coping with anxiety

[Pennythepuggle]

I am having to learn to cope with anxiety and a sleep problem. I also have to find a job.

I feel like my anxiety and mental state are making me not capable of performing a job.

I feel trapped. Like I can’t dig my way out.

when ever I do things they seem to create anxiety., I’m not sure how to do an interview let alone a job with this happening. I have been in therapy for quite awhile and been given coping skills but still have struggle.

[Kevo1]

Hi. It's tough isn't it. Bad sleep through anxiety is a bad side effect. What sort work are you going to be looking for, somthing you have longed to do, or just anything at moment. Anxiety has been bad for me mainly in work place. But give yourself a chance and think what you will gain. It is difficult to break the cycle, but your trying to do somthing about it. Well done

[Pennythepuggle in reply to Kevo1]

Anxiety was the result of the sleep problem, so far I have only been applying to what I have done before, but I am considering I may have to do something more simple just to get going again. I am just terrified to put my self out there because my brain is not working. I am going crazy with all the time on my hands . effectively, and I feel like I’m going to fall on my face. Also can only go to sleep after takingI a benzo medication. Brain feels so affected I’m. It myself. I am going crazy with the time on my hands yet it’s feels impossible to force a structured schedule. Open to hearing any solution.

[Kevo1 in reply to Pennythepuggle]

I wish had answer for u. I have problems getting into new working environment although different reasons from yours. I can only wish you well, hopefully you can get into a work place that works for you, and offers support. I honestly hope u find somewhere. Sorry I can't be of any help. Your not alone

[Existing in reply to Pennythepuggle]

I can TOTALLY RELATE to the lack of structure, and how I don't trust myself to be able to do it. Like I avoid making plans, just because I don't want to "fall on my face". That indicates the problem is more about my lack of practice with structure, and less about the ability to do a job, I think. It is for me, anyway.

[Existing]

Yeah, yeah, I hear you, and having been feeling this a lot lately, regarding my interactions with the world. I have been out of touch with the world on a regular basis for so long, and find myself questioning whether I'm actually capable of holding a real job anymore as well. ...But, I truly believe that's just my fear getting to me. I recently started with a new therapist, and let her know that I am literally on the other side of a wall from the world. Okay, not sure if that is truly literal or not, but I've been disconnected from engaging on a regular basis for years now. And because I'm alone, and on disability, I'm like in my own little world, having lost touch with a structured routine of getting up and going anywhere on a regular basis. So, I think naturally that's going to be scary for anyone,

I've let my therapist know that I need someone like a coach, someone to work with me more often to remind me how to get from 'here' to 'there'. That's what I hear in you-- that you can't even imagine getting through an interview let alone holding a job. Me too. But that means you have identified the problem, that maybe like me you need some handholding at first.

Where I live, we have something called "community support workers" (CSS) (for mental health) and because I have had one in the past, (they meet with u like 3 times a week for things like this), I knew that helped so much, and so I'm on the waiting list to get another CSS.

You might mention this to your therapist, and see if there is something similar available where you live.

I know for me, I need to practice in order to get past the fear. I will bet you can do the job just fine, if you can get your fear under control. Fear of what we are not sure of can wreak havoc in our minds. ♥️

[punkster]

I think that getting a job and going to work will help you in the long run. I worked remotely from home during Covid for about a year and a half and it wasn’t good for my mental health. As far as the job interview goes I would just go there and pretend that I wasn’t anxious or pretend I was someone else in my mind. You surely have it within you to pretend for the amount of time the interview takes. You will probably be very anxious at work at first, but I think that will pass when you get your mind on something else.