Social and generalised anxiety preventing me from work!

[MickeyMouse22]

So I'm 21, female and I've recently been diagnosed with social and generalised anxiety and was diagnosed with depression many years back I have worked in the past but could never keep a job because of things like talking on the phone, looking people in the face when speaking to them, lethargy, sleep and/or lack of and lack of concentration during the day. I am at a point where I have no idea what to do and it's all very confusing and scary I just want to be happy but it's such a struggle I have a supportive partner but it's just not enough anymore I physically can't get up to goto work which leaves me feeling hopeless and even though I hate being away from the house I also hate being stuck in the house I barely have enough money to survive and it makes me more anxious... I am so confused by it all and I am stuck in a loop

[romantic_thi3f]

Hey MickeyMouse22,

Welcome to the forums and thank you for reaching out to us.

It does sound like you are stuck in a loop and I'm sorry to hear that! I suffer with anxiety too and I know how viscous the cycle can be. The great thing is though is that you have 1) recognised that you're stuck in a loop (not many people are able to do that and 2) have contacted us on here.

Have you talked to anyone else about how you're feeling? What other strategies have you tried to help with your anxiety?

In order to help I think it would be useful to know whether or not you are still working, having a break or now looking for a new job. Some people who have anxiety and are working can use their leave (sick leave/annual leave). Others might have an extended paid or unpaid break just knowing they can return when they feel well enough or being reassured that there is a job there when they can return. Others may be able to negotiate with their employer to see if there are other tasks or jobs they can do that are less-anxiety producing, or negotiate the days/hours they work so that they have frequent breaks. Is that something that you've considered or looked into?

[MsPurple]

Hi MickeyMouse22

Working and having anxiety flare ups can be extremely hard. It can be hard for employers to understand mental illness as unfortunately many workplaces are still uneducated on mental health, but it is getting better with more publicity and more mental health short courses for employers.

Have you talked to your counsellor/doctor about you struggling to hold down a job with GAD. I noticed you said you were 20 years old. I went to headspace to get help with my GAD and they got me a team to help and support me. Every headspace is different but I saw a psychiatrist, mental health nurse and GP. I know some headspace have social workers and occupational therapist. I know a lot of headspace help with finding employment as well (and as they know your situation they can find you a job that might be well suited). Maybe this could be a service that could help you because they will help you deal with the everyday stress of work as well as the added stress of having GAD. I'm sure there are other services that could help other than headspace but maybe talk to your GP about your options and if he could refer you to an apporpiate team.

There is no shame in getting help for this and may share your struggle. I can't relate in a work sense but I struggled hugely on my research placement and it affected my concentration and my ability to complete my tasks. I told my supervisor towards the end of my placement and she said if they had known earlier they could have put systems in place to make my time there easier. I just want you to know that you are not alone with your struggle to bring out your best at uni/work situation

Hope this helps