Stress Center Peer Support

I started my new job two weeks ago. It was a job I had five years ago, but we had to move so I had to quit. We've been back for almost 3 years. The lady who took my place found another job and they asked me to come back. At the time I wasn't working so it worked out perfectly. I had to go through a lot to get back out here (testing, drug screen, paperwork, orientation, etc.). It really put a toll on me. I had to drive over a bridge to get to these places, which I have issues with. For the first couple of days I was at my job, I was really nervous. I saw a lot of old faces and some new. I was excited to be here but scared too. After two weeks, I've gotten better at work, but every morning on the way to work, I have to stop and use the bathroom. When I'm at home I'm fine, but as soon as I leave the house, I have to find the nearest restroom. I've tried everything. Not eating, eating, watching what I eat, etc. But it never fails that I have to stop.

I've also broken out into a rash over part of my body. I constantly itch. I won't have insurance for another two months so I can't go to the doctor. I know it's from my nerves because it's happened before. The doctor has given me something to take for it, but I don't remember what it was.

Does anyone else have this problem?

I definitely don't want to give this job up, but I can't continue to live like this. What do I do?

Please help.

Daisey,

I've had similar experiences with my anxiety over the last two months. My stomach would hurt when I woke up and I would feel nervous before I left. I have a short drive to work but I always had to go to the bathroom before I left.

The only way you are going to calm your stomach is if you calm your mind first. Our stomach's don't have a brain so our brain is making our stomach react to what we are thinking and how we are feeling. I know easier said then done.

I currently am taking a short leave of absence from work because I was just so nervous and was struggling through the day. I am going to push myself everyday to do the things I don't want to do to make myself feel better.

You should just try and relax yourself in the morning and try not to anticipate that when you leave the house you know you will have to stop and go to the bathroom somewhere. It's mind over matter. Once your mind understands that there is no danger and nothing to be nervous about, your stomach should follow.

Good luck