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.

All discussions

WillB Seeking advice regarding Anxiety about Anxiety
  • replies: 2

Hi all, I am a 22-year-old and had never experienced any mental health worries until about 4 months ago when I had a panic/anxiety attack on the way to work. Since then I sometimes find it hard to get on public transport and trips in cars without fee... View more

Hi all, I am a 22-year-old and had never experienced any mental health worries until about 4 months ago when I had a panic/anxiety attack on the way to work. Since then I sometimes find it hard to get on public transport and trips in cars without feeling super anxious. I was wondering if anyone had advice on how to reduce the anxiety about anxiety. Additionally is there any advice to reduce the impact of anxiety whether that is meditation, yoga etc? One of my main questions as well is when early symptoms of anxiety appear such as nausea, and shortness of breath is it best to push forward or return to a safe space ASAP? Thank you all for your help!

Bonisnothappy BAD DECISION: First time trying to post on tiktok when finally feel better with my social anxiety
  • replies: 6

Just wanna tell my story a little bit.Recently I finally feel like I am better with my social anxiety then I decided to make some posts about me and my cats because I have no friends in real life. I then posted a short video of me playing with my cat... View more

Just wanna tell my story a little bit.Recently I finally feel like I am better with my social anxiety then I decided to make some posts about me and my cats because I have no friends in real life. I then posted a short video of me playing with my cat in our own way which was me rubbing my cat's belly but maybe she didn't act pleased. Then I got bashed by people accusing me of animal abuse.....I've been with my cat since she was 2 months old now she is nearly 8. We do have our own way to play and she loves me I love her too. But the comments I got on tiktok just give me huge anxiety. I dont think I deserve those kinds of comments and I don't think having her for almost 8 years sleeping together every day I would need someone to tell me how to treat my cat but somehow I started to self-doubt maybe I am not treating her well enough...I know I might be a little sensitive but I do care about my cat so much and this experience really hurts my feelings. But I can't say they are bad people because they seemed to care about animals I dont know

bellze Realtionship stress and dealing with Axiety feeling alone!!
  • replies: 3

Personally for myself it has been a struggle. Please do not judge this beacuse this is my first time reaching out to beyond blue. My name is Bella and i am 15 years of age.I live with my 2 sisters and single mum who is also struggling with depression... View more

Personally for myself it has been a struggle. Please do not judge this beacuse this is my first time reaching out to beyond blue. My name is Bella and i am 15 years of age.I live with my 2 sisters and single mum who is also struggling with depression. For myself it is hard at home and in school. I feel the need to not participate in anything or put myself out there. I feel that theres no need in trying or carinf about anything because nothing changes. Its a long process in life but my anxiety has taken over me for too long.

Olivesbranch Can I trust myself?
  • replies: 6

Hi Everyone, I have GAD and OCD. I see a psychiatrist and psychologist and 7 months ago I started taking medication (much to my dismay) but it has helped take the edge off a bit. Lately I have been suffering from, what I now think is derealisation. H... View more

Hi Everyone, I have GAD and OCD. I see a psychiatrist and psychologist and 7 months ago I started taking medication (much to my dismay) but it has helped take the edge off a bit. Lately I have been suffering from, what I now think is derealisation. Has anyone else have any experience with it? For the longest time I have thought I was going to have a psychotic break. I did not know what was real and what wasn't and the most frightening thing was I could not describe it to anyone!! Nobody understood what I was trying to say. How do you say to someone that you don't know what is reality anymore? I would beg my boyfriend to take me to the hospital because I was sure I had a brain tumour or was about to have a breakdown, but he never believed me. It happens in moments when I am extremely stressed, have extreme anxiety or a panic attack. Conversations don't make sense, the way people look doesn't seem right and I cannot centre myself or comprehend what is going on around me. It is just... nothing seems real! Then I came across derealisation. It sounds like what happens to me and is described as a natural coping mechanism for moments of high stress and anxiety. It is so scary and makes me not even trust my own mind anymore. I don't know what I think or what I feel and if it is right or not. I am so confused all the time. Does this happen to anybody else? Thank You!!

