My anxiety is through the roof, what can I do?

[NotABraveNewWorld]

New job. Brilliant new job, but my anxiety has exploded. I'm terrified of making a mistake (of course I have!), not being good enough, getting sacked. Overwhelming anxiety. Some days I am physically shaking as I walk in. I'm not sleeping (2:45am I woke up this morning). It's my day off and I am sitting here worrying. I didn't apply for the job, they wanted and went out and got me (a huge compliment). But I feel awful. What can I do?

Don;t drink coffee if you do

Exercise

Speak to friends and family

Look at your CV and remind yourself of your achievements

And see your GP?

Go to YouTube and search for Amy Cuddy's TED talk Fake it till you make it. It helped me immensely

Work on your self esteem. Love yourself more. Easier said than done I know.

The reasons you have described here, terrified of making a mistake, not being good enough etc indicates that your anxiety stems from your self worth. Take some time out to look after yourself and do some self reflection of why you think this.

On the flip side - you said you didn’t ask for this job so if you do get sacked (I’m sure you won’t!) then there is nothing to lose right?!

Writing helps me with my anxiety and helping with understanding why I’m feeling the way I do.

Have you heard of Imposter Syndrome? If not, look it up.

I get like this whenever I have a full-time job - which is why I went freelance 25 years ago! 😂 It will get better. I found I was a nervous wreck for the first 3 weeks. By 3 months, I was fine.

You could try writing out some If /then’s. If I make a mistake then I’ll go to my boss quickly with a solution. If I feel anxious then I’ll concentrate on connecting with my new workmates so I have a support network.

But really anxiety is your imagination and so the bad thoughts are no more real than anything else. Try to think about something else.

Congrats on the job!

The shaking is probably adrenaline. Your body has gone in to fly, fight or freeze due to your anxious thoughts.

Finding out how adrenaline works and the effect on the body really helped me.