Stress Center Peer Support

hey all,
i need a little help! when i started getting my anxiety attacks i couldnt keep working hence stopped, seeing my therapist made me realise that the job was probably not something i was really equipped to handle at that time as i was not emotionally strong. btw i was a counsellor. its been about 2 years now since i have worked. i've been at home with my child who is just starting playschool for a couple of days. for those day i'm quite bored at home and want to work. i appled for jobs and got an interview. now i'm all nervous. i've been doing really well, and felt i need to tackle this, fear of returning to work, as i beleive that it will be my next challenge and step. however, i've been having OST like what happens if working is placing TOO much stress and i totally lose the plot at work and hurt someone, one of my ost is what if i do soemthing wrong at work that has legally consequnces and i have to go to court and then they put me in jail. mind you this job is only an admin position, yet my mind creates all these stories. but is it possible that going to work can place too much stress that it makes me go crazy and hurt someone or do something stupid. btw i just recently heard a story where is guy who was working lost it due to work stress and nearally throw something at a co worker, and he was diagnosed with stress and depression, see i'm scared what if work is too stressful and i do that.please help!! any advise will be appreciated!!!

is there anyone here that can help in this situation!

Hello!! I'm not so good about advice I just say things from my own experience. I think you have to change the way you are thinking about the job because all those scary thougt's will create more anxiety. Try to be calm and use the relaxtion cd and breathing exercises as often as you can. PLEASE talk nice to yourself instead of let yourself down. You never gonna hurt anyone it's just thougt's and they are not "real" you just folish your brain and that's get you more anxiety. PLEASE think about yourself in a more positive way you are gonna do this great try to believe that. I been in the same situation I didn't think I could do things but that was the stupid anxiety when I realized this and that wasen't me who was bad and I got the skills to handle this I've been able to do the things I want to do. Lot's of encouraging thought's and hugs to you!!

Hi Calmchange. My name is Erin and I too am dealing with a similar situation. I have not worked in almost 3 months now. One day at work i passed out and my co-workers called 911 and i went to the hospital. They couldn't find anything signafically wrong with me so i followed up with my doctor. My doctor ran another test (since i could only afford one) and it also came back negative. She had to assume it was only stress. Since this incident my Panic and depression has come back full force. I've tried to go back to work 3 seperate times and just couldn't do it. I am now realizing the more i wait the bigger the anxiety about going back is getting. You sound like you are ready to do something productive with your time and feel a sense of accomplishment. It's only natural to feel these feelings of anxiety when you've been out of work for so long. Everyone feels anxious when doing something new. My main advice to you is to just do it! It is the only way to tackle this issue. Don't let it tackle you. You will not do anything crazy at work it is just the anxiety trying to ruin you. Kick anxieties ass and tell it you want your life back! Another thing you can do to alleaviate some of these anxious feelings is to only go one or 2 days a week and over time once you feel more confident add a couple more hours. You can also tell your employer of your condition. Most people i tell about my issue are very understanding and accomidating to help me feel more at ease. Just try to relax and you will be fine. And remember IT ALWAYS PASSES!!! Well i hope this helped you out let me know how things turn out.

~Erin~

thank you so much!! that really helps! i will let you know how i go!

guess what i managed to attend the interview without any panic. admittingly i worried i might get panicky but guess wht i DIDNT. i actually ended up enjoying a train ride to the city attended the interview and then back home again. i hope this helps others!!! beacuase i know for me hearing stories like this give to confidence to try and challenge my fears!

Congratulations! I read all the posts and this is great! I am so happy for you! When I hear things like this I am so lifted up! I just recently started having an issue going to work. I want to conquer this fast. Your story is so lifting!!! Best wishes on getting the job!