I don't think I can work anymore

I don't expect anyone to support what I am saying, but I'm just using what medium I can to vent a bit.

I get increased anxiety and restlessness from working. Also when I am at work, I'm having dizzy spells and I've had at least 3 panic attacks at work this past week.

I don't think I can handle the pressure of working, even though my register does come up within the OK range.

Over the time I've been there, there have been multiple people giving me applications to give to the manager (which of course I do). I don't know what position they are applying for, but I feel that if there are constant applications going around, they can hopefully find someone to "replace" me should I leave.

It's a fast pace job and I don't think I can handle increased symptoms and risk my mental health just for extra cash.

I know for a fact that I can't work anywhere "under the table".

Feel free to comment if you want to. If you have questions, ask. I'm not afraid to respond.

I know I have to move forward but I think right now moving in the "right" direction is to leave work for the sake of my mental health.

Hello, Andy. Have you talked to your treatment team about what you are experiencing?

I've spoken to my tdoc, who has mentioned I take less hours, talk to my job coach, and increase the number of days I go to program (I went from 3 days to 1 when I got the job).

I ask my job coach to help me with things, she says she will, but I still have yet to see what I ask for accomplished. I can't get a new job coach, she is the one that is affiliated with the program I go to. (It's a mental health program).

My therapist sees that when I talk about program, that I'm more up and comfortable.

I think she is hinting that I go back to program.

I've not seen my pdoc. My tdoc attempted to get me in sooner for a crisis appt, but he didn't have any opening, and was unable to "squeeze me in".

I hope this helps explain it a little bit.

I don't see my pdoc again till 9/21, I see my tdoc Thursday, and I go back to program Wednesday.

I don't want to go to work tomorrow though. I don't know what I can do to get out of it. (other than of course faking being ill, but I know that's not good practice).

Hope you can get this all sorted out in your best interest, Andy.

Ok... you went from less support and then added more stress. Yeah, that can be difficult. Try and trust your T and talk to your coach and see what else you can do to fix this for you.... while you work on becoming healthier.

Hello, netsavy. You can't work? Any job at all, for any number of hours per week? Really?

I don't mean to be insensitive, and I don't know you, but I think that you're strong enough. Work can be very stressful, especially for those of us dealing with mental health problems, and for most people it isn't fun. But, it's necessary to work so that you can pay your rent, buy your food, meds, etc.

It probably isn't a good idea to work as much as you have been, for your current job. Your panic attacks are a sign. Our knee-jerk reaction to anxiety, however, is avoidance. This is exactly what you plan to do. You will never learn that you are safe, and hence have no need to be anxious, at work if you do not go to work. There are forms of therapy for anxiety that expose people to what frightens them, so you can think of your job as therapy.

Like I mentioned, you don't have to work as much as you have been. I think that your therapist is wise to suggest that you work less, and focus on your treatment more. Perhaps you can start looking for a lower-stress job while you taper down your hours at your current place of employment.

I hope that you continue working somehow, though. You deserve to feel capable and independent.

I remember working for the State with my panic attacks. I even had them when I was interviewing clients but I knew how to breathe and I was able to float through them. I had so many that I knew what they were and knew they were not dangerous. I actually kept that job for eleven more years believe it or not.. I would go to work say I was just going to stay till lunch...then after lunch say I was just going to stay to quitting.I kept this up and somehow survived

I kinda hope this helps you!!

Thinking of you Andy!!

right now i'd suggest looking for a less stressful work environment. staying in touch with your treatment will help too and it's important we learn and apply their suggestions. i think it's great you are wanting to work. another thought-how bout working less hours til you feel emotionally stronger. it worked for me doing it this way.

I know everyone here means well and is offering you support, and I hope you can continue with a less stressful job. But I need to flip the coin a bit as I have not been able to work for years. First, I am not reliable. If I am having a low day I cannot get myself to go out, much less deal with the public. My memory loss is an issue - if I was flipping burgers I would forget what you wanted and have to go back and ask you at least 3 times what to put on your burger and then I'd forget what drink you ordered. Anxiety attacks come out of the blue and I freeze, literally. My coping and problem solving skills are nil. I've been thru 53 drug trials and multiple intensive therapies. Daily living is a challenge. Work? No way, unless things get better for me.

I can totally relate.

I work for State Government, and feel they are out to get me in trouble and fire me.

I also suffer wicked anxiety and panic at work.

Somedays I just can not do it.

But I can't quit, or else I would be living in the streets. I have no support to help me.

So, I just stick to myself, do my work, and go home. One day at a time.

only an egg,
-Christopher-

Hi netsavy...I don't know what to say other than telling you my experience. When I got sick I had to take a medical leave however I did not get well enough to go back when they required me to....so they fired me. I sued the State of Michigan to get my pension but it took almost 3 years to settle. I got my pension with full benefits and social security. I also started working as a bouncer in a bar that paid me under the table. I was feeling much better at the time but finally had to quit that because I was drinking there. I am a recovering alcoholic. You do waht have to to do. I thought I was going to end up homeless till the state gave me my retirement. I don't know if that is an option for you.

I already get SSI, SSDI, Medicaid and Medicare. (I get medicare because of being on Disability for over 2 years)

I know how you feel and have been struggling with similar issues; I have to work (I'm not independently wealthy) but I worry that the anxiety and panic attacks are going to continue getting worse. I'm working hard to live by the following rule: feel the fear, but go ahead and do it anyway. It's a daily struggle but over time, I'm hoping it will get better. Sorry for your stress.