Working for the first time in 4 years - tips?

[honeymask]

Hey all,
Long story short I begin work tomorrow for the first time in four years. Also, we are in the middle of a move so things are just intense right now. I am so anxious, my panic attacks can be vicious and I am worried about what will happen if I have one at work. My employer knows that I have PTSD, but knowing it and actually knowing how it impacts someone are very different things. I didn't want to go into detail with him from the start, as I really need the job.
How do you all cope with anxiety at your job? I would love to hear any tips you have to share (⺣◡⺣)♡*

 

[blackemerald1]

Hi @honeymask - I hope your first day goes really well. For now I'd just suggest you concentrate on getting through the first day and settling in. Since I don't know the nature of the job etc., just a few general tips. Take a note pad with you for things that you must remember and don't want to ask again. Sometimes it can be overwhelming remembering everything and particularly with ptsd.

Make sure you you take your breaks and depending on what you do, take a walk, plug into some music or explore your workplace for a quiet spot to gather your thoughts whilst on a break. Eat properly. Drink plenty and try and have some realistic expectations and don't belt yourself up if you get something wrong.

Don't engage in mind reading as in 'my boss hates me' 'my boss thinks I am not up for the job' etc., Stop the negative self talk if it begins.

Having to move into a new home and starting a job is terrible timing. So for the most part concentrate on being prepared for work, sleeping, eating and just doing the really important things. Settling in at home will take longer bc you will be very tired I'd imagine. Don't allow yourself to get over-tired so sleep if you need it.

All the best! :hug:

 

[Abstract]

Good luck. Well done.
Agreed with Blackemerald. Specifically re breaks. I sip fizzy water with mint in it as a way of distracting my senses. A grounding pebble (know these?), Peppermint essential oil, A pashmina (wrapping tightly around me can look strange but if need it can be better than the alternative). Cold water on face.Affirmations. Radical Acceptance. Mindfulness. There is more but can't think at present. Brain on timeout.

 

[FauxLiz]

Not knowing what type of work you are doing my methods may not work but I have an office job. I listen to music in the background all day long. When I started this job and at both of my last two positions I joked with the other employees that if they heard me playing certain types of music to stay away it means I am having a bad day. This way I can cover just about anything from panic attacks, flashbacks/intrusive thoughts and other emotional dysregulation issues. You could try that but use headphones if they are allowed.

 

[shimmerz]

No idea because I haven't worked for 10 years. But....

I wanted congratulate you. Well done! Go gettum tiger!

 

[honeymask]

Hey all,
I am too exhausted to respond to each response separately, but I wanted to thank each of you for the lovely suggestions and encouragement (◠‿◠✿)
They actually called me in yesterday for my first day shortly after I posted this. I am a driver for an auto parts store, which means that I will be able to listen to music with one earbud in on drives but not when I'm back in the warehouse. I fared okay yesterday, though I was riding with other drivers who showed me how to do things. Today I am driving alone, and since I just moved to this state at the end of July I really don't know my way around, which gives me a ton of anxiety. I will be using GPS but also driving a company truck, which scares me to death. I know I will get used to it but I feel quite overwhelmed to say the least.
Eating has been a bit of a struggle; it's the first thing to go when I am overwhelmed and anxious. I would say that eating is the thing that I am truly struggling with the most right now, along with overthinking about how the next day will go. @blackemerald1 I appreciate so much the suggestion to not mind-read, that is a huge thing with me and it was good to be reminded xx

Thank you all for your support, honestly it means the entire world to me to have people that understand (‘∀’●)♡

 

[blackemerald1]

Oh well done @honeymask!

If food is an issue aim for things that are highly nutritious and self-contained. Fruit, boiled eggs, soups, chocolate. Drink water and keep hydrated. Avoid empty calories (sugar and starch) and go for foods that keep you full for longer. Make big batches of things and throw them in the freezer for later in the week.

Best of luck - you sound very conscientious so I am sure you will do this job very well. :hug:

 

[honeymask]

@blackemerald1 you are so kind! Thank you so much for your encouragement and suggestions <3 I really struggled Friday, woke at 3:30am and had panic attacks from then until I came into work at 8:30. I was up front with my manager, and he also has anxiety so he was very patient with me. I somehow made it through the day - a day I was certain I wasn't going to be able to get through.
Eating has been a bit better, I've had the weekend to recuperate and plan meals for the week that I might be able to handle. Thank you again for your kindness, it really has helped me through (⺣◡⺣)♡*