Panic attacks and Work

[Daphnesmate]

Hi,

I realise this is related to mental health but I'm posting here for more traffic. Basically, unfortunately, I experience panic attacks/anxiety and I am looking to get back into work on a very part-time basis. I have been employed full-time, customer facing but on the telephone. Can I ask you, if you experience panic attacks what work do you do? I would like to earn a small income and be amongst a few people, probably something admin based and only a few mornings. I realise this is a lot to ask, but just getting a gauge of whether this is realistic. I think it would help my self esteem and also help me confront my anxiety which unfortunately, I have battled for most of my life ( manged to attain a degree but never used because of stress etc.)

Many years ago now, I suffered from such bad panic attacks that I became completely agoraphobic for a while. It took some time to get under control but I went on to work full time with no major issues. I do still get panicky some times if I have to sit somewhere where there's no escape! So for example, middle seats in a cinema. But I find as long as there is an "exit route" I can keep calm. So the way I dealt with it at work was to say to myself that if I felt bad I'd just go to the loo to calm down, take a few deep breaths etc.

Honestly I think working helped me. Over time there were bigger and bigger gaps between me suffering panicky feelings. It really built my confidence. So I would say go for it.

Sorry, didn't answer what my job was! It was office based. I think its a good environment to go for in your situation.

Thanks Meruem. Yes, that was my thinking. I have been a sahm for years now and next year I want to get a part-time job. I feel a bit sad because I think that I will probably never realise my potential (whatever that might be) but I am making up for it in some other ways such as a creative hobby. I think most of the pressure comes from myself and from a parent whose mantra was you could do better. Interestingly enough, there are a few threads about written by people who are stressed in their workplace. It's just getting the right balance/setting. And well done Muruem for overcoming your panic/making it much less.

So many mixed emotions about living with anxiety.

I worked office based for years whilst having panic attacks (still do, but infrequently).

If you go for a larger company they will have decent awareness of mental health and will hopefully be supportive.

I have found the very best course of action is to explain it to my boss when I am feeling fine. I tell them the truth: it's not the workload or the people, sometimes this just happens to me (I have certain triggers which I explain - like meetings or claustrophobic situations in which I feel "stuck"). I tell them that I want to go to all meetings I am required in anyway, but there is a chance that sometimes I will take a quick breather, excusing myself to the ladies or something.

Good luck OP.

Thanks Firesong x

I do freelance web and software development. It's handy as it pays really well, so I don't do many hours (kids are still small, so I don't have many free hours anyway). I'm basically self-taught for a lot of it.

I don't think this is going to be easy. Even part-time admin jobs seem to ask for a lot these days. I had to give up my previous job because my working ours changed and by then I had 3 children. I want something with minimal commitment at least to start off with but I've got a feeling I'm going to struggle. Looking at local colleges, NHS, charities, local government that sort of thing. Fingers crossed something will come up.

Hate to suggest medication but have you ever tried beta blockers? Maybe chat to your doctor about options that would suit you?

Hi Happy. Yes, I might try beta blockers can't remember whether I have used them in the dim and distant past. Will chat to GP shortly.

The trouble is, I'm looking for a job with minimal commitment, probably in an office environment and these jobs aren't readily available. I will look over the forthcoming year. It is really difficult isn't it getting a work/life balance. Feeling disheartened about it all. There is the possibility of volunteer work - rewarding in one way I suppose but you can get to a point of feeling that hang on a minute, this could be a paid position.
I know people who do childminding/delivery work etc. I'm not saying these are easy options childminding is hard work but what I mean to say is that you aren't thrown into the path of other adults and I think that's what I need - to occupy my time a bit with a bit of adult company. I don't have to work for monetary reasons although this of course would be great and be a boost to my self esteem. Perhaps job share would be a good idea (2.5 days) but even these aren't probably easy to come by.