Just saying Hi, was given the Beyond Blue's on line forum by a friend as a different way of communicating. I fit into this group so am looking forward to the tools and support etc for dealing with my anxiety, which has got worse of late. I have always been good at using the techniques from my psychologist, but something has shifted in me and its not working, if thats the right word. Thank you

Hi there TheBon123,

Warm welcome to the forums buddy, great to have you here!

Sorry to hear about your anxiety, if there's anything that you'd like to share or talk about, I'd be happy to listen without any judgement. Rest assure this is a safe space for you to chat about things that are in your mind, and the people in the forums are very friendly and supportive. Hope to hear more from you soon TheBon123.

Jt

Thanks Jt. I just feel like I cant cope, none of the tools I use work, its like I cant tap into them. I cant even bring myself to exercise. I have been off medication for years now and feel I need to go back on to level myself again. I can function at work, but we have a very supportive work place which makes it easy. If I lose it I just shut the door or go for a walk. Friends and family are weighing on me with all their problems. I feel I can not, not pick up the phone to be their for them. I have a particular person at work who is pushing my buttons - I have not reacted but feel I will. I spend the day saying in by head... breathe, breathe, its OK, concentrate on something. If we had speech bubbles come out above my head, well it would be a mess. I dont know, using all I can to keep it together, by the time I get home I fall in mess and cry, and cry and cry. I am falling asleep no worries, but wake up and am functioning on very little sleep. I feel like just driving.. no where in particular... I dont know.

Hi TheBon123, 

It sounds like you are going through so much right now and it must be so tough to be lacking in motivation and for the tools to not be working for you. Sometimes we just need extra help than at other times and if you are unable to be there for your loved ones, then please take the time that you need to be there for yourself. Do your loved ones know that you need them at this time? It sounds like it's your turn to receive support. Is there a supervisor or senior colleague at work who can who can intervene on your behalf, so that you don't put yourself in a situation where you could react to them pushing your buttons?

If you would like some help finding mental health support, we would recommend that you get in contact with the Beyond Blue Support Service. They are available 24/7 by phone on 1300 22 4636 or on Webchat 1pm-12am AEST on our website: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport  One of our friendly counsellors will be able to talk through these feelings with you and can offer support, advice and referrals. 

You are not alone and we are here to support you. Please reach out someone and talk through your thoughts and feelings. It can do wonders and relieve much burden.
 

Hi TheBon123,

Thank you for sharing your story with us. It is very brave of you to be sharing your story here, and rest assure it is nothing to be ashamed of. I agree with Sophie_M that sometimes, we could use an extra help. It's okay to tell others that you're not ok and communicate your boundaries with them. It's very strong of you to be taking on other people's burden to help others when they call out for help, and it's a great that you're helping others suffer less.

Excessively helping can make us feel neglected and we start to feel resentful, alone and lost. So don't be afraid to show yourself some self-love, and kindly deny offering help to others for the sake of your own well being. Have you been able to speak to your manager about a particular person pushing your buttons? Or perhaps the HR of your company if it becomes too much? It can be scary to handle work politics, but if it's affecting your ability to work, your supervisors and HR will be able to assist you in this matter.

Once again, I'd like to commend your courage and bravery for posting your story here TheBon123. For you to post here is a first step towards taking care of yourself, and I understand how scary that first step can be. But you've really done yourself a great job. Happy to chat with you more buddy!

Jt

Thank you both for responding to me, means a lot. Will keep you posted on how I am going. What a great group of people on this site who take the time to help others. Thank you, certainly makes you not feel alone.

Hi TheBon123,

A very warm welcome to the forums and thank you for being so brave and open to discuss what you are going through.

We are definitely here for you, please keep us updated on how you are going. Anxiety is incredibly difficult to deal with - sometimes I feel like it's a monkey on my back and I completely understand, it can be exhausting. You are definitely not alone though so please continue to reach out, we understand!

Hi TheBon123,

I'm with you totally!

I've had a horrible week. I was already feeling overwhelmed and then a co-worker made a rude and aggressive remark to me over the phone. Even though I knew the aggressive behaviour came from that person's own insecurities, it really bothered me. Finally I had gotten over the incident days later, then my parents put a guilt-trip on me. I'm a mother with teenage-children of my own. My parents had become more and more overbearing ever since I became an adult. It's like their protectiveness became being over-protective and then transformed into being overbearing. I don't contact them unless I have to. I dread it when they contact me. So I was back to feeling low again.

For me, it just takes time. If I find an interesting movie or tv show to watch, it gives me a good distraction as I immerse myself into the "escape".

Thanks everyone. I go through this at times. I know what I have to do, but I dont want to do it. I do feel better when I exercise, eat well, not drink etc. I have been in a good space before, at the moment I'm not. I am Ok, its just my brain.

"Not all those who wander are lost."

"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." Lord of the Rings, Tolkien.

Where might we go indeed if we just drove off for a weekend away from work/school/wherever?

and/or What are we avoiding saying/doing by leaving?

I like the tour down under except for the police there every where.

are you on your bike or in a car i am on the bus

I hear you TheBon123,

How have you been feeling recently?

Thank you for asking, up and down, more up though. Been in the garden a lot which is good for me. Tired a lot as I can’t sleep, I can get to sleep ok but wake up a lot. Thanks for, Checking in. Hope you are feeling ok 😁

Hi TheBon123!

I completely hear you, I am so glad that you have been feeling more up than down! I thought that was a really great way to put it. Being outside sounds like a great idea, that definitely helps to boost my mood as well. Feeling the sun on me really helps!

I hope that your sleep gets better!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Hi folks, Day 2 of exercising after a long long break. Looking forward to the feeling of increased oxygen in me. Hope everyone is going well.

That's really great TheBon123!

Exercise is a great idea. Increased oxygen, increased endorphins. So many positives!

You have reminded me that I should go out for a walk sometimes!

Had been feeling good lately, but just like that I am not in a good place. Its been some time since my ex passed away. I feel it every year as I feel for children. They have not copped with it well, I can understand that, I just get tired trying to fix everything. Hoping that makes sense. Does anyone else sometimes not want to pick up the phone when it rings. Just getting it out, I am OK.

Hi TheBon123,

I'm so sorry to hear about your ex's passing. Grieving is a journey and it is unique to everyone.It sounds like you are a very empathetic person and as an empath myself, we can definitely be very aware of the feelings around us. I have definitely felt like not wanting to pick up the phone when it rings. Some days I am feeling very good and some days I feel as though I just do the minimum that I need to and that is okay. It is definitely a process.

I wanted to reply to your comment to let you know that you are not alone!