I quit my job because of anxiety

[Anonymousx_]

Recently I just graduated high school and I have been having really bad anxiety and panic attacks. I also recently have gotten a new job. Nothing out of the ordinary I have done the work before. Last week I had a panic attack at work. I didn’t want to say anything about it so I just told them I was sick and went home. Now I’m afraid that I’m going to have another panic attack while at work.

I’ve also always have had a fear of fainting which tonight has lead to an anxiety attack because I’m worried about overheating, at work because right now we are in a heatwave. I also don’t do well with heat. My workplace also includes a kitchen which is constantly hot. Due to all this I’ve stressed myself out so much to a breakdown and because of my worry’s of both having another panic attack and fainting I have just quit my job. I feel so bad! I haven’t told anyone and I know my parents will be disappointed.
I was just so upset and I wanted the anxiety to stop. Now I don’t know what to do. I feel like an idiot. It’s not normal for me to suddenly quit my job. I just feel lost. I’m now scared about working and finding anew job. Because of this fear I’ve now fallen down a hole of looking for jobs to work from home, which is really hard when your only 18.

I feel like I need to see a psychiatrist but I don’t want to have my parents pay money for that. Again with not having a job and now out of high school, I’m going to need to earn money.

I just want my fear, anxiety and these attacks to stop.

[SillyBilly]

Hi Anonymousx

I'm sorry that your anxiety level is so high right now. You're not alone, I recently quit my job because of anxiety as well. I literally ran out the door, and didn't go back.

My advice: get help. I went to the GP and got a mental health plan, which felt really embarrassing, but I'm so glad I did. The psychologist said I needed to give myself permission to be unemployed, because my anxiety level was so high, it needs to be treated like an illness. Then you can concentrate on rehab - getting better. Just like someone who has broken their arm can't go back to work straight away.

So don't feel bad about not having a job. It sounds like you're a very responsible person, you want to be independent and support yourself, but, like I said, you need to treat the illness first. Maybe you'll get some good tips from a psychologist/psychiatrist that will set you back on your feet.

Be kind to yourself

SillyBilly

[quirkywords]

welcome anon,

I am sorry you are having anxiety attacks .
Silly Billy has written helpful suggestions and given support.

Headspace is an organisation for young people . They have many resources for young people and are helpful.

headspace.org.au

1800 650 890

I agree be kind to yourself and you are not alone. You have acknowledged that you need help and are aware what is happening.

Feel free to post here as much as you like.

Your parents will be supportive when they understand how you feel.

[Petal22]

Hi Anonymousx,

Sorry you are feeling this way..

I understand panic attacks can be very distressing, have you seen your gp? If you haven’t make an appointment they can do you a mental health plan that will give you 10 or more free appointments with a psychologist..... this will really help you they can give you many strategies to help you with your anxiety....

When anxiety comes on try to slow down your breathing..... put your attention on something in the present moment.... what can you hear? What can you smell?

Try not to let your anxiety stop you from doing things you want to do this will only reinforce your anxiety....

Talk to your parents and let them know how you are feeling they will be able to understand you more...... they may also be able to help you.... 😊