Anxiety - Sartell,MN

I agree with previous posts about seeing your general practitioner to rule out some other physical issue that might cause an increase in anxiety, but if you are prone to depression or anxiety you have enough in your work life to push you into a negative place. A referral to a therapist would be the next step.

I would also consider possibilities that allow you to leave this new position. If it turns out that your anxiety is triggered by the high stress of your job and it's enough to effect you to this extent, you need an escape hatch that involves leaving the job. Your previous position might be filled, but that doesn't mean you are trapped in your current situation.

ETA: J. S., please don't disparage someone for discussing suicidal thoughts by saying it's for "dramatic effect". Saying cr*p like that is exactly why so many people struggle with depression alone instead of seeking help.

Stress is stress - who cares if it is a "first world problem".
And what does that mean anyway?
Like other worlds don't have stress?
Anyway - you need to see a doctor..
When I was all wound up for awhile trying to be super Mom I had my day planned out in 15 min increments from 4am to 10pm at night.
I wound up on Zoloft for 6 months and it helped the hair on the back of my neck to stop standing on end all the time.
See a doctor, talk about how you're feeling, then see if he recommends an anti depressant for awhile.
There's no shame in needing a bit of help to get your brain chemistry back on track.
You might need to be on it longer or until you find another job since that is the source of your stress.
Get some help!

I was in a job situation where I was feeling extreme anxiety..... I ended up going back on medication to handle the anxiety. (I worked in a big box store as a department manager, and one of the managers was coming down really hard on one of the main areas, including the area I worked.) It was so bad that I couldn't go into the building without anxiety symptoms!

You may need some medication to get through this rough patch..... it worked for me, and a year later, I no longer needed the medication. There is nothing wrong with using medication properly for a short time. Otherwise, think what the added stress is doing to you and your family!

Please go see a doctor about this... they can evaluate it properly and get you the help you need.

Hugs.... you will get through this. I did, by ultimately changing jobs a couple of years later.

Sounds like some counseling is in order if these symptoms are new. If not new, start with primary physician for some bloodwork. My husband met with a psychotherapist for a year to help him deal with a job that was causing him stress and anxiety. It was all about coping skills and training your brain to stop the negative self-talk. Oftentimes this is all one needs. Sometimes, though, meds are needed in addition to the therapy. Hang in there!

National Suicide Prevention Hotline
1800-###-###-####

I was the same way about driving right a after I had my daughter. I would be anywhere from just extremely anxious and tense to having a panic attack just being a passenger, and there was no way I could even consider driving.

It turned out at my hormones were out of whack. (After birth.. Go figure. Lol. I was also dealing with a lot of stress after having moved cross-country, dealing with a major falling out with my best friend of 20+ years, working a new job, and detailing with pregnancy/newborn issues. The stress I was under made it nearly impossible for my body to re-regulate my hormones on it's own .) Anyway... I wonder if maybe the stress of your new job (and then the stress of dealing with the anxiety on top of it) may have thrown yours? I would definitely get it checked out. Maybe see your PCP first, and see if there is anything physical going on to cause this. If not, then I would explore other options like a therapist.

I give you a lot of credit for recognizing that you are feeling this way and wanting to make some changes. Asking for help is huge. The first thing I would do is schedule an appointment with a therapist. I've seen a therapist on and off over the years for similar situations and it's helped me more than I can begin to describe. The next thing I would do is make sure that you are getting some time to take care of yourself when you are not at work. A weekly or bi-weekly yoga or exercise class. Exercise is huge for managing depression and anxiety. The endorphins are wonderful. Make sure that you are processing what is bothering you about your job. Talk to your husband, to a friend/s and definitely a therapist. You are NOT a burden. In fact, most of the time friends would like to help. That's part of their role--to support. You are NOT alone in having anxiety. Many people do. The key is to learn to manage it so that it doesn't take over your life. You are on the right path to addressing it.

Welcome to mamapedia!!

We have another J. G - and she's a SAHM so I had to look just to make sure I wasn't losing it!

You REALLY need to see a doctor. Get a full physical and tell him/her what you are feeling. Sorry - but considering suicide is serious stuff. You may not THINK you'll ever do it...but if you get low enough? You will. You will NOT see a light at the end of the tunnel. You will not feel any hope and that tug to just make it all go away will be VERY easy to reach out and do.

As to your job? BREATHE!!! STOP!!! They wouldn't have hired you if they didn't feel you could do the job. Period. Now you need to tell that voice that is telling you about the 'big shoes you need to fill" to shut up.

You are going through a learning curve there and most everyone has this anxiety when starting a new job. Yours is just a tad more pronounced.

Please seek help. You CAN do this.

This is real. Very real. Do not try to wish or organize it away. Whether it is anxiety or depression, it should be discussed with your doctor. Immediately. Before you visit the doctor (today, hopefully), write down your symptoms exactly as you have done here. As written, they sound like a prescription will decrease the symptoms that are getting in your way of dealing with this change successfully. Ask the doctor what the lowest dose you can start with is, and try it. And remember that some medications are short term. I've seen them help immediately, set the person's situation right, and not be needed ever again. All my best.

I think it might be time to talk to a professional.
Good luck!

I just went through the most difficult, anxiety-producing job-related situation I have ever experienced. It wasn't bad, but it tested my self-confidence and left me feeling extremely anxious. I took anxiety meds for the duration, knowing that I'm not the type to get hooked on them.

To tell you the truth, I'm not sure that the med itself actually did anything; it might have been more the placebo effect. But just knowing that I had a pill in my purse to 'help me though' when I got too anxious, made all the difference. And then I got through it.

If it is truly the job that is causing your anxiety and all other aspects of life seem okay I would choose a new job over medicating myself any day of the week! If it starts to creep into everything else once the job situation is resolved I would seek a therapist who specializes in panic and anxiety.

When was your last complete physical?

I think it might be time to get one if you haven't already.

Seek help from a mental health professional. Sounds like it is time for some outside support. Let the MHP and your physician decide what strategies a and medication, if at all, can benefit you.

I would also start to consider if the job is worth all the stress you and your family are experiencing?

Best of luck to you

I think you should make an appointment with a psychiatrist and talk to them about a daily anxiety med. There are MANY different kinds out now that don't have any side effects. You could even take one only when you're feeling completely anxious.

Your body gets used to responding like this then every little thing triggers this response.

By taking a med to curb the attack you are training your body to not do them anymore. Also having someone to talk to, to get to the root cause, the trigger, will help them go away forever.

Hang in there. I had a similar issues last year. I returned to work after being a SAHM for many years. I was good at my job and really enjoyed it. After a few months I got promoted and my new job included teaching classes and talking in front of an audience. I was terrified. I was terrified of public speaking since I was a teenager and I always avoided situations where I had to talk in front of an audience. However, I loved my job and wanted to keep it. I had many sleepless nights and before my first class I couldn't sleep properly for nearly a week. I could barley eat or think about anything else except day x, when I had to teach my first class. I thought about just quitting and giving up. The first class was really hard and scary but I survived, the second class was hard too, so was the third and the fourth, etc. After a while things good easier and I really started to enjoy teaching and best of all, I lost my fear. I was so proud to get over my fear and to do something that I didn't think I ever could. It was a huge boost to my self esteem. It will take time, but I'm sure after a while you will be excellent at your new job. Give it at least a few months before giving up.

Just like many others suggested, I would maybe see your doctor who could possibly give you some medication until you have gained enough confidence to go without.

L-theanine is an amino acid supplement. You can get it at the vitamin store, whole foods, etc. It's like green tea in a pill. It's good for stress and anxiety. A couple of counseling sessions right now wouldn't hurt either just to calm your fears. The fact that you are worrying about whether you will be good enough, tells me that you are a very conscientious person. You have what it takes to do this! Maybe go to the bookstore or amazon & grab a book. Couple of suggestions: Boundaries & When I say no I feel guilty. These are both great books to help you with "hard to deal with people".

God bless!

J.,

I understand, going through this right now myself. Go to your Doc and have them do a blood work up, see if any levels are low like the B12. Second, see if there is something he is willing to give you to help you relax a little. Next, exorcise, hobby's etc are all great ways of getting through this. Also, talking.. to us, to your friends.. that is what helps you work through stuff like this.

Count your blessing, find a few things ever day that you are thank full for. Look at old pictures and remember good times. A glass of wine could also help, as can a nice massage. Find a friend that you have not seen in a while, have coffee with them. all of this can help you get your mind off the worries.

