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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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Weeny Can Anxiety cause coughing? New here.
  • replies: 9

So I had a work breakdown about 3 months ago, and had a lot of issues since, and have finally got to the point I have about 50/50 ok days and bad days, instead of nearly everyday that I was having. But I get this cough that comes and goes, not really... View more

So I had a work breakdown about 3 months ago, and had a lot of issues since, and have finally got to the point I have about 50/50 ok days and bad days, instead of nearly everyday that I was having. But I get this cough that comes and goes, not really bad, but just persistent and annoying, so was wondering if stress/anxiety can cause coughing.

Ralph23 Parent support for teen with anxiety
  • replies: 2

We have a 13 year old who is suffering from anxiety. He symptoms have become worse over the last few weeks with the return to school. We are seeing a psychologist with her, however our household is breaking down quicker than any positive changes can ... View more

We have a 13 year old who is suffering from anxiety. He symptoms have become worse over the last few weeks with the return to school. We are seeing a psychologist with her, however our household is breaking down quicker than any positive changes can occur and I don't know what to do.Does anyone know of a support group for parents dealing with a teen with anxiety?

K_Ley Am I going backwards
  • replies: 3

Hi it has been quite a while since I was on here as things were going pretty well. My sister's death in May last year was the catalyst to seeking help although I think I probably needed it long before that. I am in regular therapy and was even able t... View more

Hi it has been quite a while since I was on here as things were going pretty well. My sister's death in May last year was the catalyst to seeking help although I think I probably needed it long before that. I am in regular therapy and was even able to go 5 weeks over the christmas new year period with no therapy at all. In early January I almost lost my brother he was in a critical condition when the ambulance arrived. He is ok now, but still having tests as they don't know what caused him to collapse in the first place. Hopefully we will get answers one day. Anyway, I am a teacher and since returning to school the requirements of the job have increased 10 fold. I had to take the day off today to get some work done to try and relieve the pressure. My anxiety is through the roof and quite frankly I currently feel like I am drowning. Therapy is currently fortnightly and I feel like I need to increase it back to weekly until I get on top of things at work. My head is saying this is a step backwards though and I don't want to look at it like that. What do you think is increasing my therapy a step backwards????

Richju Fear of driving
  • replies: 11

I have a fear of driving in unfamiliar places and I easily give into this fear, making excuses such as my poor sense of direction, my failing eyesight due to my cataracts. But the real reason is that I'm afraid of the fear itself. After all, driving ... View more

I have a fear of driving in unfamiliar places and I easily give into this fear, making excuses such as my poor sense of direction, my failing eyesight due to my cataracts. But the real reason is that I'm afraid of the fear itself. After all, driving is a risky persuit. I'm afraid that I will do something unwise and cause an accident, if I panic. I don't like that feeling of fear sitting in my stomach. Just thinking of driving in the city incites feelings of dread. I learnt to drive to my son's house, very close the city but there are so many roadworks on that route now, I have lost confidence, fearing I might take a wrong turn and end up in the city. And when I have plucked up the courage to drive over to my son's, I don't enjoy myself, as I'm worried about the return journey.The GPS is helpful but not infalible. I remember the friendly voice advising me to make a u turn on a freeway once!I have asked friends to accompany me when venturing to new places but each time they just say, 'There's nothing wrong with your driving.' But there's obviously something wrong wirh me! Can anyone offer advice please.Regards,Richju

Well-being Anxiety
  • replies: 3

Hi. I suffer anxiety in many forms. Performance, social and general. It can really cripple me from just doing day to day tasks. It manifests itself in perspiring, nausea, fatigue and just feelings of dread. It affects my relationships and day to day ... View more

Hi. I suffer anxiety in many forms. Performance, social and general. It can really cripple me from just doing day to day tasks. It manifests itself in perspiring, nausea, fatigue and just feelings of dread. It affects my relationships and day to day living and is absolutely exhausting. I try to sleep, eat and do some form of exercise to try and overcome it. As well, I try breathing techniques, praying, distractions etc to try and get on top of it but tend to get beaten down in the end. I find it extremely embarrassing and always feel deeply ashamed and guilt ridden. Am at a lost.

Jimy Conundrum of Staying
  • replies: 9

Hi All,Sorry for the sulk!Due to my close friendships with 2 close friends in the Quora group, I want to remain anonymous.During our conversation, both of them flagged up red flags that I needed to see a mental health person and take some therapy. I ... View more

Hi All,Sorry for the sulk!Due to my close friendships with 2 close friends in the Quora group, I want to remain anonymous.During our conversation, both of them flagged up red flags that I needed to see a mental health person and take some therapy. I am not certain what caused that feeling based on our discussion.In a nutshell, my wife and I moved to Australia from the UK several years ago and although she has settled in, I am not. I have always wanted to return, however with a few children and a couple of houses, it seems an unrealistic goal to reach. The message I was sending to my friends in both conversations was that I was uneasy here and was unable to see anything positive in what I had accomplished. As a result of the manner in which I presented my topics, I appeared to be negative in my approach, despite being thoughtful and content about my circumstances.In both instances, they advised me to take some time to reflect upon my current situation before making a decision. However, if I leap into seeking assistance, what will be the outcome of that?

