New job on Monday

[rachel913]

I start a new full time job on Monday and I suffer from constant anxiety symptoms. My most significant symptoms are persistent dizziness/lightheadedness/being spacey/off balance/

and detached. This career pays well, it's a great opportunity, and everyone in my family knows I'm pursuing this job. I'm completely mortified, second guessing myself, saying I can't do it, and I worry about failing everyone around me including myself. What if I can't do it because my symptoms are too intense to bare? What if I have a panic attack or pass out? What if I can't make it through a single day? What if I quit? I know my heart will be racing before going in the building and I will be extremely nervous on top of anxiety symptoms. At the same time I've never wanted anything so badly for myself in my entire life. I'm really stressed out.. looking for advice please and thank you xx.

[Agora1]

Hi rachel913, the first thing you need to do is rid yourself of those 2 negative words "what if". They are more harmful than good. They put that doubt in your mind that only leads to other negative thoughts.

Instead when facing a new challenge, we need to turn our negativity into positivity. The words we choose to use can have a big impact in how our mind interrupts it. Career pays well and great opportunity what a basis for a good start. So the job is not the problem.

Use positive reinforcement and affirmations for yourself. This is something I want, I know I can do it, I will not fail, I will put 100% of myself into this job of my choosing. It's okay to feel nervous on the first day but remember, these are new people you will be meeting and they do not know you struggle with anxiety. You can play act and be anyone you want. I would start practicing Self Confidence, Self Esteem by using YouTube..there are some good videos on how to achieve a confident feeling in yourself.

Keep only positive thoughts in your mind, whenever a negative what if appears, brush it away before it has time to plant itself. Use deep breathing to calm your mind and body while driving to work. Just before going into the building, take that extra deep breath and blow out slowly as you exhale tell yourself one more time that "you can do this" You've got it.

Stand tall, with both feet planted on the ground, walk confidently and smile. It may take you role playing for a day or two until you feel comfortable with the new setting. You are woman, hear me roar. Rachel I'll be watching as well as the others on the forum. We will be here in the background cheering you on. You can do this. I believe in you. Good Luck Rachel.....xx

[Indigojoe in reply to Agora1]

what if...................., a monkey flies out of her butt???

[Agora1 in reply to Indigojoe]

xx

[rachel913 in reply to Agora1]

it is so hard to get rid of the what if thinking.. seven months later and here i am still suffering the same symptoms... trying to learn acceptance, but it's challenging not to fear the way i feel.

[Agora1]

P.S. Listen to "The Fight Song" by Rachel Platten for motivational support.

[rachel913 in reply to Agora1]

such a good song

[Heruga]

Try to stop thinking of the 'ifs'. Thats the main reason why anxiety can really come up because you constantly worry about it. I know its much easier said than done, trust me I always say 'if' too but I learned not to think that way or else I'll really get an anxiety attack.

I started my first full time job back in January 2016. I was also very nervous. And guess what. During the orientation, I suddenly felt very lightheaded and dizzy and had to walk out of the room while the lady was still speaking. I tried to rush to the bathroom but everything in my sight was blurry I had no idea where I was going. I barely made it to the bathroom I should say. By the time I got myself back together I realized I was on the ground next to the toilet. I didn't even know how I got there. Thats how dizzy and lightheaded I was. Then next thing I throw up a couple times. Wasn't fun. After that I got so discouraged that an anxiety attack happened to me on the first day of work and worried that I won't last. But I am still here at this job and got quite comfortable. I guess its just a matter of time you start getting comfortable with your job and the people at your job. But I can say for sure that won't happen if you keep thinking the negative way.

PS: Agora beat me to it lol but see we both have the same kind of advice.

[rachel913 in reply to Heruga]

the ifs are what get you they really do. my current if is this - since i've been feeling this way for so long what if something bad is bound to happen to me anytime not as a result of the stress i've put my body under for years now? you're a trooper for sticking out a job, congratulations

[b1b1b1]

The first week or so of a new job does cause anxiety, even for the calmest person. You don't know your way around, don't know the people, etc. Co-workers usually understand this and try to be a little extra helpful. You will get through it. I certainly agree with the previous two answers, as well.

[rachel913 in reply to b1b1b1]

thank you xx

[Hidden]

What job is this ?. Everyone has doubts and everyone is nervous both of which you'll overcome. Living with your nerves is something you'll have to master while at work afraid to say.

[rachel913 in reply to Hidden]

it didn't work out.. but that's okay i will find one that will work for me.

[Penelopepitstop1]

Stay strong, the fear of it happening is the worst bit. Breath and concentrate on the moment, not on what might happen. You deserve a good future and career, embrace it. All the best

[rachel913 in reply to Penelopepitstop1]

the fear of the unknown is my worst enemy. not knowing what will happen even two minutes from now is stressful to me.

[menagerie11]

My suggestion is to take one thing at a time, one step at a time. Breathe, and tell yourself that you are calm and safe. Take time out when you need it (go to the bathroom). Starting a new job is nerve-wracking for anyone. However, you have to try....

[rachel913 in reply to menagerie11]

i tried and i failed.. but at least i tried. something will come along that will work for me eventually i'm sure.

[rachel913]

Thank you SO much to everyone who has given me encouragement over the past couple days. Tomorrow is the big adventure and I will be sure to give an update tomorrow night and let you know how it goes. Praying I can even make it through a full day xx

[Indigojoe in reply to rachel913]

What if, everything goes well? What if, you happen to have your act together and KNOW that this job is exactly what you need and want. What if, you don't have any symptoms? What if, you had to tell your little self how to handle tomorrow so that she would be successful?

I will be thinking of you tomorrow and I will send you peace and comfort from here! You WILL feel all of our peace. Post tomorrow when you get home, OK?

[rachel913 in reply to Indigojoe]

it didn't work out but hopefully in the future something will xx

[Daniellesparkles]

Breathe... I’m sure you’ll do great ! Your anxiety is understandable it’s a new job it’s ok your going to be ok

[rachel913 in reply to Daniellesparkles]

thank you xx