Hi Sadie23
I want to say congratulations for getting the interview and persevering through it! Job interviews are never easy, especially when you haven't had one in so long. You are not a failure in the slightest. I think when you open yourself up to the possibility of rejection, it takes amazing strength, and it's an opportunity to better yourself for the next opportunity.
For the longest time I had really struggled to find work. I also experience quite severe social anxiety, always mumbling over my words, shaky voice, sweating and feeling really overwhelmed during interviews (especially since I have to talk about myself).
I found that the more I did it, the easier it became overtime. It's really great that you've taken steps for self care, going on long walks really helps me as well. Listening to music or a podcast helps to take my mind off it, reading a book, even cooking myself a meal. Also, it really helps to take sips of water, it surprisingly really helps during interviews.
It's helped me to make a checklist of things to ask myself when my anxiety starts to take over, things like "am I in immediate danger?", "have I eaten/drank enough today?, questions that will remind you if you've taken care of yourself.
I've learned to shut down the voice in my head that calls me a failure before I let it overwhelm me and take over. It really helps to be consciously aware of what your anxiety starts to tell you, and reject it straight away, and try to focus your energy on whatever relaxes you or puts you in the zone. This does take a lot of practice, but it's definitely worth a try.
I'm very proud of you for putting yourself out there, and you should be proud of yourself as well for opening yourself up. I would love to hear from you 🙂
- Isabella
