Anxiety about working

I had a job 3 years ago working at an ice cream place. It was only a summer job which lasted 4 months. That was my first job and I haven't had a job since then. When I use to work my anxiety got really bad. I would be so upset every time before I had to leave that I just got myself into a panic. I couldn't calm myself down.Up to an hour before I had to leave my stomach would hurt and I would get really upset and start crying. This happened almost every time before I left for work. I never had my anxiety that bad until I started my first job. My anxiety continued like that for a year after that job then I was back to my "normal anxiety" and how I use to be before. Now that it has been 3 years, I can't really get away without working for much longer. I know I have to work sooner or later. I just get so nervous. I made list of places that maybe won't be so bad to work at but every time I sit down to really think about it, I can already feel my anxiety starting and it makes my stomach hurt. I don't know how I'm going to do this because I'm already extremely nervous and I haven't even applied anywhere yet.

dolphinlover - I understand. I'm sure many here do. I have not worked myself in 5 years. My anxiety about doing so is debilitating. But, things are changing and I am preparing myself to return to the workforce.

CBT helped greatly. And I have gotten the courage to volunteer. I think volunteering is a great way to transition back to employment. I know for myself, the fact that I am not getting paid lessens the worry about my performance. It is a great way to increase self confidence. It is great way to learn some employable skills. And, it looks awesome on a resume.

Does this sound like something you could do?

There are numerous volunteer opportunities. If you can't decide what might be a good fit, there are agencies devoted to volunteer placement that can help you. My local mental health association matches people up with suitable opportunities.

As for the CBT here is a great link to a great book. Don't let the title bother you:

https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&sourc...k7ygnMOefZfJmA

Thanks and I actually am required to volunteer for the program I am going into for college. I have to volunteer in a hospital but I have been putting it off because I if start volunteering and a job at the same time then I don't know how well I am going to handle it. Maybe I will look into the volunteering first before the job. Thanks for the link to the CBT book. I will definitely look at it.

Volunteering sounds like a great idea. I think that going to work is a great goal but one that can be broken down into smaller steps. For example, how well can you leave the house? Go to public places? Interact with strangers? If you struggle with these, you can work on them in small ways before you ever have a job. Go out in public, go to a store, stay there for a while, eventually you might interact with strangers, ask questions, even start a conversation.
Anything that you struggle with in a job can be practiced outside the job setting in an easier and less stressful way.

I like David Carbonell's The Panic Attacks Workbook. It goes into step by step procedures for dealing with panic. Good luck

Thanks. Like you said I should probably work on the smaller steps for now and thanks for recommending the book.

I understand. I have a lot of anxiety working, too. I tried to get a job in March but the idea of being around customers and other staff, having to be there at a certain time and all of the other rules that came with the job were too much so I ignored the call saying I got the job. (Which caused more anxiety and disappointment in myself.) So I decided to start small. I found a job that is only 3 days per week, 3.5 hours per day, close to my home. I clean banks, by myself and I have a six hour window I can complete them in. I can wear whatever I want and listen to music. I have been working there for a month and it is going well.

Maybe you could find something similar that will take the pressure off?