Coping while at work

[princesshalss]

Hi I’m new here. I’ve been struggling with depression and anxiety since I was in elementary school. I am now 23 and a manager at an urgent care. There’s days when I just break down and have to run to the bathroom to hide my tears from my employees. But I can’t keep doing that. I hate taking my time away from them and the patients. Can anyone offer suggestions on coping with depression or anxiety attacks while at work?

Side note: yes I already see a therapist and a psychiatrist. I take Effexor 150mg, Trazodone at night to help me sleep and Xanax as needed during the day.

[dom410]

I feel for you. This happens sometimes to me also at work. I struggled with it for a while and would even would have to run home... Do you have anyone at work that you can confide. In.

[princesshalss in reply to dom410]

No I don’t unfortunately. I am the manager there and try to keep myself together for my staff. I like being someone they can look up to

[dom410 in reply to princesshalss]

Yea that can be extra pressure for sure. But sometimes opening up helps alot. I'm an art director and I have had people under me.

One time one asked if I was ok and I matter of fact said not, really I have anxiety and panic attacks and while all they said back was I understand, is there anything I can do back. I felt a power. Maybe it was just me unloading the hidden burden. It was almost like I let go ov being ashamed. A few weeks later someone came to me and said they were having a panic attack and would I just talk to them for a minute.

[princesshalss in reply to dom410]

That’s amazing. I’m glad people understood and they can come to you having that mutual feeling of understanding. Maybe I should try reaching out to someone in my office I can trust.

[Dolphin14]

Is it too much pressure for you?

[princesshalss in reply to Dolphin14]

No, not necessarily. I mean some days can be crazy but I love my job and I love all the people I work with. I start thinking about outside factors in my life and then eventually I start telling myself I’m a failure and then I just get overwhelmed with the thought of no one needs to me and I shouldn’t be here in this world

[Dolphin14 in reply to princesshalss]

You just have to step into the bathroom and do some deep breathing. Try to pull yourself together and come out.

[princesshalss in reply to Dolphin14]

Thank you, I will definitely try this next time!

[RockClimbing]

Hello 👋 I’m sorry this is happening to you. I completely understand. I don’t know if this would help you but... when that would happen to me I would try a few minutes of guided meditation at my desk. I would put my headphones in and coworkers would think I was working on my computer, but really I was mediating. It helped me be able to get through the anxiety for that moment and move on. I use the Insight Timer App. Hang in there it’s Friday!

[princesshalss in reply to RockClimbing]

I really like this idea! I could also try maybe using the breathe app on my Apple Watch to sit and just take a moment to breathe. Thank you for this suggestion!!

[Hidden]

You are still very young to be a Manager, you will possibly feel and see many things that will upset you and possibly make you sad. It is important you learn how to suppress your feelings although you still need to be understanding and compassionate to those in crisis around you

I do not know if this will help, try taking a hidden deep breath and let it out slowly remembering you need to be strong and understanding. I also used to swallow several times and that seems to work as well. You are trying to divert your thoughts, most health professionals have the same type of problem, sometimes they turn part away and pick up some records etc from the patients bedside, this can help prevent the sad looking eyes been noticed. You will give yourself time to hold your feelings. Remember showing sympathy understanding and concern is not a weakness, it just shows you care.

BOB

[princesshalss in reply to Hidden]

Thank you I appreciate this advice! I will definitely try implementing this throughout my days when I start to feel this way

[Agora1]

Hi princesshalss, congratulations in having such a responsible position at the

age of 23 You seem to be well covered with how you are addressing your

anxiety/stress. I could only add one thing that may help. When you run to the

bathroom to hide your tears, use those few moments as some "me time" for yourself.

Take a deep belly breath, pull your shoulders down away from your ears and exhale

slowly saying "relaxxxx". Crying is good since it releases the stress hormones in our

body but may not be as appropriate at work. (plus you come back all puffy eyed)

When at home, I would start a daily practice of Meditation. I start each day with it,

again in mid afternoon and before bed. Your body will start responding and almost

looking forward to your time to regenerate. You're doing great. Managers need to

be told that too. Sending hugs xx

[princesshalss]

Thank you, I appreciate your kind words! And you are right I should take that “bathroom run” and turn it into me time instead of taking that time to dwell on everything negative going through my mind. I definitely should try to implement meditation throughout my day. I’ve heard a lot of positive feedback about it

[pink83737]

I know how you feel! My first job i had was so awful for me i’d always come home in a bad mood and put it on everyone else then make their days worse. i would even cry at work because i’d be so frustrated because i couldn’t do everything they expected me to do! it’s was so stressful and i did have a few panic attacks there...but i’ve found that praying helps me, and just trusting god that everything will work out the way it’s supposed to and i do my breathing strategies and grounding is super helpful! you can look up some coping strategies for panic attacks on pinterest! they have lots of cool stuff on there

[RCJH8610]

Curious question but have you ever been given an ADHD diagnosis? I ask because it is common that females be misdiagnosed with anxiety and depression when they are suffering from untreated ADHD. I was depressed and anxious from elementary on as well... diagnosed with anxiety and depression when I was 15 and have been taking Effexor since (going on 16 years). Two years ago I was formally diagnosed with ADHD and as soon as I began treatment with a stimulant (Concerta) the anxiety and depression have completely subsided. Just a thought. Good luck on your journey.