What if I'm so stupid and incompetent that I can't function?

I keep screwing up, I mess up even the simplest tasks. I am so afraid that I am going to screw up this new job that I have lined up and I really want it to work out but I'm so dumb I'm afraid I will mess it up and I don't know what to do if this doesn't work out, I feel out options.

Like I literally just tried to put the wrong cap on a bottle, what is wrong with me? Why am I dumb?

We are all nervous at our new job especially the very first one and we all make mistakes because we are human. Take it easy on yourself.

Starting a new job is always challenging as others have said. My advice would be to take notes during your first days and ask questions if you are not sure about anything.

Great advice

Are you feeling stressed, more than normal? I find when I'm down, or very distracted, or stressed-out, I make many more bad decisions and also mistakes.

Try and take deep breaths, in and out. Try and work things out mentally before tackling them, physically.

I hope things get better, soon.

I think one of the reasons I'm so worried about this is that some of the mistakes that I have made could have gotten me hurt as well. For example a couple of weeks ago I slid off the road in the snow and my neighbor had to come pull me out. I had to get under my car to attach a chain to my axel so he could pull me out. When I got back into my car I realized much to my horror that I had left the car in gear the whole time. This kind of absent-mindedness could really have gotten me hurt badly and that scares me.

I'm glad you're alright. I'm sure the person who helped you did not blame you for your predicament---as the weather definitely played a major role.

I've had a few moments of self-doubt and self-questioning like that. Yes, absent-mindedness can lead to trouble. And it can be upsetting and worrying.

I find it's the worst when I'm very stressed and/ or very sleep deprived. It can also be very bad if depression is still powerful. That's when you might need to take deep breaths before attempting simple chores. Can you handle contingencies, if they pop up? Or could you possibly re-schedule, and do it another time, another day, when you're feeling sharper?

This was a reality for me for a few years after my diagnosis. I had to learn how to ask for help with things (I, who had always, always been so independent). It was tough for me. But I really had no choice. There are still, more than 15 years later, days when I feel I should not be driving, or out shopping, or interacting with people.

Try not to be so hard on yourself. Check out a few articles on what comes along with depression. You'll realize, you're not alone.

I am pretty sure that I developed SAD this winter. I read up on some vitamins that can be low in people during the winter months and picked a few supplements and they do seem to be helping. I feel like my focus and concentration has improved as well as my energy levels. It just really still bothers me that I was silly enough to crawl under a car that was still in gear.

Brain fog and poor decisions were regular occurrences for me. And SAD can really contribute to all of that, yes! That's why it's a good habit to check yourself, make a plan, before you head anywhere.

Good to know you're helping yourself with diet and supplements. That should help, a lot.