Social Anxiety Help

Posted , 4 users are following.

Hi all.

I have suffered either social anxiety for the past 12 years. I have 2 children and want to give them the best life possible but due to my illness I have found it impossibly hard to hold down a job as it gets to the point where my anxiety gets too much and all I want to do is get under the covers in a blacked out room and stay there until the end of time.

I have been signed off work by the doctors for 12 months and I have to see a specialist job agency that has funding for any courses and training to get people like myself back into work.

I just wanted to ask about what anyone with social anxiety does for a career and what job would suit someone in my position? I have a very good work ethic, am punctual reliable etc and want to find a rewarding career more than anything!

Many thanks in advance smile

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    Hello… I have had social anxiety as far back as kindergarten. 

     it's been very difficult and I went into the wrong career which is nursing. When I got married I stayed home and raise the kids because I hated that career with my anxiety. When I got divorced  I was forced to go back for another seven years which was horrible.  I would feel sick to my stomach every Sunday evening knowing I'd have to go to work on Monday. That's no way to live! Now I decided to get out of nursing and I found even other jobs gave me anxiety so I am doing a nanny job for  One small baby. It's part time but I can handle it, there's no  social anxiety involved., They pay me well and there are even two dogs to entertain me so it's a job that is easy .  If that's not for you, try to find something that is a little removed from working around a lot of people.  Not sure where your area of interest is but there are some jobs that are more behind the scenes.  One thing that helped me a lot was talking to a counselor who gave me tools to help combat the anxiety. It always helps to vent to someone instead of keeping it bottled inside. I continue to go even when I'm feeling better.  Also there a great meditative audios online that are free related to anxiety, negative thinking you can find them on YouTube.  It may take sifting through a few different jobs but eventually you'll find the right fit for you! cheesygrin

    • Posted

      Another thing that might help is speaking with a career counselor and just be upfront about the social anxiety. That person may have a lot of great ideas for jobs you would feel comfortable with
    • Posted

      Thanks alot for your responses Jan. They are much appreciated! I think someones career/work is the centre point of life and without working I have little self esteem and feeling of any worth so is something I need to try and do.

      I'm glad you've found something that suits you and doesn't have a negative impact on your life. I am going to ring up about starting counselling today and also have a look at you tube like you suggested.

      thanks again smile

  • Posted

    Hi. Maybe an online self employment idea where you can work from home. You'll probably still have to deal with certain aspects of SA but I'm sure working from home, online, will eliminate a lot of stress. That'll be my approach when things become a bit more favorable. 

  • Posted

    Hey I was in security since i left school I just got fed up with working night's alone and I decided to give it up and I am still looking to get in to something different like going back to college or just to find a job away from security I am now 37 and looking after my 15 months old son which is more challenging that the security jobs I have ever done

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