My anxiety is stopping me from going to work!

Posted , 5 users are following.

I have no idea where this has come from but out of the blue I have severe anxiety over going to work. I went to the doctors and she was lovely, she gave me a doctors note for a month off. For some reason I decided to try and get back to work as soon as possible in fear that the longer I leave it the worse I'll be, so I decided to try go back after only taking the week off. I tried to do just a 4 hour shift yesterday and I was totally overwhelmed, I felt sick, I was crying uncontrollably, I couldn't breathe and had a huge panic attack. It's almost like I feel as though I'm not actually in the room. The same thing happened when I tried to go in today, I didn't even make it inside the store, I pulled up on the car park and just couldn't do it sad

Does anybody have any tips to over come this? Has anybody felt in the same position? I feel so silly because I've worked there for 3 years I don't know where this has come from. They all seem really understanding and when I had a breakdown yesterday they all gave me hugs and said well done for trying. With how anxious I am though I'm fearing this is all false and that I'll lose my job if I don't pull myself together sad it's even started to affect me at home, I feel constantly sick because I'm so upset with myself, I have a lump in my throat and a horrible shortness of breath.

Advice please sad

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Lotti

    I can totally relate to you.

    I've worked for the same company over 13 years but

    I started suffering with anxiety/panic attacks last April and as a result I had over 6 months off work.

    The longer I was off the harder it was for me to go back so well done for trying so soon.

    Everyday is different and all you can do is try, small steps make all the difference.

    Never feel bad or like you have failed, just remind yourself that things can only get better.

    You seem to have caring colleagues which is a good thing.

    Also, I'm not sure what has caused your anxiety/panic attacks but mine stemmed from a number of things and after having CBT yherapy, I feel ive made some positive steps.

    The one thing that makes it easier for me is saying what's the worse than can happen and if it did what would happen etc

    I know it might not seem it right now but there is light at the end of the tunnel. For me to say that, is a big thing.

    At my lowest point I wouldn't even leave the house, always had to have someone with me but now I leave the house and go work. I've been back full time about 3 months and colleagues and friends have commented how I seem to be returning to my old self.

    I hope things get better soon for you as I know what a dark place it can be.

    Keep your chin up, stay positive and remember small steps make big progress.

  • Posted

    You are so not alone in your fear. I knew a business man who suddenly had a breakdown. I was shocked as he was always laughing and had answers to any problem. The point being, it can happen to anyone of any job.

    Try to tell yourself that jelly legs will still carry you and what is the worst that could possibly happen as you are safe at work.

    I had to take a week off 2 weeks ago. I reached out to my friends and it helped knowing they cared. Plus my medication stablized me.

    Like yourself I worried about it going on and losing my job. The fear is so great that other irrational thoughts come to your mind.

    It is also trial and error with medication. Maybe you need to change the pills you are on now.

    Best of luck. I know how hard it can be but you will have good days soon.

  • Posted

    Hi lotti

    i was exactly the same when i started with anxiety. I initially thought it was work but now after a few months i think its just one of them things. Mine started out of the blue one day at work. I got steadily worse as the day went on and then i went to answer the phone and had a total melt down.i went to the docs and they diagnosed me with severe anxiety. In total i had a month off. I tried to take my sick note in for the first two weeks and couldnt even make the first bus journey in to town. I have to get three buses to work. In the end it took me three attempts and one almighty panic attack before i managed it. My advice would be listen to your doctor and dont rush back into anything. I kept in touch with work and did two trips in with my sicknotes just to test out the journey. When i did go back i went back with a reduced responsiblities sick note for a month. This enabled me to work part time if needed. The first week i did a day and a half had a day and a half off then dud two days. The second week i just had the wednesday off. By the third i just left early one day. Check with work to see if this could be an option for you and discuss it with your doctor. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Just take small steps and things will work out when ur ready.

    Fingers crossed for you

    Simon

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