Overcoming social anxiety to find a job

[Tarn9]

Hello,

i have always put off finding a job because of my social anxiety, but now that I've graduated high school I really need a job. I've been able to get myself a job interview, however I'm really worried about how it'll go because I find my anxiety manifests in physiological symptoms (shaking, fast heart, muscle twitching?, sweating, stomach pains etc) and it gets so severe that I honestly cannot even try to hide it, it just overcomes me and I become a blubbering mess. Unfortunately, talking therapy doesn't really help me because mentally I don't feel anxious but my body acts out if that makes sense?? I'm wondering if there's any possible way I can deal with these symptoms because I'm desperate to get a job, but I'm sick of being held back by this. I find that breathing techniques and such don't do much for it and although I want to see a professional about it I'm too nervous to and wouldn't see one anytime soon anyway as I have no money. The only thing that helps me is alcohol, but I know that's a no go but I'm scared I'll have nothing else to calm me down enough by the time I go to this job interview.

Sorry for rambling a bit, I've been thinking about this non stop and am desperate for some help. Thank you in advance!! 🙂

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi Tarn9,

Welcome to the beyondblue forum. It is great to see you reaching out to get some support with your social anxiety and symptoms. Anxiety can manifest its self in many ways and can be particularly bothersome in situations like a job interview. I recall my own experience with job interviews as I tend to ramble and over talk to try to cover up my anxiety. I am sorry that you have been so worried about your job interview but it is also really fantastic that you have been called for an interview in the first place.

I have a few suggestions that you might be able to access that doesn't cost you anything to help get on top of your symptoms.

You could try to utilise a service called NewAccess which is developed by beyondblue. It is free and offers support to people with anxiety but is only available in some parts of Australia. You can find out if it is available in your area by going to the website https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/newaccess

Another support for you might be to try to use the free services of eheadspace. They may be able to help you through some of your symptoms of anxiety prior to your interview using their chat service. It is also a free service that you can access online. You can go to the site and have a look at https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/

Another great option is to learn to practice Mindfulness which can be really helpful in managing anxiety for some people. An app that you can learn and try this practice that some people have had success with is called Smiling Mind https://www.smilingmind.com.au

Finally, you could attempt to join a local group (if it is in your area) called ToastMasters. This is for people who have public speaking anxiety but can also help with some general/social anxiety. http://www.toastmasters.org.au

Having anxiety before a job interview is really normal and there are many things you can do to prepare for an interview such as have someone you know go through some questions with you and practice talking out loud about yourself and why you would be great for the job.

It would also be ideal to visit your Doctor/GP and have a conversation about what options you might be able to source together to get some support for your symptoms. Having a collective plan with a health professional can help you to get on track with your symptoms.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn

[bluehorseshoes]

Hi Tarn9,

I can relate to you and the advice provided by Nurse Jenn. I will only add that it has been really useful to me to record my possible interview questions and answers on my phone and spend time listening to them. After I got past the initial weirdness of listening to my own voice (is that how I sound??) it helps me to tweak my answers and also learn what I want to say.

Bluey

[Ranks]

Gday, panic anxiety disorder is crippling. Like you talking about it and deep breathing doesn't help, it can't because you have an illness, that needs meds to fix. I've suffered from it for about 15 years, to the point of a total nervous breakdowns. The good news for you is these meds work, and i feel like a solid piece of steel. I'm not allowed on this site to talk about the name of the meds, which is a shame so i can't explain what i'm on and what dosage. So see your Gp and he should know what meds to put you on to calm your nerves, i'm telling you it works and i'll be taking them for the rest of my life. Cheers