Anyone ever had to switch jobs

[Kasey112]

Hi Everyone,

I was just wondering if anyone else felt like maybe their job may contribute to their anxiety.  I know that there are a lot of really high stress jobs that obviously can't be great for someone with GAD, but I don't exactly have a high stress job. About two months ago I started a new job in a very small law firm, 1 attorney. I am the only other person in the office, so there's just two of us. I am good at the actual work, but the environment is driving me bonkers. I had to bring in a radio because it was so quiet I could hear a pin drop and my mind was just going crazy. I am often the only one in the office, so I could go the entire day without actually speaking to someone. The past few weeks my anxiety has been steadily climbing and I think it has a lot to do with this new environment. My last job I was in a very small office as well, but I worked with really great people, we were all very friendly and I was constantly interacting with customers as well.

So I guess I am wondering would it just be giving up to the anxiety if I left this new job and possibly went back to the old one? Or are some jobs just not fits for people. Right now I am spending half my day just sitting here shaking, watching the seconds tick by on the clock. My anxiety in the morning is enough to make me think I need to go to the ER (which I have never done for panic, funny how your brain takes it to the extreme during an attack huh?). I am torn between just facing my fears, sitting here and doing my job until eventually the feeling passes, which I am sure it will and just not wanting to feel like this anymore. HELP!! I don't want to make a rash decision based just on fear...thoughts anyone?

[lwpowell]

Remember that stress is outside and anxiety is what we do with it. I can so relate to your situation because  I just recently took a new job and the stress is great. I think once you get used to the new people and how they behave you will be fine. We all want to go back to where we were comfortable, including me, but it is not the path of growth. The temporary pain you are feeling will pass and you should depend on your higher power to see you through. We know we can't change the stress but we can work on how we react to it. Just keep telling yourself, that you are in control of your reactions to the stressors.

I don't know if this helps at all, because I am in the same position I was hoping that it might if even just a little bit.

Peace,

[Kasey112]

Thank you so much for replying. It most definitely helps. I had that same thought in the back of my head, that going back to what's comfortable isn't a healthy thing and that I need to more forward. It is easier said than done, but it feels good knowing I am not alone.

This is one of those instances where I need to remind myself not to use my anxiety to "get me out" of situations that make me uncomfortable or uneasy.

Good luck in your new job and thanks for reminding me that growth is what I should be striving for not just comfort!

[AmInormal?]

I had a job recently where I sold firearms at a sporting goods store.   I worked there for 3 months and I quit.  We would do background checks on people. FDLE would not tells us why people were turned down.  But when they were turned down, people would sometimes get just about physical with us.  They would be severely offended.  I understand but its not my fault.  I was not priveleged to know what these people did.  Most of the time, its because they committed some crime.  I had a guy threaten me when he got turned down.  This was not good for my mental health.  I quit shortly after starting.  That was the worst job I ever had. 

[bgeorge]

I can really sympathise with you because although my anxiety affects me at home, it is much worse at work. I have got to the point of considering leaving my job or asking for part time hours. Like you, I don't have a stressful job but if it continues making me ill I will have to get out. Good luck.