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Workplace anxiety is really bad for me at the moment

bluenight
Community Member

Hi everyone,

My anxiety has been so bad since I started a new job not long ago, I've always had bad workplace anxiety, low confidence and lack of assertiveness

The job is killing me, it's overflowing into and eroding my confidence, self esteem and social anxiety in my personal life.

There's a lot of talking to people and I struggle with that at the best of times and there's a lot of responsibility. I started drinking a week and a half ago and I don't drink that often nowadays. I know there's not much anyone can do really but just wanted to vent with other people who suffer the same thing.

6 Replies 6

Sophie_M
Moderator
Moderator

Hey bluenight,

We're so sorry to hear that you're experiencing workplace anxiety. It sounds like these feelings must be so overwhelming for you at the moment, and we're sorry to hear what a big impact this has been having on your wellbeing, including your confidence and self-esteem. We're sure that a lot of our community members will be able to relate to what you're going through, and hopefully some of them will be able to pop by to offer you some words of advice.

If you feel it may be helpful, we would also recommend that you get in contact with our friendly counsellors at our Support Service, available 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or on Webchat 3pm-12am AEST here: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport. They will be able to offer you some support and advice, as well as referrals to help you through this difficult time.

You might also be interested in reading about the experiences of others who have also experienced work anxiety.

"Work Anxiety"
https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/seeking-support/helping-yourself-and-others/online-forums/...

"Work anxiety"
https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/seeking-support/helping-yourself-and-others/online-forums/...

We hope that you keep checking back in here on your thread to let us know how you are going when you feel up to it. 
 

blondguy
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni

Hi bluenight

I understand your work related anxiety....including the effect it has on our personal life too...It can be a dark place to be in for sure. I have spent years in senior management and used to experience the same as yourself when in a new position

Sophie_M has provided excellent support above especially with the super helpful links

Can I ask how long you have been in your current position? (just so we can provide you with more effective help)

There are many gentle people on the forums that can be here for you...The forums are a safe and non judgemental place for you to post.....any questions are welcome bluenight 🙂

we are here and listening

Paul

bluenight
Community Member

Thank you to both of you for your response and support

Next time I need to, I will call the beyond blue support line, it’s so great that we have this service

i’ve been in this position for about 3 weeks Paul

bluenight
Community Member

A big part of the problem i believe is that Im working many hours more than Im getting paid for. I’ve had a chat with different people in management and they’ve said it’s because im new and slow.

I don’t think someone who has been in this position for a long time could meet objectives much faster than I am at the moment.

I spend a lot of my day rushing which I shouldn’t be because it’s a position that requires a lot of attention to detail and patience.
i worked in a similar role with a different organisation and I felt I was so much better at my job there because management were reasonable.

I’ve been told it’s not unusual not to take a lunch break as most people don’t which really irks me. They say if you don’t take a break just finish a half hour early but that is not going to happen for me.

I’ve just started this job and I’ve been looking for work for quite some time so I feel that it would be ridiculous to quit.

My relationships with customers/clients is not good at this point and I think that’s because I’m so anxious all day at work. In my previous role I was able to develop really good relationships with people.

Hi bluenight

I understand you with working more hours than you are paid for..Unfortunately this is still commonplace as jobs are hard to find and management will expect employees to go 'above and beyond' their job specifications

Please dont be so hard on yourself in your new position with client relationships...These take time to establish and will happen....its is not quick to achieve. All you can do is your best....and be proud of doing so

Great to have you on the forums bluenight 🙂

any questions are always welcome

Paul

Welcome bluenight's

Im sorry your struggling with your anxiety on top of a new job must be a very stressful time, i myself experience the same problems i more importantly wanted to comment that you started drinking i completely understand that anxiety and stress of jobs/ family has on oneself i wanted to say vent on this page i will always listen so will many others please dont go down the path of having a drink after ever shift or day please know this can lead to a bigger problem dont start before you cant stop .

Nicky