G.A.D and employment?

[Squeemy]

I am finding the thought of getting a job nerve wrecking. I have some good & bad days
I feel like I won't be good enough at any job as I struggle connecting with people. I never know what to say  & I fear I will be excluded which will cause negative thoughts & cause panic attacks. I know I can't predict the future but I really need to hear about people who are working & what you do to keep anxiety at bay during work. Does it help?

Thanks in advance

[thesilentdiva]

ive had a whole host of jobs and honestly while im working im generally ok! Esp if im keeping busy...it kinda keeps my mind off myself (i.e.--anxiety, which i have a preoccupation w/). as far as interacting with the people , that helps too. im not social at all and dont consider myself a people person but it's like once i get to work and everything starts taking place, im good as far as anxiety. it's when im off and have time at home doing nothing to think and re-think and then think again that the problems start.

[Squeemy]

Thanks for sharing. That makes sense as when I'm busy I hardly think about being anxious.... maybe going to work is the best thing for me 

I called a possible job after I posted & am actually excited about the phone call I'm waiting on for an interview. Fingers crossed.

[Ruby Ellen]

I agree with Thesilentdiva. Most of the time, anxiety hits in my spare time, not at work. Even when I held down very stressful jobs this was the case. Of course, now I also have a professional job which allows me a good degree of autonomy (which is key for me, as sometimes I need to just take a walk to ease my stress) and that helps a lot.

[WellSeeker11]

My anxiety is there when I wake up, before I get to work, with me at work, and there when I leave. My anxiety is caused by work and everything else in my life. It affects my work at times and has caused me to withdraw from co-workers. I've always been a bit of a loner and when I have to interact, I put on the facade to make it appear as though nothing is wrong, but I'm sure they're wondering why I'm not social. I keep my distance out of awkwardness, comfort with being by myself, and because I don't want anyone to notice what I'm going through/my mistakes at work. I don't feel as though they could relate to me anyway. They're all fresh out of college and have great lives. I can tell by their care-free actions and their conversations about vacations, outings with friends, and other non-serious topics. I don't have that luxury with all that is going on in my life. I find that I don't even want to leave the house sometimes, and my anxiety flares up when I think about having to go and perform, pretending to be happy with what I'm doing. I just numb myself throughout the day by listening to music and trying to be as productive as possible. It helps, but not all the time. There are other issues around work, but I'll leave it at that for now.

[Bamboo31]

I work very part-time in a low-stress job.  I had to really examine what job I would be able to handle.  I've held positions in the past that I would not even consider at this point in my life.  When my anxiety was at its worst two years ago, I would not have been able to work; I was having trouble merely functioning. 

It's the same story every day.  I have to give myself a pep talk.  "I belong there." "People don't think I'm doing a bad job." "In the big scheme of things, it doesn't even matter; I'm a good wife and mother. It's just a job." I pretend I am confident, and I smile and act positive, even though I don't feel it.  I look forward to the end of my workday and the things I enjoy-seeing my hubsand and children and eating dinner.  I just get through knowing I did the best I could for that day.  That's all we can do-our best.   

I think it's important to find the right job for you.  If you don't connect well with people, don't seek a job where it's important to connect with people.  If you can find a job doing something you enjoy, your chances of success are better.     

[Lifeispeachy00]

I'm on disability due to the fact that I let it take over,,,

Dont let it do this to you, get help :)

[WellSeeker11]

I think it's important to find the right job for you.  If you don't connect well with people, don't seek a job where it's important to connect with people.  If you can find a job doing something you enjoy, your chances of success are better.     

I wish it were that easy. It took me a year just to get the job that I do have now. The economy here is better than most places, but it's still hard to find a job that pays well enough let alone inspires me. I have to make enough to pay off loans and other bills. Besides, I get along with my manager and the benefits are good, and that's hard to find. I actually need the benefits, anyway.

Also, nNice attitude to have, thinking about what you have to look forward to and giving yourself pep talks. :-) I try to do the same thing. I just find it a bit more difficult have a perfectionist streak that doesn't like to magnify the little good things. In my mind, either it's good or it isn't, and then I start weighing the good in everything. Thoughts come in and say things like "Yeah, you have friends, but you rarely get to see them." or "Yeah, you're doing okay at work, but coworker x is the best on the team, and you're in the middle somewhere. Average doesn't get you that much-needed bonus. Push harder!". I can never really enjoy anything, because the louder, more realistic thoughts come in and argue with the little good ones.

[cutecat25]

I am in the same position at the moment. I am looking for work and deep down im terrified. My family have been pressuring me to get a job for ages, which makes me more anxious.
For me, once i get a job, im going to focus on the positives:
-I'm earning money, which will help provide me a better future. ( Better treatment for anxiety, able to travel, less stress about money etc)

-I'm building my confidence. I'm sure at the beginning its going to be very nervewrecking, but the more i expose myself to this job, the easier it will be.

And most importantly we are being incredibly brave and strong, its not easy starting a new job, and with an anxiety disorder that makes it a billion times more difficult. So I say yay to us! We have taken the first step by applying, which shows that we are stronger than our anxiety.
My last bit of advice is to just take it day by day, or even hour by hour if needed.
Please let us know how it goes! :)