deathly afraid of going to work!

Holly J · Post by **Holly J** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 7:29 am

I am so terribly frightened of going to work. I either get panic attacks or just get BAD anxiety symptoms. Shortness of breath, dizziness, faint, hot sweats, feeling like i need to escape etc. . . i know i have to work but i feel like i just cant. i work today and i feel like i'm about to jump off an airplane. I work at one of the busiest starbucks ever and its always standing and moving around a lot in front of a bunch of people. I am having the worst time with this. I feel shortness of breath a lot lately, even at home because i know i just have to work the next day. im frightened i wont be able to breath normally again and since i am paying half the rent for mine and my boyfriends apartment it like i HAVE to work! so i am just a huge mess right now and dont know how to feel better at work. everyone seems to know that i have anxiety at my work but they dont know how bad and i feel like they think i am making it up. has anybody been so scared of going to work like mine? what do i do??

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 7:39 am

Hi Holly, yes I to am afraid to go to work. I have to force myself everyday and just do it. I know it is very hard but listen to your tapes, take it slow and most of all know nothing is going to happen to you. Whenever you get the chance bring your self back to center with deep breathing and telling yourself you will be ok.

I will keep you in my thoughts and good luck

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 8:08 am

Good for you well both of you for going!

I work also and some days can be challenging but how wonderful to be earning our own money! You will breath normal again and remember the more you think about your breathing the more you'll worry.Take a deep breath and hold for a second slowly let it out remember where you are and all you have is that moment.

And to your customers you are their hero! Try being friendly and chatty that can really help!

Take Care and SLOW down!

J

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 8:20 am

Hello.
I work in fast food right now, and my first day was terrible. I cried, and felt like everyone was looking at me like I was weird. I have found a spot at work where I feel comfortable, and it doesn't bother me to go in anymore. Maybe you could see if your boss will let you try a different position, one that would make you feel more comfortable? It might help...

BeatAnxiety07 · Post by **BeatAnxiety07** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 8:20 am

the thing is is that i am so out of breath i feel like i cant talk because i feel out of breath basically and it takes all my air to even talk. im scared ill feel ill have to pass out and it'll be this big deal and i dont want to make a scene. . i have done that once at wrk in march and somebody had to take me home. i just dont know how to make my breathing back to normal and act like a normal human being again and not be afraid of work. my head feels so dizzy and even my nose feels tingly. its weird. and these panic symptoms last all day. . . not like 15 min how they say a panic attack lasts for. its awful. i feel like im living in hell.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 11:10 am

Holly,

I really do get it. I have a lot of general anxiety like that the kind that just hummms along with you. The more you face it the better it will get. So what it away...that's what I have to do with my what ifing thoughts what if this happens SO WHAT! right?

Tonight and tomorrow I am facing some big challenges and I just keep pushing it is a battle but every time you fight through it is a victory...even if it doesn't feel like it and even if it wasn't perfect or how you thought it would be.

I also know the feeling of it being a living hell trust me...but look at the good things in your life take a slow and deep breath. You are worth it! Worth your life and worth peace!

You are doing it, even when you think you aren't!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 12:52 pm

I have had my anxiety for about 5 years off and on now. I origionally was told to not work and didn't for several years. I done pretty well and decided to go back. Again my symptoms came back. I seem to find anxiety every time I try. I just don't know.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 4:40 pm

Anneteew, so did you feel fine when you were not working? And how does one survive when they are too anxious too work? I feel the same way as you. I keep going to work yet it never gets any better. seems to have been getting worse.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 6:00 am

Originally posted by blessedmomto3a:
I just wanted to tell you how brave I think you all are for working at "real" jobs. I work at home right now and have for years. I was blessed years ago to find this job through a friend when I became sick with Lyme disease. I really am unable to try to work outside the home right now b/c I am mostly housebound and don't even drive. I have tried many jobs through the years with my panic to work and it was VERY difficult to keep jobs. I would have to have a "safe" area at work and "safe" people. But, Lucinda teaches us that we are our safe person - I am still working on this! I would just take my day moment by moment and try not to focus on the "whole" day at once. I am sorry I am not much help, but wanted to tell you that you are successful for even trying and just going out there everyday! Remember to pat yourself on the back.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 7:14 am

Thank you (-: