Work Fear

[Wes43]

I have an extremely fear of going back to work I have always been a hard worker always the one to get promoted. My anxiety is way out of control lately I have passed up so many good jobs I will be homeless soon. If I am around large bunches of people I sweat so bad and get deathly sick to where I cannot function I don't know what I am going to do it is not normal I am going to lose my home soon over this.

 

[Mim28]

Hi Wes43. Let me first offer a hug if you want it. I feel like you are reciting my words. Can I ask a couple questions? Are you in a field that you enjoy? Do you have a Therapist and have you spoke to them about your feelings? Have you discussed taking medication that can help reduce your symptoms.
Please know you are not alone.

 

[Wes43]

Hi Mim28 I usually work hard undesirable factory jobs where there is always conflict of some sorts and degrading supervisors. But My doc has prescribed meds and everything was fine for a while and now everything took a turn for the worse.

 

[Mim28]

Is it the work that took a turn or your ability to deal with it or both?

 

[Wes43]

You know it's kind of strange I was starting to do well again then where I was working a while ago everyone was so bitter and judgemental towards others I guess it just broke my spirit I guess but I have always had problems around large groups to the point of collapse.

 

[Mim28]

I know how that feels. Toxic feels of others really brings me down and I have to work hard to keep it away from me.

 

[Killashandra]

Hi Wes43,

I am dreadfully sorry to hear of your circumstance. everything you have said in your first post, apart from losing your home, applies to me also.
I am unsure of the insurance world in America but do you have loan protection? this would help cover your repayments for a while..

Personally, if you would like to hear, I have been unable to work for 12 mths now, I was put on medication to start with and tried to return to work at the beginning but it made me worse, I haven't been able to go into public at all without a support person with me at all times.. yep I need a babysitter.

I began seeing a different doctor about a month ago and he has prescribed a bunch of different medications that I take now and each one is designed to deal with each of my symptoms. it might be a good idea to discuss this with your doctor.. with my original doctor I was prescribed just one antidepressant and it wasn't helping at all. it seemed to me that they thought I had all the time in the world to recover but time is running out for me, my employment won't be held much longer, I'm not sure if I want to go back though.. it was work that put too much pressure on me to advance when I was happy where I was.. they threw me in the deep end when they had management issues and I had to take the role of assistant manager for a spell.. the thing is I know my limits!!!

The meds I'm on now are helping a little more than before.. I am now on and antidepressant, a mood stabliser and a beta blocker,the beta blocker is helping me venture into public without drawing too much attention to myself, I shake uncontrollably, sweat and have this look of a scared rabbit on my face. my main concern is escape routes!!

Seeing a therapist has also helped a get deal, with cognitive behaviour therapy and just listening.

I hope this helps I know how debilitating it can be. my fingers are crossed for you and I hope you get through this without losing everything .

All the best Killa

Oh and maybe a little mental first aid kit would be a good idea, a little card I made up to help, it has things like breathe... assess the situation... assess triggers that may have casued your reaction, your relaxation technique. etc just write it down and have it in your wallet. or car or home or all of the above.. lol ☺

 

[Wes43]

Hi Killashandra thank you for your reply I have to say people think I'm so weird by sweating and shaking but I do to extreams. I have a support dog I wish I could take her to work with me so bad but factory's do not allow them lol. But that dog is my life she helps me get out more often. My biggest issue is people can be so mean and cruel that's my biggest fear.

 

[Killashandra]

Hi Killashandra thank you for your reply I have to say people think I'm so weird by sweating and shaking but I do to extreams. I have a support dog I wish I could take her to work with me so bad but factory's do not allow them lol. But that dog is my life she helps me get out more often. My biggest issue is people can be so mean and cruel that's my biggest fear.

That's the biggest issue huh, people look at you as if your a drugged up piece of poop. people stare and make rude comments passing by. it's just ignorance and fear. But it really doesn't make us feel any better, I've had 4 people in the past 12 mths ask if I'm ok when I've had a breakdown in public. .. and my volunteer group don't even acknowledge my issues... Mental health issues are taboo and even worse when the physical symptoms manifest themselves.
I don't have a support dog but I have a support cuddle toy.. :woot:
I don't think that would be allowed either...

 

[Bear74]

Hi Wes,
I really feel for you. That really takes guts to put yourself in a job setting, where you know you will experience distress and anxiety. I am struggling to get the courage up to start going out to get job applications. My biggest fear is not trusting my future coworkers and all the drama that goes along in a workplace. I hope you find the strength to endure your stress and manage to reduce it. Take care.

 

[Killashandra]

... I was venturing into a school to pick up some children I know... I didn't realize it was going to be nearly the whole school there.. so anxiety kicked in big time..I had a little kid pass me by with his mom and I was clutching myself around my arms, he said in a loud voice, it's not even cold mom... lol at least I know now what I look like.. lol

 

[aut555]

Hi Killashandra thank you for your reply I have to say people think I'm so weird by sweating and shaking...

The profuse sweating, l know on the west coast, they maybe able to inject something to help with that. Not sure if that is a issue or not but it may help. Sometimes meds no longer work, it maybe time to tweak your dosage or try a new med. This does happen but we get more wrapped up in the emotional aspect of it.