Anxiety & Getting A Job

[Rainbow_Swan]

Hi All

I'm a guy in my early 40's with GAD, OCD and a mild physical disability (affecting one leg). Until 4 months ago I lived at home. I've been seeing a great Psychologist for a couple of years as well as a Psychiatrist. I've never worked, and would love to find ease into it by finding a part-time job and work my way up to full-time. I was hoping to find an agency that would hold my hand and find me a patient, understanding employer so I contacted a disability employment service 2 months ago, and still haven't had an induction interview with them! They won't even return my calls. I've looked at the reviews for disability employment agencies and they're all terrible. The whole job interview process scares me terribly!

So my question is, how have people who also struggle with anxiety managed to find a job? Do you have any tips? Thanks!

[MidnightOil]

Hi Rainbow Swan,

Firstly I just want to say that it sounds like you have a great attitude which I admire and I'm glad you have people who are helping you. I might not be the most qualified to answer this question as I don't know anything about the organisation that you mentioned or disability employment but I can share my working experience and maybe you could gain something from that.

Job interviews have always made me very anxious as well. Don't be afraid to draft some answers to common interview questions if that will make you feel more prepared (you can google commonly answered questions or try to think of some topics that might come up for your specific job). Learn a bit about the company and the position you're applying for and think about why you would be good at it.

The hardest part for me (and for a lot of others) has always been selling myself. It makes me feel conceited to just say nice/good things about myself for half an hour but I try to remember that that is what I'm there for. Mention anything you can think of that makes you a good fit for the job and let it show that you're truly interested.

Lastly I will quote my dad when I asked for his help finding a job: "It's a numbers game." Apply everywhere you would be comfortable working, even if you don't think there is a good chance you'll get through. And (this part is also hard) try not to let one rejection/interview that didn't go so well get you down. You could be lucky enough to get the first job you apply for but most often you'll go through a few unsuccessful trials. Thankfully these can be good learning opportunities for future applications.

Also I know it's not exactly what you're looking for but have you considered looking for volunteer opportunities? They look great on a resume and are sometimes easier to get into.

Hopefully there is something useful in this. I wish you the best of luck and if you have any more questions let us know!

[Croix]

Dear Rainbow Swan~

I’d like to join MidnightOil in welcoming you here. In fact I’d echo all the points made, particularly that of volunteering with not only looks good on a C.V. but promotes self-esteem, contact with others and accomplishment.

It’s true that just at the moment it is extremely hard to find employment, and in some jobs and some areas impossible. Nevertheless you might try the following

First do your own ring round of possible agencies and follow your instincts, plus of course listen to the opinions of your medical team and friends.

Second contact direct those occupations that are in great demand, from deliveries to contact tracing.

Third, for your own mental welfare divide up your day strictly. Maybe attending to job-related matters first thing. Then from lunchtime on have a firm boundary and spend the rest of the day doing necessary household or social matters and having something enjoyable to do at the end of the day - something to look forward to. It does not have to be great, I just anticipate reading another chapter or two in a book.

It is surprising how much good this self-care does over time. You get to feel you deserve a reward.

May I ask if you are on your own, or if there is someone you can talk matters over with and gain another’s care and perspective? It can make a difference to facing everything on your own.

Good luck, please let us know how you get on

Croix

[Rainbow_Swan]

Dear Croix & MidnightOil

No, I am alone unfortunately, my psychologist is my primary source for advice.

Thank you both for some great ideas, I'll definitely look into volunteering. I wonder if any companies would consider taking me on in a volunteer capacity that may, in a few months, lead to paid work?

I like the idea of doing job related matters only in the mornings - self care is something I tend to neglect if I'm busy with something.

Thanks again!

[MidnightOil]

If you could find a position with that pathway that would be great!

I wanted to add something that I forgot. I've heard that receptionist jobs can be a good option to start in (might be volunteered or paid). It obviously depends on the company but often all that's required are basic computer skills and a willingness to learn. There hopefully wouldn't be too much (if any) physical strain if you're worried about your leg. The only thing is that some receptionists have a lot of interaction with customers so you would have to decide how comfortable you are with that.

Good luck and yes, definitely keep up the self care that Croix mentioned.

[so_so_sad]

Hi, My son is facing similar issues at nearly 27 he has never worked and suffers anxiety and depression. He is tired of being put down for it, dont know if you have suffered the same thing or not. Im guessing it is as hard for you as it is for him and for me as a mother who feels helpless in knowing how to help. What employment agency have you contacted he goes through Maxima

[Rainbow_Swan]

I was thinking something along those lines - office admin. I don't mind starting at the bottom. Dealing with customers would be the only problem, my social skills aren't really polished enough for that, so I was hoping for something behind the scenes. I doubt I could handle a customer going off their nut at me... yet (-: Thanks for the advice

[Rainbow_Swan]

Dear so so sad

I'm really sorry to hear that your son is going through something similar, the important thing is to never give up and try to make sure he doesn't drop out of society (I did for 22 years) as his anxiety and depression will only increase even more. What do you think of Maxima?

Also, what worked for me was this: First I went to a psychiatrist and was put on an SSRI, which made so much difference, then I found psychologist that was a good fit for me. My anxiety and depression was so bad that a psychologist was essentially useless, I simply couldn't fight the level of negativity my mind was throwing at me - the only break I got was when I slept. This all changed with the medication and nutrient therapy.

Sadly the SSRI ceased to be very effective after a while, so I found a nutrient therapy - google the 'Walsh Research Institute' and 'The Australasian College Of Nutritional And Environmental Medicine' I found a GP in Sydney there that uses the Walsh protocol. The people at walsh have a database with over 30,000 patients, with an 80% success rate. It cured my depression, reduced my anxiety (to moderate social from GAD where I could barely leave my bedroom), and greatly reduced my OCD. It literally saved my life. There is a book 'Nutrient Power' by William J. Walsh that explains all of this, I got it at the Book Depository.

I also found fish oil helpful (ignore if your son has a bleeding disorder) - I've read that it helps some people, but not all. I truly hope that all of this helps