PBelle Embarrassed and freaking out
  • replies: 2

So I’m embarrassed to say that I did a bit of road rage today and now I am freaking out whether I will get in trouble with police.So I am driving along 80km zone, wet road and low visibility. Dark car with no headlights being driven going 40-50kms. L... View more

So I’m embarrassed to say that I did a bit of road rage today and now I am freaking out whether I will get in trouble with police.So I am driving along 80km zone, wet road and low visibility. Dark car with no headlights being driven going 40-50kms. Learner driver. I pass him but couldn’t see the car and we nearly hit. He beeped me. Like it shook me . I slow up ahead and turn off road, onto a side road and he follows me. Thinking that he will say something and I will say I’m so sorry I didn’t see you, if you could out ur lights on He passes me slow and supervising driver gives the finger, I yelled at him to put his lights on. It’s a one way road, so I’m behind him, still no lights, so I flash him to give the hint. Eventually he pulls over and I stop too, now this learner was a danger on the road and the supervising driver was just head down on his phone. I went up to say to put headlight on cause he couldn’t be seen and it was a safety thing, supervising driver just said “ that he is learning” he refused to put down the window so I’m yelling so he can hear. That it was his responsibility to teach him, and to follow the road rules and on a wet road with cloudy and dark car you can’t be seen and I nearly hit you, turn your lights on. Anyway he kept ignoring me and typing on his phone. After a couple of minutes of yelling, I left but I’m so scared. What if he reported me to the police? I have never acted like that before, usually cautious and considerate of learner drivers, but this one was causing a dangerous situation,should I be freaking out about the police knocking on my door?

Sally-Anne Thinking The Worst
  • replies: 1

At this moment I am feeling stressed, anxious and my heart feels like it’s pumping faster than usual. I’m not in any physical danger, it’s just how I’m feeling. Im a mother, wife and grandparent. Obviously, we experience various levels of stress that... View more

At this moment I am feeling stressed, anxious and my heart feels like it’s pumping faster than usual. I’m not in any physical danger, it’s just how I’m feeling. Im a mother, wife and grandparent. Obviously, we experience various levels of stress that comes with family. However, I sometimes feel helplessness and I have no voice but just words and actions going on in my head. They involve negative occurrences that I manifest as a consequence to an issue occurring in my life. I’ve seen psychologists over the years for different reasons but have never really been able to get relief from any sessions. Or, I’m just not able to express my thoughts concisely. Either way, I feel emotional pain and struggle to think positively. My issues involve not being able to express my thoughts because I fear the consequences of my real voice. Why you may think. The reason is, I have experienced a close relative who suicided and I still feel blame. I have a real fear most of the time that one of my loved ones will suicide because they can’t get on with life or whatever they are experiencing. This may sound over exaggerated but it’s how I think. I’m currently taking medication for anxiety and the Dr says this is the best drug for me but I wondered if it really is. There is a lot more going on in my life and it would take a while to explain but for now. I hope to read other people’s thoughts and opinions.

HelloTea Anxiety about Anxiety Management
  • replies: 3

Hi, you can call me T, I'm a 31yo female who has had anxiety since early childhood and as I grew, the diagnosis changed to add a few more letters - ADHD, PTSD, OCD (and PMDD & Emetophobia). This is my first post. I have mostly been getting by well. T... View more

Hi, you can call me T, I'm a 31yo female who has had anxiety since early childhood and as I grew, the diagnosis changed to add a few more letters - ADHD, PTSD, OCD (and PMDD & Emetophobia). This is my first post. I have mostly been getting by well. The medication + psychological management tools have been working well, up until recently. A couple of weeks ago I managed to catch covid (my 2nd time) and took time off work to recuperate. I'm someone who loves my job, it is a highly stressful industry but the benefits outweigh the types of things we can experience. So, being unwell is a single trigger enough for me, having to isolate away from my friends and family was harder than I thought. My anxiety thoughts started to race and the psychological tools that have typically helped in the past weren't effective as usual. I've reached the realisation that I may need to change my medication. I'm not here to ask about medication specific advice, more so - advice on the change of it, advice around side effect management to a degree. I'm feeling a bit deflated, I know it's okay to need extra support sometimes, I just didn't imagine it would be me or right now. My biggest worries with changing medications is the possibility of being unwell and being so unwell it'll impact my ability to work. My job is my happy place. My home can be a little scary because it feels isolating. I am seeing my GP doctor today (21st Feb), I will absolutely be sharing my concerns with her and take on board her medical advice. I just want to see if other people can relate to me, if they found a particular task or something helpful during a change that's bringing anxiety and that type of thing. Thank you,I hope you can find something to make you smile today T

concernedparent76 Child Panic Attack During Windy Weather
  • replies: 3

Hi I have an 11 year old son who over the past 3-4 years has developed an irrational fear of stormy/windy weather, to the point where he suffers mild panic attacks and feels he has to flee the area. This was a real issue at school a year or so ago an... View more

Hi I have an 11 year old son who over the past 3-4 years has developed an irrational fear of stormy/windy weather, to the point where he suffers mild panic attacks and feels he has to flee the area. This was a real issue at school a year or so ago and he was having time off however he seems to have self managed this. He is quite a good soccer player and enjoys playing however if the weather turns inclement he runs from the pitch in distress. We have sought help from a child psychologist he views his anxiety as very mild however it does impact outdoor activities. I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar issue with their child and what they did for it. Also if anyone knew of any natural medication that could be taken to take the edge off and would still allow him to function during outdoor activities. Anything that makes him drowsy is obviously out of the question. Cheers