Hi Ulysses,
I have not worked for 16 years, being a stay at home mum. I also have struggled anxiety & depression for many years, but have still managed to hold down a job in the past. Like you, I was/am worried that I can still work successfully.
When I decided to start applying for jobs, I was terrified. Just typing up job application letters and sending them off caused an enormous amount of anxiety, and I found myself hoping I wouldn't get an interview! I have applied for hundreds of positions, hardly ever got a response and was starting to relax and think I was safe, and wouldn't have to face an interview.
Then - wham - out of the blue I got a phone interview. I was so nervous I couldn't think straight and stuffed up the answers to perfectly reasonable questions. I was really hard on myself, but finally realised I have to put this down to a learning experience, and try to do better next time. I practiced interview questions with my husband, and also practiced answering imaginary questions out loud when no one was around. I got two face-to-face interviews. The first one I was shaking, sweating and my voice kept drying up. (I nearly turned around and drove home the minute I arrived in the car park). They were very nice but I didn't get the job. The next job interview I attended I felt a bit more in control, still nervous, but I paced myself, took time to consider my answers, and felt it didn't go too badly. I didn't get the job, but got good email feedback, which boosted my confidence.
I actually applied to a job I didn't want, in the hopes of getting an interview, just for the interview experience. I did get an interview - it was a group interview(!) - but because I didn't want the position, I was able to relax and just focus on feeling comfortable with the situation, so I could draw on this in future interviews.
The next job interview, again I was very nervous and think it showed, but I actually got offered the job! I start next week. I am extremely anxious, and feeling that I won't be able to cope, but trying to work my way through it.
So after that ramble, I guess I'm trying to be supportive and say that "you can definitely do it".
