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Anxiety and employment don't mix

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 11/27/2012 7:47 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all.

My names Annette, im 32 and new to HW.

I have been dealing with anxiety disorder and depression for most of my life, but i was able to control it to an extent up until about 6yrs ago when i had a breakdown.

Everywhere i go i feel eyes watching me.

I look for the spot behind and furthest away from everyone if i have to be in a waiting room or a similar situation.

I haven't seen a doctor in years because just the thought of getting there and then waiting to see her is enough to send me into a panic attack.

I can't keep a job because im always on edge and feel like im going to have an attack any minute and i end up quitting because the constant state of anxiety while at work is unbearable.

We have unemployment and sickness benefits but i can't even apply for those because just thinking about the process and what it involves is, for lack of a better word, terrifying.

I find that if im in a situation where everything is on my terms, i know where everyone and everything is as well as when everyone arrives and will be leaving, stuff like that, im not as bad, but still feel the panic attack just waiting for the opportunity to take over.

Is there anyone else out there who has problems with employment due to anxiety? Are you still struggling with keeping a job, have you given up trying, how are you trying to overcome it?
Posted 11/27/2012 10:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Annette. I had a major breakdown last November and was in the hospital for almost three weeks. What you're dealing with is horrible but you're not alone. I read your post in the depression board so I'm aware you have a boyfriend and pets so fortunately you have support. I live alone and have no close family and friends but I do have income and don't have to work so I'm also fortunate.

What I'm doing to overcome depression and anxiety (mostly depression) is I'm taking a Mood Support Complex with St. John Wort plus a second Mood Support Complex with Theanine and other herbs. Also, a high potency multivitamin and mineral supplement. In summary, I'm taking a total of six capsules a day. I'm also eating much healthier avoiding bad fats, all junk food and sugar. Each day I get out and walk. All of this has helped a lot.

Since your avoiding doctors why not consider an all natural approach. It has helped me considerably. Before I took an all natural approach, I never had a good day. I'm now a lot calmer and I'm having mostly good days.
Posted 11/27/2012 10:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hi!

I've struggled for 10 years with job employment. I suffer from anxiety, as well as a number of other things, and that has made keeping a job very difficult. I am currently unemployed after a breakdown which led me to quit college and my job.
I see a counselor and a nurse practitioner bi-weekly/monthly but I still struggle with going places. If you have someone you love and trust, ask them to go to go to the therapist's office with you. They don't need to go to the actual session with you but sometimes having someone there to distract you can help you get through the first hard step.

Good luck!
Posted 11/27/2012 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi omorfi and welcome.

I am so sorry to hear of your anxiety struggles. You have received some great advice already, so I just wanted to welcome you and give a couple more ideas.

Is it possible for you to try some self-help programs to get you to the point of being able to go see your doctor? There are excellent DVD programs that can be purchased that you can do from home. There are also on-line versions. You could work the therapy in your comfort zone, then possibly be able to get out to see your doctor for medication and a referral for one-on-one therapy help.

I have also heard of therapist who Skype. Would this be comfortable and a possible option?

We are here to support you, so please post anytime. It is healing and helpful to talk with others who understand!

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 11/27/2012 9:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi guys, thanks so much for the support and suggestions. I haven't thought of natural therapies but that's something i will look into. I wasn't aware of therapy through skype. Is there a site with info you could suggest? Is it a free service available to anyone?

Cheers
Annette
Posted 11/27/2012 10:33 PM (GMT 0)
Here is a list of therapists, counselors, P-docs and nurses who Skype...but it is not free...prices are listen and vary

http://www.mentaline.com/articles/agoraphobia.aspx

We do have a couple of links in our Resources (main page, 1st post) that are free...but it is not tailored for the individual of course...but still worth a look.:)

http://www.moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome

https://ecouch.anu.edu.au/welcome

S.C.

 

Posted 11/27/2012 11:48 PM (GMT 0)
I have suffered anxiety/ panic since i was 17 (Im now 39) and avoided employment most of my life, sadly I am very dissapointed in myself, as I felt the fear of a panic attack was what held me back. I have 3 beautiful children and its time now for me to get back into the workforce, luckily i have a very supportive partner who has allowed me to stay home all my life and raise children (I did great at that!!!) and will support me either way, but at 39, im not letting this thing beat me. Slow steps, baby steps, youll get there. I guess I feel ive given in to it for so long Im starting to get angry at it, the monster that takes over, you get it!!! ive started working for myself, a small business, and feel very comfortable without having anyone to answer to, and it allows me the space and freedom to work on my mental health. Good luck and keep posting! I hope my post helps you in some way ;)
Posted 11/28/2012 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the info, Scaredy Cat!

Overcomingit, that's basically what im trying to do atm. I worked as a graphic designer for an online gaming company and did freelance graphic design as well before my breakdown. I slowly started getting back into freelance graphic design thanks to my bf's encouragement, as well as a desperate need to bring in more money as his income alone isn't enough with all the debts we have. If i can be my own boss and have control over the running of the business, i will feel much more comfortable in the working environment because i created it according to my needs. I realise that isn't the best solution, but its one that will allow me to at least start earning some money and maybe will start to give me the confidence i need to reintegrate back into society as a functioning member again.

It's pretty frustrating when you think about how many people take for granted the fact that being "normal" and not even thinking twice about everyday things that they consider so mundane, meanwhile for others being "normal" is a struggle. I remember what it used to feel like to be somewhat "normal" and i would be happy if i could just get back to that state again because anything's better than suffering and feeling alone. Even though i have the support of my bf who has stuck by me all these years, its still something i feel like i have to suffer through alone.
Posted 12/10/2012 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
YES!!! ME!! YOU SHOULD READ MY POST

AND LIKE YOU I AM NEW HERE TOO!!

omorfi said...
Hi all.

My names Annette, im 32 and new to HW.

I have been dealing with anxiety disorder and depression for most of my life, but i was able to control it to an extent up until about 6yrs ago when i had a breakdown.

Everywhere i go i feel eyes watching me.

I look for the spot behind and furthest away from everyone if i have to be in a waiting room or a similar situation.

I haven't seen a doctor in years because just the thought of getting there and then waiting to see her is enough to send me into a panic attack.

I can't keep a job because im always on edge and feel like im going to have an attack any minute and i end up quitting because the constant state of anxiety while at work is unbearable.

We have unemployment and sickness benefits but i can't even apply for those because just thinking about the process and what it involves is, for lack of a better word, terrifying.

I find that if im in a situation where everything is on my terms, i know where everyone and everything is as well as when everyone arrives and will be leaving, stuff like that, im not as bad, but still feel the panic attack just waiting for the opportunity to take over.

Is there anyone else out there who has problems with employment due to anxiety? Are you still struggling with keeping a job, have you given up trying, how are you trying to overcome it?

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