Posted 2/18/2014 8:03 PM (GMT 0)
Well, we all have to start somewhere! :)
The reason I suggested a support group, is because that is an environment where not only is it okay and acceptable and appropriate to talk about your personal struggles with anxiety,....but in these outside groups, to do so is actually encouraged!
The work environment really isn't the best place, (in my opinion), to bring up such personal, and potentially quite emotionally charged, issues,-- such as anxiety and panic.
This is where that "small talk" comes in handy. If you just dive into a conversation with a co-worker, exposing to another some of your very personal and raw issues, --then absolutely, I feel, you may be setting yourself up for a potentially difficult situation from which to try and then extricate yourself.
The benefit of "small talk" is that it's universally accepted that it is what it is, there's nothing vital or earth-shattering being talked about, that it's a form of communication that's agreed upon as a "getting to know you" type of chatter.
By exchanging general, (and not deep, personal, political, private, or philosophical) topics, you are taking time to get to know another person, and let them get to know you....as a person (not as Anxiety on Legs)! You're building rapport on a basic level. The groundwork needs to be set if we expect to build a foundation of trust, and mutual interest.
Make sense? Well, that's my personal take on it. I'm sure others here will chime in with helpful thoughts for you!
M.