Cymbeline Stuck in an endless cycle and afraid I'll never learn how to drive
  • replies: 1

I have been trying to learn how to drive for years, but I'm too anxious to learn. For years I have been in a cycle of doing lessons with an instructor or relative for a few months, and eventually having a panic attack behind the wheel. I stop for a l... View more

I have been trying to learn how to drive for years, but I'm too anxious to learn. For years I have been in a cycle of doing lessons with an instructor or relative for a few months, and eventually having a panic attack behind the wheel. I stop for a long time, and then try again with a new instructor, only for the same thing to happen. I have tried many different strategies and I feel like my psychologist has done everything she can to help me. I have contacted all the mental health services in my area and am certain there is no local driving course or instructor that specialises in anxiety. I want to stop trying to learn to drive, but it's necessary for the career I want and the area I currently live in. Everyone in my life keeps telling me that if I persist, I'll get there, but my most recent instructor told me that I'm nowhere near ready to go for the test, even after all the time, money and effort I've put into it.

Huggybear TIRED OF FEELING WORTHLESS
  • replies: 6

I have suffered with anxiety and depression for many years. My partner and I were together for 22yrs, then seperated as he wanted to leave. i was on my own for 10yrs, then I lost my job, couldn't find anything quick enough, had to sell my home i was ... View more

I have suffered with anxiety and depression for many years. My partner and I were together for 22yrs, then seperated as he wanted to leave. i was on my own for 10yrs, then I lost my job, couldn't find anything quick enough, had to sell my home i was in for 35yrs, then struggled to find a rental property before i had to hand over the house to buyer. I had spoken to my ex and told him to collect some things that were his, as i was selling. He offered me a room to rent in his home until i find something, which i was very grateful for.I had been here 2 weeks, when he proposed to me. I refused, and was not in my right mind after what i had just gone through. He said he had changed, and I actually believed him. He has bipolar, he has been using coercive control since i got here, and last year i had to have emergency surgery for a cerebral aneurysm and subarachnoid hemorrhage. i was given a 40% chance of coming through, and I didn't care if i didn't. I was so over dealing with the ex. The 2 weeks ago, he just out of the blue said" i made a mistake, I want you to leave" to this day I have had no explaination as to why, what did i do" nothing!so now i am frantically packing my things, and trying so hard to find a rental to get out of here, I keep out of his sight, so I don't get verbally attacked, as he can be very cruel with his words. I was told by the nuero surgeon did i suffer with anxiety/depression i said yes, he said that was probably the cause!I had to fend for myself when I came home, still had to do my housework and cook, nothing changed.it was hard to walk, and speak, and eat at that time, but I got through it and have done well! But I have no life, I go nowhere, he does his own thing. I have supported myself with my savings from day 1, and he has needed money although he works, and I buy the food each week. How can some people just go on like nothing has happened, and have no feelings as to what they have done. I feel used, worthless, no confidence, alone, walking on egg shells, don't feel safe and secure. All I have ever wanted is peace and happyness, yet is so hard to achieve. You feel so alone, you wonder what you have done. im 60yrs old and now I have to rebuild again. Will I ever find that peace, I so believe I deserve?

Bouncing_Rabbit Girlfriend Isolating Herself Due to Living Conditions
  • replies: 2

I have been with my lovely girlfriend for just recently a year, she is seriously the best thing to ever happen to me and I love her more then the world itself. 80% of the time she happy and we call and text often and the other 20% she isolates hersel... View more

