Anxiety at work

[Maddy10]

Hi all,

I’m reaching out for some help 🙂

I am a flight attendant and I have been off work for about a week now due to having a huge panic attack during flight. It resulted me in throwing up and fainting in front of passengers. It was a really awful and embarrassing experience.

I have also been struggling with a lot in my life like moving interstate, Struggling with shift work, my mum being diagnosed with cancer and my partner being away a lot for work (he is in the army).

I have always suffered with anxiety all my life but I’m able to handle it at some extreme. But this time everything feels different I’m not able to handle my anxiety at all even going to the shops has been a struggle. I have been going to my GP a lot this week, she has up dosed my anti depressants and given me some anxiety medication to help with panic attacks.I have been seeing a psychologist but with my busy work schedule I’ve had to post pone a lot of appointments to see her. My next appointment is this Monday coming.

My work has been really supportive about this all, they said that I’m able to take as much time off as I need and come back when I’m feeling better. Knowing this has been a good feeling but also I feel like I never be able to come back and possible loose my job that I love so much.

Any advice would help me so much!

Thanks,

Maddy

[Fizz_wizz]

Hi maddy10

I too suffer really badly with anxiety and have been having panic attacks at work it's really hard to stay positive and I ended up losing an opportunity to do what I love because of one person causing my anxiety attacks. Anxiety is extremely controlling it's great you've seen a GP and a psychologist to get help I too have seen a psychologist and be put on medication. Exercise can help with anxiety, listening to music there must be something that you like to do that helps relax you I love animals I have multiple pets which helps take my mind of things and keeps my going to work. I'm really sorry to hear about your mum it's never easy to deal with cancer. It's also great your work is supporting you as well. Try and spend a lot of time with your family and loved ones. I hope this can help you in some way as your not alone.

[baet123]

Hi Maddy,

A big welcome to the forums! It is great to have you hear and thanks for sharing your situation with us. Super brave of you and you should be proud!!

A flight attended? Awesome! My favourite hobbie is aviation. Do you mind telling me what plane you usually work on? My favourite is the a340 and the princess of the skies (747-400).

Sorry to hear that you are struggling at the moment. Also, sorry to hear about your mother diagnosis. I can tell you are extremely resilient for being able to deal and manage your anxiety/emotions so that is amazing. A quality some strive their whole lives to build up so that is such a positive!!!

It is great that your work is supportive. That is super important to have a supportive employer and a supportive network of friends and family.

I would recommend that you visit a psychiatrist with a particular interest in anxiety/depression. I feel that GP's are great and the medicine they provide often works and is effective however I believe a specialist may be more beneficial as they are in tune with cutting edge medication and techniques/methods of intervention/treatment.

You might also want to try some of the cliché things to do to improve well-being including regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, sleeping well and taking time to treat yourself. Self-care is really important.

We are always here for you and look forward to hearing back from you.

All the best,

Nick.

[blondguy]

Hi Maddy......(and thankyou Fizz &Beat123 for the huge support)

I really understand your anguish and the fear of losing your valued career. This is a serious pain as anxiety can be a crippling illness. I spent many years trying to juggle a career in senior management and anxiety (a bad combination) and my GP's helped me big time after I accepted their help (and meds)

Im sorry about your mums diagnosis not to mention the interstate relocation and your partner being away too

You are super proactive with your health Maddy by seeing your GP and being on some meds too. Can I ask when the next time you see your partner? Also...do have a even a small support network? (one or two close friends that you can lean on)

I really hope you can post back when its convenient for you Maddy

my kind thoughts

Paul

[gloria10]

Hi Maddy and welcome to the forum. I am sorry that you are having a difficult time but it sounds like you are dealing with it well. Firstly you've spoken with your GP about medication and seeing a psychologist. I understand it is hard to maintain when you are working but perhaps at your next session they can offer some advice about that.

It also sounds like your company is very supportive so I think that is an added bonus.

Sometimes its good to make time for things you enjoy for a bit of distraction. I have also found meditation or relaxing music to be a bonus when trying to sleep.

In saying that it is good that you are going to your GP when you feel the need to 🙂 Take care