Of course the rational thinking, worry does not change anything just takes away the moment we are in now.

Keep reaching for help, and relax things will be fine.

Good luck.

Most definitely try meditation and see your doctor.

Your anxiety isn't any less important because you have a roof over your head and food in your mouth. Everyone has something. Your feelings are important. Reach out and get some medication short term if needed. If your company healthcare has a nurse line call and speak with them. Maybe use your company's eap because that's what its there for. If you are able to take some time for yourself every day try taking a walk before work or after to help clear your head. Or play some mindless online game. If you knit that's a great way to quiet your brain.

Please know that they've given you the job because you are good enough. You will do a great job. The person that did it before you did his/her best. Now its your time to do the best you can do.

oooof! that's a LOT of anxiety over a job! i would definitely go talk to your doctor about counseling and medication. a different job would be a great thing too. but you do need more coping techniques if you are not able to put the job in its proper box and enjoy your life outside of it.
good luck!
khairete
S.

Are you absolutely SURE it's 100% the job? Were you perfectly happy before that? Were you EVER prone to anxiety before that? If you have always been completely content and in control of your emotions and well-being, but now for the first time EVER you have unbearable stress from this position: Then quit the job. Live on one income. Do whatever it takes to get away from something causing you that much anxiety. No matter how difficult the job is, you were hired for it, so obviously your employer feels you can do it. And with methodical hard work, you can. But if it's shaking your core because you hate it so much that it's making you a physical wreck: Then don't do it. Or give yourself a deadline, like "I will quit in 3 months if I have done my best and it's just not working out" so you don't feel so trapped...

If you think you have a bigger problem, spread more evenly over your life, then get help right away from professionals who may be able to medicate you and offer other sources of relief, therapy, etc.

I totally understand your anxiety and your feellings of helplessness. I've been there. While people seem to use meditation, exercise, or medicine more-- as a piece of advice I would advise if you believe in God to just turn it over to him.Not always simple at first but say God I am asking you to take care of me and this situation today,. And turn around your words to yourself, instead of saying will I, can I? say I am capable, I am just learning and the only way I will learn is if I trip up. And if there is a bully in this situation (which is often is) who is helping you feel that way, look them in the eye and tell them to cut out whatever they are attempting to do to make you feel inadequate. Good luck!

J.,

I suffer from anxiety as well. I used to have wicked panic attacks, even.

I started a new job 3 months ago, and have a super intense boss as well. I have spent a lot - way too much- time worrying about my newbie mistakes, feeling sick to my stomach, stressing out about the job.

One of my co-workers suggested a book by Dale Carnegie, which I would recommend to everyone: How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. It is a fantastic read. I love the way he writes, it is full of interesting stories, and it really has solid advice on not only WHY you should stop worrying but HOW you can, as well. I feel that I am already doing much better, thanks to this wonderful book.

It also helps to know that so many other people go through the same thing. Many of my colleagues that I look up to have mentioned how sick to their stomachs they used to feel when they first started doing (fill in the blank). The more you do it, the easier it gets.

Also, a new position takes quite a while to get used to. Give yourself time! While it depends on the job, I would imagine it will be 6 months or more most people feel fully trained and capable on the job.

If you are feeling like you are going down a spiral where you consider self-harm, definitely talk to a doctor. I took Zoloft for about 6 months, when I was thinking about harming myself a few years back. It was amazing how much the medication helped. I was able to wean off after a few months (I think my episode was related to pregnancy hormones) but I am so glad to know it is an option if I ever start feeling that low again.

Good luck to you! Truly- call a doctor, check out that book, and give yourself time. I always tell myself I can't expect perfection of myself. All I can do is be the best I can be, and I really do, and I know that it shows in my work, even though I make mistakes still. It's okay!

Talk to your doctor or a therapist. There's no shame in taking care of your mind as well as your body.

I developed anxiety when I needed to have my last surgery. It was so bad that the tranquilizer I was given before the general didn't kick in and I asked my parents to bring a lawyer to the hospital to update my will because I thought I was having a heart attack. I had a panic attack that canceled the surgery! That's when I finally consented to medication. Took about three weeks to start really working. Still tinkering with the dose. Well worth it. Hope you feel better soon.