Hi Timmyabcd,
I know social anxiety can be very debilitating. It can affect so many areas of a person’s life...it must be awful feeling as though everyone is staring and judging. I hope it’s okay if I gently reassure you that this is a supportive and safe place for you to share your troubles...
I feel social anxiety definitely can make job hunting more challenging, especially when there are things like potential interviews, etc to face. I feel for you...
My gentle suggestion is a good first step that you might want to consider taking is going right to the basics. By basics, I am suggesting (only if you haven’t already) that you book an extended appointment with your GP to discuss your mental health and struggles. S/he might be able to more concretely pinpoint a cause of your current mental health struggles and offer additional support. For example, writing up a mental health care plan which entitles you to a set number of Medicare rebatable psychologist visits. If your GP doesn’t bring it up, you could enquire about the mental health care plan (if you’re interested).
Sorry, I realise that you asked more about jobs and may be wondering what a GP (and Medicare debatable psych visits) have anything to do with job hunting. The reason that I’m suggesting seeing a GP (and potentially a psychologist) is because I feel perhaps it might help to tackle the real underlying issue first e.g. anxiety, etc. Then once you’ve found ways to manage it, I think you will be in a much better headspace to look for a job, etc.
That being said, it’s just a little suggestion. You may or may not find it is what you need, but I wished to share my ideas with you anyway. I hope that’s okay...
Good on you for bravely reaching out here. When and if you’re feeling up to it, no pressure of course, it would be great to hear how you’ve been going since your first post.
Thinking of you.
Kind thoughts.
Pepper
