Thank you for the feedback coastalkaren and I’m glad you’re feeling better.

Hang in there. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel .

coastalkaryn, I am so glad you managed to get a mental health plan.
You should get 5 free or highly discounted consultations. If you have private health cover you should be able to claim a portion of the cost of 5 from them too. I hope your treatment is successful. Treatment for some issues can be a long slow process, but be positive and you should acheive your goal.

Thanks so much ladies – I have a mental health plan, new GP and an amazing psychologist.

I have found that keeping my life as simple as possible certainly helps with reducing stress and anxiety. I would suggest writing a list of things that potentially are making you feel stressed and anxious, and of those things, how many of them are really essential. Can you remove some of the stressors in your life?

Naomi – great suggestions. I hope you find someone who will be able to help you and good on you for reaching out! You’re not alone, lots of people struggle to cope with daily things. All the best xx

Get your GP to create a mental health plan for you, the. You can see a Psychologist at a discounted rate for 6-10 sessions. Anxiety feels so debilitating but here is so much hope because therapy really can help. If the GP can’t refer anyone just Google psychologists or counsellors in your area, or look up the AHPRA website under psychologists.
cognitive behavioural therapy, gradual exposure therapy or mindfulness and others can be really good treatments to reduce your anxiety and get you functioning again. Anxiety sucks so I hope you find the help. Keep going! Xxo

Good on you for asking for help. Maybe somewhere like Lifeline could offer you some referrals? Otherwise, persist ith different GPs and / or get referred to a specialist.

I will pray for you that God will give your comfort. I know i will receive lots of hate for playing the God card but God is someone I believe and I find comfort and peace in Him. I have anxiousness and stuff but HIs love and peace reminds me that things are temporary but His grace is eternal.

First of all well done for asking for help, it can be hard to admit to having a problem. I agree with all the posts that suggest you ask a GP for referral to a specialist. If the GP is not helpful in this regard, or if you would like another option, may I suggest visiting the Beyond Blue website (https://www.beyondblue.org.au/). There are some great resources on there and they have links to directories of professionals that may help you find someone in your area that specialises in anxiety. Good luck.

I would ask to be referred directly to a psychologist or contact a local community health centre who might be able to refer you without seeing a GP. Anxiety and panic attacks are terrible and do effect every area of your life but good on you for looking for help. Good luck x

Being a mild anxiety sufferer myself , I do understand that intense worries , negative thoughts can be very crippling if not treated so it is great your are aware and addressing the problem. This is an illness so don’t be angry with yourself as a unfair to think like that . Probably best ask your GP to refer you to a psychologist specialising in anxiety disorders/panic attacks etc. The best GPs are the ones that listen to you ( hence a long appt is good ) and carefully examine you properly . I would also ask for a mental and psychical check to outrule other issues that maybe causing your anxiety ( eg hormones related etc ) . I think you get some free session as well under Medicare so check that out . Hope you feel better soon .

First of all give yourself a break and don’t be cross with yourself, you are doing the best you can. I’m guessing that is leading to even more anxiety? I get overwhelmed also and suffer from panic attacks and anxiety too. Did the doctor refer to you anyone, have you considered a psychologist to talk things through with (sometimes it helps talking with an outsider) and maybe help with stress management and relaxation techniques? Take care.

I would be asking one of the gps to refer you to a physiologist. They will be able to give you strategies to help.
Good on you for seeking help

Anxiety is one of the worst feelings in the world. I’ve been where you are, unable to drive or even go into a shop without feeling like the whole world was crushing me. I’ve had it since I was 15, half my life, and I’ve been on all the types of meds there are in the past and none of them helped. They actually made it worse! I found the best way to rid myself of anxiety is to eliminate as many stressful things as I can. Whatever is worrying you, see what you can do to make it better or ask for help from close ones. Medication seems to work for most people, and most GPs should know the basics about anxiety and depression and have a medication for you to try if that’s what you need. It won’t be forever! I hope you get some relief ASAP. xx

I just wanted to say that I think you are amazing for stepping up and asking for help. its not an easy thing to do. Keep trying different Doctors until you start to get answers.

Fake it til you make it was one of the best things I’ve ever been told. if you just smile for even ten seconds, your body releases natural chemicals that make you happy. Keep busy with things you enjoy and don’t forget to make time for yourself before everyone else

I feel for you, truly I do. My 12 year old daughter suffers from panic attacks and my 16 year old used to. There is no one answer to it but I always find that knowledge is power. Search for that doctor and don’t stop until you find the right one for you. It cannot be a regular GP, it has to be a specialist and try to get everything in writing too so that you can come away and read it later when your mind has stopped spinning. Clarity sometimes can come from the outside of someone who truly cares about you and your well-being because in times of panic and high anxiety the last thing on your mind is about being rational and logical. Search for that one person who can be the rational “you” in the times when you need it. You will know when you have found the right therapist/psychologist/psychiatrist etc, because they will fit into your way of thinking and you will feel comfortable with them. Do not settle for less than that because if you do it will hinder your progress. Just know there is help out there and there is a way out and it is hard work but well worth it in the end. I wish you every success and I hope it is easier for you real soon.

It sounds like you need your GP to refer you to a specialist. I truly hope you are referred to someone who can assist you now and into the future. Don’t be upset with yourself – some triggers are beyond our control and require time and assistance to overcome. Look after yourself and be kind to yourself, things will get better.

Maybe you’d find this website useful to manage anxiety. I used it a lot of years ago. It’s for free and it helps users to prevent and cope with anxiety and depression.
https://moodgym.anu.edu.au/moodgym
You register and then you can access their program based on Cognitive Behavior Therapy. They will teach you how to change your thoughts and your behavior to improve your life. Give it a try! I hope you will feel better soon!