Anxiety

I have a pretty server anxiety disorder and it is now effecting my job. I had to tell my manager I can't handle working on Fri/Sat anymore because of all the people. I broke down to some co-workers about what's been going on in my life and about the anxiety, etc. It's just really embarrassing. On Friday I had a huge 3 hour panic/anxiety attack that made it so I had to leave work. I said I could work Sunday and Mon-Thurs but I am just worried I still won't be able to handle that... and I am afraid my scheduling manager is going to give me not very many hours. She is kind of mean sometimes. I've tried breathing exercises and taking my anxiety meds and nothing seems to help me get rid of it. It's like I am constantly anxious, with times of extreme anxiety.

Hi itspeaks I'm so sorry you are going through this. I can definitely relate to the constant anxiety with frequent panic attacks. I was going through something very similar just recently. Whatever I was doing, I could not seem to escape the anxiety feelings and I was having all kinds of physical symptoms all the time. My heart really goes out to you because I know just how miserable this is!!!

Do you take any other medication besides anti-anxiety meds? I'm wondering if you take an anti-depressant? Some anti-depressants can help with anxiety also. So perhaps you could talk to your doctor about that?? I was also wondering whether you are in therapy at all? Since there there are certain types of therapy which can help with anxiety disorders. Perhaps you could also try and Anxiety Group?

I really hope you can get some more help and that things start to improve for you

(((ItSpeaks)))

I see a counselor that I've gone to for over 2 years, and also a nurse practitioner who gives me my meds. I am on abilify, and xanax for anxiety. My doc wanted me to take lexapro as well but it made me throw up so I haven't been taking it. I asked my counselor about some group therapys that might be good for me and she said she would look into it. I see the med doc on the 1st and my counselor on the 8th next. I feel like I can never escape this anxiety and depression

I know it sucks, but it can get better!!! Sounds like you're already doing a lot to try and help yourself, which is great. I'm sorry it's so bad right now. But please don't give up hope because it really can get better. I didn't think my anxiety would ever go away either - and it hasn't gone away completely - but it's a lot better than it was. I think a group could be really helpful for you so I hope your counselor gets back to you about that soon. I'm sorry the Lexapro didn't work out because of the side effects. Perhaps you could talk to your med doc about trying something else? And start with a really low dose at first so your body has a chance to get used to it? Good luck at your appointment on the 1st!

Yeah I've been on many different meds. I think they don't work to be honest. I have a really sensitive system so I only am taking 5 mg of Abilify currently. I just feel so stuck in a rut.

I'm really sorry it's hard for you to take meds. Has the anxiety been this bad for a while? Do you have any idea what triggered it? I'm just thinking that if it is something situational - your workplace, for example - then perhaps there is a way to make some changes?

I really hope you find some relief soon.

On Fridays and Saturdays and sometimes other days it gets really busy and hectic and that triggers it, I don't much like going out in public. I am a hostess so I have to greet everyone and take them to their tables. It becomes very stressful. Lately I've been having a high level of anxiety just sitting at home doing nothing, so then it sky rockets when I go to work. I talked with all my managers and told them of the situations. She won't schedule me on Fri or Sat anymore and said she will try to schedule me the less busy hours cuz she doesn't want the work to be bad on my health. I am glad they are all supportive but this next week is going to be hard on me if I can't find anyone to cover for me. I am scheduled a double on Friday and scheduled for Saturday night

I'm really glad your manager and co-workers are supportive. That's great. And it's great you were honest about it too.

I know this weekend will be hard since you are still going to be working at the busiest times, but it sounds like after that you won't be scheduled to work Fridays and Saturdays anymore. So hopefully that will help take the pressure off (and maybe you can even get someone to cover you this weekend?). Keeping everything crossed for you (((((((itspeaks)))))))

I have been trying to get people to cover, but no luck so far. Hopefully if I have to work it will be okay. I am just dealing with a lot lately and have been stressing hardcore.

You're in my thoughts. I have random triggers with my anxiety, and sometimes I could just be sitting at my cube in work, and it just hits me. I wish I had better support for you, but I'm sending hugs your way and hoping that things get better for you!

Same here.... I wish I could eraise the last three years of my life.... but I can't... have have to deal with the outcome.... no matter what!!!! Hugs!!!! There is no easy cure/trail ahead... just keep talking and posting

I worked at a fast pace hospital drawing blood. I could get along with most people but, my boss. She always made comments about the black women this & that and she didn't like me & I did nothing to her. I filed 3 complaints on her and the last time I did it , she made my life a living hell to the point one day I fought so hard with myself to keep from shoving her down the stairs. She kept me so busy I rarely got a break and never no time for lunch. Then she put me on the 4am shift trying all different ways to get me to quit. One day while getting ready for work I had an attack and could not bring myself to come in to work. I called in sick and the next day called in sick again and did this for 2 weeks and before all of this i tried to get transferred but, no openings. So one day I went in to talk to her boss and they put me down as quitting. So unfair for had she been just a co-worker I could of kept working. No one understood how my attacks kept me from going into work but, I knew I would do something to hurt her so I could not go in. Now I go no place. I am trying to get disability but, have been turned down 3 times and now have a lawyer helping me once again. Now I have fibromyalgia amoung many other things.

Having to work in a fast paced environment and having to deal with people when you have severe anxiety is the worse. I am so sorry you are going through this. I have been there. I worked in an office and had to greet people as well. I had to answer the phones and do everyone's paperwork, and i had to be cheerful and happy when i wanted to tell everyone to leave me alone. Then everyone would hang out at my desk and want to talk while i was trying to work. I have a very hard time being around alot of people when i'm either very depressed or anxious and it was killing me. Right now i'm on disability. You may have to think of finding a different type of job where you will not have to be under that kind of pressure. I know its hard to find a job at all these days so i do understand if you have no choice but to stay there. I'm glad they are at least trying to be helpful with the scheduling. I really hope things get better for you.

Anjelmarie