Severe work anxiety

[applejax7]

Does anyone else struggle with this? I haven't been working (aside from some delivery driving) since September 2022. I was working at a crappy job and it was inducing panic attacks so often I quit that position and haven't felt able to return to work since (I also had surgery in November that prevented me from working for 9 weeks). I just feel this gut wrenching, sickening, panic every time I think about work. Finding a job, interviewing, my first day, even my 100th day. I'm so deeply convinced I'm going to get fired for my mental health struggles that I feel like I should quit a job before they fire me. My partner has been supporting us solely since September, and I know it's difficult for him to do that. I feel so guilty, all the time.

[LilyAnnepuppy]

Welcome to the community. You’re not alone. There are plenty of people here to help you.

You don’t mention if you’ve been formally diagnosed. Or what treatment you’ve already had. Let us know a little more.

Keep posting.

[applejax7 in reply to LilyAnnepuppy]

I've been formally diagnosed with generalized anxiety as well as major depressive disorder. I take Zoloft for depression, and Wellbutrin and Propanalol for anxiety. I did 3.5 weeks in a residential setting in March and started a virtual IOP with them right after and have been doing that for 3 weeks.

[LilyAnnepuppy in reply to applejax7]

I have a Major Depression and Anxiety Disorder as well. My psychiatrist, therapist, meds, group support, exercise, prayer and meditation have me on an even keel. But it took a couple of years to get here. And I still have breakthrough fear and sadness, which I try to accept when they happen. I am in the middle of TMS sessions and that seems to be having a positive effect, as well.

Maybe in time you will start to see some improvement. I hope so.

[Hidden]

Depends how much of your struggle you explained and how good you've been on your good days. You might be only person that really fits in and they kept you this long so they giving you chance. Just try and explain your difficulties and take some time of to sort out if you have to but promise them you are comfortable and feel good about the job/position - say some favourable things like what is working well and you new and getting used to job Hope I helped

[EndUser13]

Welcome to the forum 🙂

Maybe not with work but sure I have formed negative associations with other things and then built them up to be massive hurdles for myself by fearing them, then avoiding them, and then fearing them more... and on.

[mizzou7016]

My job as a Corrections Officer is the source Of my PTSD and GAD. I deal with daily triggers as I've been on the job 25+ years...you learn to deal with 1 thing...1 emotion.....1 feeling at a time...Some days it is easy to do....other days I have to call in to work because my mind and body can not endure the possible traumatic situations. Have had a lot of days where I struggle to move from the bedroom to the living room...but luckily also I have a great support network and strategic plan when things go awry....hang in there..

[DMM1188]

I know exactly what you mean because I’m going through the same thing right now it is the worst. I actually got a note from my doctor allowing me to get extra help at work due to my anxiety affecting my physical health and they were sympathetic at first and helpful but now I’m getting nothing; I really feel for you.

[applejax7 in reply to DMM1188]

I'm really sorry to hear about that, I hope you're able to get some assistance again.

[Blue_81]

Welcome to the community! I feel the same way each day I go to work. Use to work for this program that was hectic and the person in charge just made my life miserable. I started getting anxiety because of that and still have them even now that I have moved on to another department within the company. I dread every day going to work. The first few hours its hard for me to start. I so regret not speaking up earlier because I thought it will build my character. Ha such jokes from reading books. If you can take it slow please do so. There is nothing more important than you. I notice that walking has help me to get through, any exercise will help. Not sure how to heal completely though, still looking for that answer.

[Boston001]

I wish I had some positive constructive advice for you, but I have been struggling with this very issue my entire adult life. "Just no you are not alone". I could go on and on. but in a nutshell, people are cruel to each other and bullies worm their way into positions of authority. In 30+ years I can honestly say I have never quit or been fired from a job where I know in my own heart that I was responsible, deliberate error, misconduct, careless error. Things don't always go as planned and people always pass the responsibility of the error to a person. If you get sick they don't care, you can be replaced. But if a machine breaks they do everything they can to get it repaired, and somehow if you are using that machine when a part fails you broke it. Then there are those people no matter what happens, they get a pass, and management likes them even if they have been dead weight for the past 15 years. I keep saying to my therapist, "Is it too much to ask for a job that pays the bills, in a safe healthy working environment, with people who respect each other?"