Do I tell work and colleagues about my condition?

[Peter1]

My anxiety is becoming very noticeable to people around me. I do all kinds of things to disguise it and to avoid anxious situations, such as avoid meetings, wearing dark heavy cloths to hide my sweating. It's becoming unavoidable... seems simpler to just come clean. Any thoughts any one?

[Jeffju]

I know it sounds very simple but have you tried deep breathing.Taking 3 deep breaths, right from deep in your stomach can really help. Also, if you don't want to take medication try the Bach Rescue remedy, the 'sleep' one is very good as it calms your thoughts. These may help you.

[Hidden in reply to Jeffju]

My problem is I am a mental health nurse so I should no better. It got to a point at work were I just broke down and they were all very supportive. The way I look at it if it was a physical illness we wouldn't be so embarrassed but isn't this an illness? 1 out of 4 people experience some mental health problems in there life but most people try to hide it

[Hidden]

Hi Peter

Nice to see you have found your way on the new site , I saw you a couple of times on the old one , so good to see another face thats familuar

I dont work , so I dont have that problem , but in my everyday life , people that I have to have regular contact with , they all no

I have to no them well first , I dont just go round telling everyone , but its so easier once they do no , they may not fully understand what this is like , but it does help them & me as I dont have extra pressure having to cover up , which would cause me more anxiety

I have not come across one person yet in my every day life , that has rejected me because of my problems , infact maybe I have been lucky , as its worked the opposite

I think most people that meet me no everything is not quite right , especially as my anxiety gives me OCD , so I do think its a relief when I explain to them

Maybe try one person first that you feel a close connection with & slowly take it from there

Good luck & let us no how you go on

love

whywhy

xxx

[Hidden]

I think whywhy has given a very positive and good answer.

I reached the position you are now at some years ago.As has already been said,mental illness is very common but you cannot see it.If you had a broken leg your work mates would see it and have sympathy.

I am not ashamed of having a "mental" illness, So I told my HR Manager of my problem and every thing became a lot easier from then on.

Of course it does depend on the company you work for so only you can really decide what to do.

Good luck

Grog

xxx