I have been with my lovely girlfriend for just recently a year, she is seriously the best thing to ever happen to me and I love her more then the world itself. 80% of the time she happy and we call and text often and the other 20% she isolates herself and pushes me away. I have tried to find anything online about people only spacing sometimes but I can't seem to. She is living at home with her terrible father and step mother who treat her horribly, always throughout our relationship she has dealt with problems with them and we would usually talk about them and focus on the next thing. We also do both have school at the moment and exams and she is stressing a lot about that at the moment, and I have helped here with a few of them to keep her back on track. However in the past 3 months she has been very on and off, we have had our one year and other times together and she has been ecstatic and really happy whenever we hang out but when we are at home and calling she operates very differently. She will push herself away and tell me to give her space and not want to talk to me or discuss her problems even when I suggest ways to take the load off of her. When she is not pushing away she is an incredible kind and caring girl and I'm so proud of her but when I discuss these issues she will either dismiss them and say she doesn't want to talk about them or we will make a plan but it will never work. I care about her a lot and want to make her happy however she never gives me the option to and I just want to help her. Her and I really do mean a lot to each other but sometimes it is hard to believe that when your constantly getting pushed away. I'm just really scared for her and need a solution she hasn't been diagnosed with anything or checked up recently. I just want to be able to make her happy all the time and stop these breaks and constant push aways. Thanks for reading

redpanda13 Never ending cycles of anxiety :(
  • replies: 5

I've always had an anxious / overthinking mind. Certain scenarios are always stuck in the back of my mind until I finally decide to do something about them then a new scenario just takes over and I'm stuck being anxious again for months / years.An ex... View more

I've always had an anxious / overthinking mind. Certain scenarios are always stuck in the back of my mind until I finally decide to do something about them then a new scenario just takes over and I'm stuck being anxious again for months / years.An example is one day I would suddenly feel bad about bullying this kid in the past then I would keep obsessing over that until one day I decided to apologize to him and his response was that he was fine and he didn't care about it. Then after some time, I will start to think that I have treated my ex girlfriend quite badly and start to obsess over that thought for a few months until I finally decide to message her and say "I'm sorry for treating you bad" in which she replies with " It's fine, no need to apologize".For the last few months I've been anxious about this other scenario. This is that one time my dad asked me to help him share a file and I saw an app with a big red heart on it. He has cheated on my mum in the past so seeing this just got me thinking if he is using a dating app? Afterwards I went to search up all the dating app images to see if that picture matched with any of them so I can be sure if he was using a dating app or not but was unable to find any matches. He hasn't shown any other signs of cheating and is always home etc. So I was just thinking if I am overthinking again. I feel like If i do confront this issue and ask him if he's using a dating app and "resolve" this issue, another scenario will just pop up and replace it and I'll be stressed over another thing and the cycle of never-ending anxiety will continue. There are more examples of these scenarios but I have just named 3 for this post. These scenarios always take me a long time like months to confront with the targeted person, because maybe the logical part of my brain is fighting with the anxious part of my brain and telling me that I'm just overthinking and nothing needs to be done, but in the end the anxious part always wins.I wish there was a way to target this core problem?Any tips or comments would be helpful Thank you so much!

majho88 OCD Staring
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Hi people, any struggling with OCD staring, I was diagnosed with OCD 5 years ago, I'm pure, BUT OCD staring is my monster that have pushed me away for social life. The people believe that I'm a creepy person, but it's difficult to live with that, and... View more

Hi people, any struggling with OCD staring, I was diagnosed with OCD 5 years ago, I'm pure, BUT OCD staring is my monster that have pushed me away for social life. The people believe that I'm a creepy person, but it's difficult to live with that, and every day that passed I'm a bit further for everyone an isolated. Any support suggestions for OCD staring would be appreciate. Thanks a lot

Evie-mae How do you tell your parents
  • replies: 5

How do I tell me parents about how I’ve been feeling nervous and all the signs for anxiety/depression. I feel like I need help but I don’t really know how to seek it. I’ve tried telling friends and teachers but no one really listens. Also I’ve been f... View more

How do I tell me parents about how I’ve been feeling nervous and all the signs for anxiety/depression. I feel like I need help but I don’t really know how to seek it. I’ve tried telling friends and teachers but no one really listens. Also I’ve been feeling like there’s no point of living and that no one would really care if I was dead. I haven’t done anything thing to hurt myself. I just feel like that when I am overwhelmed and when I’ve had a bad day (which is often). I’ve started hating going to school pretty much to a point where my body feels sick when I’m about to go to school. I should tell my parents but I don’t know how. Anyone suggestions