Hey, dealing with bad anxiety lately. I have had 2 really bad anxiety attacks within a week.

Started a new job, was pressured into the job and had told my manager why I didn't want it, which was because its very stressful. Plus I have bad anxiety and depression which has been at bay until I started this job. I told them this was going to happen, but no one would listen to me. Have had 2 really bad anxiety attacks.
Asked by Lady
Answered
05/12/2022

I am so sorry you are going through this, Lady. Starting a new job is a big change and as such, any change, whether it be a positive one or a negative one, can cause stress. It sounds like you were pressured into taking it and that certainly doesn't help. You should always trust yourself and your limitations when making such a big decision. Now that you have taken the job, try to be patient with yourself, allowing yourself the time to learn your new responsibilities. A lot of times it's the thoughts that we are having about something rather than the thing itself that can be causing us the stress. What are some of your thoughts about your new job as you go through your day? Is it possible that if you start thinking about it a little bit differently, it might cause you a little less stress?

There is a technique called grounding, which you may or may not have heard of that might be beneficial to you when you feel like the anxiety surrounding your new job is feeling unmanageable. Here is how it works: you would look around and SEE 5 things and name them, then you would TOUCH 4 things and name them, HEAR 3 things and name them, SMELL 2 things and name them and TASTE 1 thing (a mint or hard candy can help with this :)) and name it. This can be very helpful for some people. In that moment of anxiety, it may be hard to remember these steps, so making a small visual that you can carry around with you can make it easier.  Another suggestion would be to cut out or at least cut down on caffeine intake if that is something that is a part of your daily regimen.

Hopefully, my suggestions can help you. Wishing you the best for your transition into a more comfortable space within your new job, Lady!

 

(MSW, LCSW)