm off meds and I'm in some kind of apathetic mood and not enjoying anything in life. ony suffers.Thanks.

joannekou anxious and depressed
  • replies: 4

Hi there,I am an international student, am now facing a traumatic event leading to substantial financial loss, and my family seriously blames me. I am losing their money, I felt so guilty, they are very old now and they work very hard to gain all thi... View more

Hi there,I am an international student, am now facing a traumatic event leading to substantial financial loss, and my family seriously blames me. I am losing their money, I felt so guilty, they are very old now and they work very hard to gain all this. I can't afford all the money lost and I need to get them back. I am alone in Perth a brand new place to me, been here for around 2 months. I am very stressed now and helpless, I feared that I can't make it.I felt like the big telecommunication company in Australia letter starting with V, is exploiting international students. They had been taking money from my bank account for the last five years, for a number that I did not use the whole time, they know that I did not use that number for anything, but they insist on not reimbursing all the bills. I am sharing this to make me feel less depressed and all are true.

Seeker2023 Stressed and low allied health masters student
  • replies: 1

Hi,I am unsure of which forum is most appropriate to post. I just wanted to join a conversation with others who are feeling stressed/down/anxious. I am a mature-aged (50+) allied health master's student. Just feel stressed and with that down, and anx... View more

Hi,I am unsure of which forum is most appropriate to post. I just wanted to join a conversation with others who are feeling stressed/down/anxious. I am a mature-aged (50+) allied health master's student. Just feel stressed and with that down, and anxious. I do not have suicidal ideation. Trying to complete placements at the moment is stressful as I live in a small town, and hence have to travel to larger towns. Also, interest rates increased more than my husband and I (and many others ) have expected and I am also not in paid work. My husband is in paid work but not enough to support my study. I know I am stressed as I made an error at work and I became emotional, and I have been struggling to forgive myself, although I was told it was a learning experience. I feel I should have known better given my age and years of experience in supporting roles and being able to support others in achieving their goals and gaining self-confidence. Not so good with myself...I also feel shame in speaking aloud given that I intend to enter the allied health sector. I am great at supporting other students and past colleagues without judgment and irrespective of their role/position. Just not sure how to help myself...

hollyyy__ Health Anxiety
  • replies: 3

arghh I am not sure if anyone else experiences this but I think I have what's referred to as health anxiety, specifically regarding getting generally sick with bugs and colds etc. I have been struggling with this since I was about 12 and I'm 18 now. ... View more

arghh I am not sure if anyone else experiences this but I think I have what's referred to as health anxiety, specifically regarding getting generally sick with bugs and colds etc. I have been struggling with this since I was about 12 and I'm 18 now. It's led to severe OCD where everyday tasks take much longer and if certain routines are broken then I think myself or my family are going to get sick. I want to go to a doctor but I don't think I can really afford it and am not sure what to do. I want to know why I am like this and how I can go back to normal. I told my parents about the issue of my OCD when it first began and they took me to a doctor and psychologist but they think it's gotten better. It hasn't. I feel embarrassed and have tried to open up to my friends about it but I don't think they believe me or just don't really care. I avoid going to certain places where I think I might catch something, and if I do go there I will use copious amounts of hand sanitizer/baby wipes as soon as I leave every store or touch anything. I am constantly worrying about getting sick and it's all I think about. I just want to be able to do regular everyday things without this constant fear but don't want to go to the doctor for reasons stated above. It's gotten to the point that I struggle to go to sleep, get severe stomach pains and irritability, as well as all my other OCD habits getting more severe and affecting every little thing I do.