Meeting Anxiety

[daoga]

I'm in the IT industry. I don't know how many here suffering from Social Anxiety are working in the same.

The growing trend in this industry are so-called Scrum Stand-Up Meetings where the team meets daily for 15 to 30 minutes, and each member of the team takes turns reporting what they worked on the previous day, what they will work on the current day and what obstacles they need help with.

Before this trend, I was working comfortably with computers 8 hours a day with minimal interaction.

Since these meetings were introduced, I've had a couple of panic attacks (I had to step out of the meeting to grab a cup of water). I get very anxious prior to these meetings, and I worry about the next day's meeting after coming home at night.

I am on a mental health plan and since then I have been recommended mindfulness meditation (using the app Headspace), do cognitive rehearsal, and apply positive psychology (noting positive thoughts about myself daily).

I have also since excused myself from this daily activity. I don't know if I will ever have the courage to do this again.

Does anyone here experience the same?

I have also since then been silently advocating "neurodiversity" sensitivity in the company, with the hopes to make such meetings optional for those who are of a different neurotype like me.

[Just Sara]

Hi and welcome Daoga to our caring forum community;

You've shown courage and self insight deciding to post here, so well done! It can be tough for most. Your story's similar in nature to many who come here for support and help with facing difficult work situations.

I was medically retired in 2015 after being off work for 1 yr from a severe breakdown in my workplace. So I understand your apprehension in attending these meetings; absolutely.

Feeling intimidated comes to mind reading your description of the dynamics and intent of this new trend. It seems similar to group supervision practices, except it's more results driven.

I'm wondering if you've had discussions with peers on how they feel about the meetings, and, if you feel meetings have helped individual staff members increase efficiency or productivity. I'm bringing this up due to your views on neurodiversity.

Specifically, do you have a disorder that comes under the heading? (ADHD, Asperger's or high functioning autism) In my own case, I'd include PTSD in this category.

As you've been working independently for some time, and feel you work well in this type of work environment, it might be advantageous to being it up with your psych, or maybe an employee assistance program consultant.

I'm not one to rock the boat by talking with supervisors, as this has landed me in hot water in the past. Disclosing MH issues in the workplace can backfire unfortunately.

I'd love to hear more if you're up to it. Maybe we can put our heads together and find a solution.

Kind thoughts;

Sez