Stress Center Peer Support

So yesterday morning I finally went to a job interview. I was so happy that I went through with it, and felt great after...very accomplished.

However...now I'm super anxious because I think I'm gonna get the job. Crazy, right? Going to the interview was no biggie because my brother took me and sat right outside in the car, so if I needed to I could escape. If I get the job, that's it, I'm there...no one in a car waiting for me if I feel icky. All this is making me very anxious...I woke up today feeling the worst I've felt in a long time, I didn't even feel this bad the morning of the interview, just got up, got ready and went.

About a half hour ago I almost called someone to take me to the hospital because I'm so dizzy and weak feeling. I've calmed myself down a little and am trying to relax but I've got so much pent up anxiety flowing through me right now. I've listened to three different relaxation audios, but I'm still super wound up.

Why can't I just be happy for myself that I may have just gotten a really good job? Why am I scared that I'll have to go to a place I've been a bunch of times?

Can someone who's fought through the anxiety and gone to work please tell me what I'm doing wrong?

Hi, Lil Bit (cute name!). I'm going thru the program - on week 8 right now - anticipatory anxiety. I can relate to everything you're saying - it's like we want to undermine our success! It's also very normal to do this, according to Lucinda. Also, just know that it is normal to feel anxiety about a new job (it is a big stressor even for those w/out anxiety problems) but you have to walk thru that "anticipatory wall" of anxiety and do it anyway. Will it be hard on your first day? Yes, probably! Will it get better as the week goes on? Yes! The main thing is to get out there and do it! Facing your fears is the only way to overcome them! I've had to go to some meetings at work recently that I dreaded and feared but I did it anyway and felt proud of myself for going, and you can too! Good luck!

Lil Bit....hopefully my story will help you. I was working at home for 6 months being the agoraphobic I am. Then all of a sudden the guy i was working for laid me off. I had to go out and get back to an office type setting. I too went through the interview process and felt very excited and accomplished. My first day of work on the other hand was hard. I was very anxious, and i told my boss that he could work me part time if he wanted, and i was really hoping to get let go. BUT I KEPT FIGHTING THROUGH THE UNCOMFORTABLENESS !!!!!! After a few months I was able to go to work everyday without throwing up, or getting anxious. I also attend meetings now, and have taken on a lot more responsibilities.I look back on it now and think it is rather silly that I was ever that nervous. I hope this helps, i don't have any secrets to help you, other than to tell you to keep fighting and the feelings will subside eventually.

Wow, what a great story, Mike! That really encourages me and I'm sure Lil Bit will feel the same. You did exactly what Lucinda tells us to do in lesson 8 - just do the thing you fear. It will be uncomfortable but eventually you will gain confidence and the fear will go away. It's so good to hear when people succeed...