What to do

GI822 · Post by **GI822** » Mon Jul 28, 2008 1:48 am

I have been struggling over the past 2 months as my anxiety worsened what to do with my job. I finally made a decision today to take some time off. I was so sick when I was at work, all of those classic anxiety symptoms, I had them. I decided that I can not be at work and feel like that. Now I don't know how long I will be off from work. Maybe a week, maybe a month. I wanted to know what suggestions, besides working on the program, should I do to feel better? I am nervous about leaving my comfort zone, so I was thinking testing the limits there. Does anyone else have any suggestions on what they have done to help them?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jul 28, 2008 6:49 am

For me I found that if I just changed a situation without a plan I became unmotivated and just sat around and waited for things to happen or change on their own. (they eventually will, but it may not be a very proactive way to go) I would set up some goals for the time off - It gets you to look forward to something and also helps you to feel you are taking an active approach to changes. Schedule a definite time for walking or exercising, make a list of foods that help anxiety and the ones to avoid, pick a movie one day a week that is uplifting, check out a new activity that you never thought of before - one that makes you uncomfortable (it gets you to get used to being out of your comfort zone), try meditating- you would be amazed at how many insights come when you are truly relaxed, accept the feelings of being uncomfortable when you're out of your comfort zone-don't fear them and they will go away. This is what I learned for myself out of trial and error and for me it works. I look at being uncomfortable now as a positive force and an opportunity for growth. Things fall apart sometimes, but out of the chaos will come order. Good luck on your journey and well wishes.

Paige... · Post by **Paige...** » Mon Jul 28, 2008 7:57 am

Hi Mary,

Thanks for the suggestions. The funny thing is being at home actually motivated me to go out.

I went to the post office at lunch. Apparently it is the busiest time and the line was huge, practically out the door. My first thought was leave and come back later. But I quickly changed that to stay. So I did. My stomach started to gurgle a bit but I waited it out and was able to send out my package and felt good after I left.

Second, I went to the grocery store and bought dinner. I then went home and thought why sit around. I drove to a gas station further from my house, not the one right down the street, and got gas. Then I decided to drive around for the next half hour and go about a 10 mile radius from my house. Then I thought I should set a goal for myself for mileage and go a little further each day. I even stopped off at a park and watched the geese for a few minutes.

I got home around 2:15 and went and took my dog from a 25min walk. I just got back and feel good. I think I will take a shower, clean, and start making dinner.

I think I will use your suggestions and set a goal for each day to inclue breaking out of my comfort zone, driving, and exercising. And of course, the program.

I know I won't be cured in a week but I know sitting around here all day doing nothing won't help.

Thanks again

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jul 28, 2008 8:23 am

Hey GI, Your anxiety over work sounds all too familiar. I have been working at the same company for almost 2 yrs. We are extremely small and I always made it a point to go above and beyond. I once joked to my husband that the only way I'd leave was if you dragged me kicking and screaming. Then something changed, and I still don't really know what. I began to dread going. I have a 45/50 min commute each way, I work about 8-9 hrs at my desk and the work began to feel extremely unfulfilling. I began to get frustrated with the things I worked on and angry at the people I worked for. I would have almost daily panic attacks and took immodium 2-3x a week (mon- fri) to get my thru the commute. I would cry and get depressed every morning. Then I started the program. I am currently in session 6. I am making huge strides in my personal development, but have yet to feel better about work. About 3 weeks ago I finally came clean to my boss and explained about my anxiety. Ive used up all my sick/personal and vacation days so I needed to tell my boss so he'd understand why I was taking off so much when I never used to. That was a HUGE stress relief to get it off my back. That might help you too - that way your boss won't put you in uncomfortable situations that you aren't ready for. That's causing most of your stress, right? Work makes you go out of your comfort zone.. that was my issue. I had no control over my day and it bugged me out. It still does, but everyday I force myself thru it. I found that listening to the CDs during the car ride helps too. It causes me to focus. And I always celebrate the little things (like I got upset again this morning but controlled the anxiety and didn't let it make me sick to my stomach)Also, maybe you can try looking for another job that you would find more fulfilling. That seems to be a sticking point in my situation. I think maybe the more fulfilled you are, the happier you will be with work. I hope some of this helps!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jul 28, 2008 8:31 am

Sounds like you are on your way and already know what you may need to do to help yourself. Good for you.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jul 28, 2008 8:58 am

Hi Starr,

Great feedback. It's good to hear other's similar experiences.

I feel the same way about my job. I love love loved it when I started. I made a lot of friends and enjoyed going to work everyday. We were in a nice office complex and I had my own office.

In Jan 2008 we decided to move our office because we were out growing our space. We moved down the street, in a small complex, with only one entrance in and out, in front of a busy street. The building we moved into was huge. The ceilings are 25ft and worse was they moved my dept into a suite, so we could close the door for privacy, but now no more offices just cubes. Now me and my co-workers are all grouped into this suite and we can hear everything each other says. At first, it wasn't too bad but then we hired 3 more people so now it's even louder.

I still enjoy working with everyone but now when I have anxiety I can't shut my office door or sit outside under a tree b/c either of those options don't exist anymore. When I go outside I just see cars flying by.

I just need to stop thinking negatively about work and work on being positive again. And also associating positive thoughts with work.