just applied for another job-huge anxiety levels

Ive just appled for another part time job. My anxiety levels are through the roof at the thought of going for another interview. Im not taking any meds for my Cyclothymia, prefering to go it alone. My panic attacks are another issue. Ive had Propranolol in the past, only took the edge off, didnt completely stop me panicking. Does anyone have any suggestions ? I really need this job because of my rediculous debts that Ive mounted up when on my spending sprees..

Hello Laini,

I would say, lots of self-soothing talk to let yourself know that it is ok to feel anxious before an interview, performance anxiety to an extent is needed. Can you practice with a friend your interview technique? Prepare for it as much as you can. I am loath to recommend medication as it could even be detrimental and make you appear too relaxed. Propranolol is a beta blocker and will slow the heart beating down a little. Something like lorazepam is a short term medication for anxiety which you would need to get a script from your doctor. I would be inclined to do without medication and just let the interviewers know how nervous you feel. Interviewers often appreciate the honesty and will go easier on you. Good luck!

Thank you Pegasus. I do on occasion get 5mg diazepam from doc, because i am soooo terrified of the dentist. Its true what your saying about being too relaxed, i dont want that, but i really shake like a leaf and cant control my breathing. Mind over matter doesnt seem to work for me. Maybe i shouldve posted this on careers ?

You can post it in careers as well if you like. How about ringing your doctor and asking their opinion, they probably know you better.

I will do. I have probably over a week before interview, so time to decide. Just needed a helpful guide in the right direction. Thank you so much for taking the time to help. I really appreciate that.

Good luck with everything
I hope your anxiety gets better.

Sounds frightening that the shaking isn't controllable with coping techniques when entering an interview situation. Good that you can contact your doctor before.
Hope all goes well.

I wish you all the luck with your interview buddy! Hope you get the job! And don't panic. It won't do any good to your health! Stay calm!

Well, yesterday was the interview. Im sorry to say, with all your help and kind words, i didnt make it. I got as far as sitting in reception, waited 5 mins then i had to walk out. Made my excuses and left. Panick attacks are terrible when you live with them on a regular basis. They really put your life on hold. I Shouldve went to the doctor but thats me. On the plus side, i have another interview on Wed 17th. Im so lucky but keep blowing out at the last minute with everything i am invited to. Definately definately going to docs.. can anyone tell me if i sholdve maybe taken my old still in date propranolol for a few days before, without docs advice..?

I can relate! I used to hate interviewing. But I've learned some great tips that really work:
Remember - YOU are interviewing them too! It's not just if They like You!...it's also about if You like Them at all!! We tend to give the interviewer All the power in the situation, when that is not realistic. We have Half of the power in interviewing.

also - even if you don't believe in "God".... we all know there is some spiritual reality in this world - some kind of 'destiny' or fate, or karma, Divine Intelligence, etc. etc......... My point is: if it is Meant to be, that you are going to get this job, then You Will. simple as that. You can burp, forget to turn off your cellphone, trip walking into their office, and you Will get the job, cuz it was just Meant to Be. On the other hand, you could be Beyond Brilliant in every answer, and Not get the job, cuz That is what is in the stars for you........... does that make sense? It's true.

Lastly - Look up Mike Dooley, and subscribe to his daily emails. He is the best advocate of positive thinking I have ever seen. He is brilliant in reminding us that we basically Get what we Expect in Life. fact. If you Expect to probably get this job, you very likely will! If you do not - then it was not the right job for you (true) and there is the Right job for you, just down the road.

Positive thinking! Coach yourself! Talk to yourself in your head, as you would a good friend that you wanted to support



Good luck!

I have taken propranolol for PTSD for many years. I'm currently taking 80 mg a day. It 'tamps down' my adrenal glands so I don't have gallons of adrenaline being dumped into my bloodstream every time I'm in a situation like a job interview. You're anxiety has other causes than mine, but I think the results would be the same. Anxiety is what it is regardless of the cause, I think. A small dosage of a benzodiazepine would probably help as well, but go easy so you don't look/feel droopy.

I think we as people tend to think of MI differently than physical illnesses/problems, but as my husband once told me, sometimes you need the meds as crutches to help you while you heal just as you need crutches to walk if your leg is broken. I hate that I have to take meds right now while I'm healing, but the day will come when I'm well enough I won't need them anymore.

Good Luck!

WW

Hey everyone. The interview last week was a success. Took 40mg propranolol 24 hrs and 2 hrs before. I was trembling and struggling to breath properly, didnt hear much of what was said. Good news is, letter came today, i got the job, it starts on 5th Jan.. Thank you so much for your posts, really helpful to me and hopefully anyone else going through the same situation.
Have a wonderful Christmas...!! X

Way to go Laini! Congratulations!

Hi just read your post about anxiety and job interview. I am new on this site so don't know if I am doing it right. My anxiety is thru the roof also because I keep sending out job app,i cations and never hear from any of the places I apply to. It could be in my situation age discrimination as I am recently retired and just looking for part time job to help make ends meet. It's so hard for me to make this transition from working full time for most of my adult life and now not working and having no money or anything to do. As for the interview, I have in the past found that you just be yourself during the interview. Make a list of your strengths before hand and try to weave them into your interview. Everyone has something unique to offer. Good luck hope it works out and you get the job