I Can't Work...

New here...really struggling with my anxiety. I've struggled with anxiety since I was in high school, and I'm 25 now. I've went from job to job, thinking the next one would be better. I've realized its my anxiety. The first few months are fine. Then once I get into the job longer, I panic. I feel trapped and can't get out. I've had to take a total of 2 weeks off now for my anxiety for this job. I started in November 2013. It's a high stress job. I'm an office manager. I like the pay of the job, but I'm so unhappy. I don't know if I'll be happy just quitting though. I want to so bad. I seriously don't think I can make it to work on Monday because of how high my anxiety is. I don't even know what is triggering it. I'm afraid if I ask for another week of leave, I will get fired. I've got my application out there in a few different places. I've got another interview lined up, but it's not as good of pay. I know pay is not everything, but I need to be able to support myself. I'm kind of venting here now, sorry everyone! Does anyone else have trouble going to work every day? The last few days I've been crying all day because I know Monday is coming. I just don't want to be a manager anymore, even though it pays well. I'm really lost right now. My doctor recently upped my Fluoxetine to 60mg and I take Lorazepam when I'm nervous.....nothing is helping. Please, someone help me or give me some advice. Thank you for listening!

Becky

Hi AB and welcome!

I am sorry to hear of your anxiety and work related stress lately.:(

Most of us have stress at our jobs I would say, but when it becomes more than we can bear...especially when we are doing all that we can to treat our anxiety, then we need to start evaluating what would be the best decision for our well being.

Since you have just made a med change, and you are just getting started with a new step in self-help... (I read that you are reading Lucinda Bassett's book in another post)

...I might consider giving yourself some more time to see if things improve...and your outlook about your job changes. Perhaps evaluating after 3 months could be a short term goal to consider.

Often self-help and/or therapy take some time to become effective and for change to be noted. I can really recommend therapy if you have not explore this options yet. It helped me more than I can say!

We also have a bunch of great coping skills, informative links and articles, and more book recommendations in our Resources here. You can find them on our main page, 1st post. Take a look and see if anything looks helpful.:)

Keep posting with us as well. Support is key in recovery, and we are always here to understand and listen.:)

Scaredy Cat

AB.,

I think that health and happiness is worth more than any position of power or wealth.:)

You will know in your heart the right decision to make for yourself.

Give it some time, make a list of pro's and con's regarding staying or making a change...and go with your gut.:)

Best wishes in whatever you decide!! Keep posting with us...

S.C.

Your friends and family are not the ones having to deal with the fallout of your anxiety...

Those who love you are going to be there to understand and support your decision, either way.

Take others out of the equation...and make this choice solely on how it is going to affect your health and impact your life and future...that is the most important thing right now.:)

S.C.

Becky-
I can't answer the question for you but I live the life you do- but I'm much older and have financial obligations that require me to stay where I am. I am in the position where my boss is retiring and people are suggesting that I step up to the plate and take over. As flattering as that is- my self esteem says I can't handle it and my heart says- don't take on the extra responsibility- you already have too much on your plate!
You are young. I think you don't have a family to support at this time.
Take advantage of your freedom.
Make a list of pros & cons of staying at this job.
Make a list of things you enjoy and think about what kind of job would support your hapiness.
Don't cut your nose off to spite your face.
Until you have a plan- stick this job out by knowing you are putting a plan in place.
I can't tell you how many times my job has felt unbearable but I pushed through and it plateaued again.
I wish you all the best!

Weary, how do you suggest I enjoy my freedom? I feel really worthless today because I had to take another week. But I physically can't handle it right now with the change in meds. Does anyone else feel like they can't work? How do you overcome it? Help :(

Thank you kitt. I think I will try the journaling. Then I can show my therapist what goes on in my head. I'll also try to think positive. Thank you for your words.

I wish it would go away now! lol :) But thank you so much for your help!

Thank you I will!

I definitely would rather just worry about myself. I feel being a manager is a lot of responsibility, especially when you are anxious. I have my own apartment and I need to keep a job that will support me and give me insurance benefits. So I do have some freedom but not a lot. I've got my application out there so we shall see. Thanks for the advice!

Thank you :)