Not coping with anxiety at all...

[Louiebear]

I have been struggling with depression for a few years, but recently came to accept the fact that I suffer from anxiety also.

I am a fourth year hairdressing apprentice in a small salon, currently there is a lot of pressure on me to build my own client base, but recently my confidence has plummeted and my boss is losing faith in me. 

I constantly am in fear of stuffing up a clients hair and my boss going mental at me. I am too afraid to seek a new job as I don't feel I have the confidence to to go to interviews and sell myself... 

I love hairdressing, but at the moment I just feel like packing it all in and starting anew because of the way I feel. I only have 3 months left of my apprenticeship, but I'm worried I won't be qualifiable when the time comes...

It is affecting my self esteem, my relationship with my friends and I'm worried it will start to effect my relationship with my fiancé...

[PatT]

Hi Louie,

It's pretty natural for you to feel heaps of anxiety considering the stage of your career. That transition from apprentice to the 'adult-job world' is a pretty intimidating one and it sounds like the profession you're in is pretty intense. Have you considered speaking to your boss about your anxiety? It would be a much better idea than your boss simply assuming that you don't have the skills needed. 

Also, have you considered speaking to your GP about medication and/or a psychologist referral? I'm only antidepressants for my own anxiety and I couldn't function without them (and I've tried multiple times) and a psychologist is fantastic in helping you manage your issues. You should really consider it, especially if you think it's going to start encroaching on your relationship with others. 

[Doolhof]

Hi Louiebear,

Pat T has written a very helpful and encouraging  post to you.

I too would suggest that you have a chat with your GP and see what help and assistance is available to you. It is great that you have reached out and have shared your story here. This is a start.

I have used the Beyond Blue web chat and phone line help service as well. The people connected to these services are very helpful and supportive. They too may be able to provide you with some helpful advice.

Have you had a chat with your finance about how you are feeling?

I suffer from stress and depression so do realise that sometimes life seems all that too difficult at times. Hopefully you will be able to take a deep breath and move on one step at a time.

I was recently reprimanded by one of my bosses for taking time off due to my mental health issues. It is hard to know how to react to that as you must be wondering how to react to your boss. I needed to take a step back, to realise my boss was acting as they believed they had to at the time and I needed to keep going, to try to do my best and not allow negative thinking to take over.

Easier said than done I know! I hope you can find ways to relax at work, to take a step back from the stress and anxiety, to look at your situation in a different light and to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Cheers for now from Mrs. Dools