Anxiety attack at work.

[TwitOrTwat]

I had an anxiety attack at work today. I was shaking and anxious while working, and when I went on my break I couldn't stop crying, and was close to hyperventilating.

I think that I have been unwell for a while, but in denial, and I will be seeking help.

They were very kind at work, and allowed me to go home.

However, I feel ashamed and stupid, and somehow irretrievably tainted in their eyes.

I am sure this is my anxiety talking, but if anyone has any advice about how to recover my dignity and reputation at work, I would be very grateful, especially if anyone is in management and knows how workplaces really feel about these things.

Thank you 💐

Didn’t want to read n run, am sure someone wiser will be along in a minute but please don’t worry, people including managers all getting smarter about anxiety nowadays and I’m sure no one will judge xxx

Thank you 💐

Bump.

Please don’t worry, people are far more aware of MH situations now.
Please see your GP and tell them everything that has happened, don’t be embarrassed. My DH was having terrible anxiety attacks due to work and antidepressants have been a lifesaver for him.

Thank you 💐

I'm not a manager but I just have to say please, please, please don't feel you have anything to be embarrassed or feel stupid about.

I'm so sorry this has happened to you but really do not need to feel ashamed. You are quite right that your anxiety is making you think this way (I do exactly the same). Remember how kind they were whilst you were suffering - and be kind to yourself

Thank you 💐

If you had sprained your ankle you would not feel tainted so why do so because you have an anxiety attack? People need to get wise about the fact that there is a difference between "feeling a bit anxious" and a full blown anxiety attack.

You have no need to feel ashamed. I often recommend a book called "self help for your nerves" by Dr claire weekes. ....it really is wonderful and was a great help to me when I started having panic attacks (back in the 90's).

Because they will never see me in the same way again, however kind they are. Its not a failure on my part, I know, and I would be the first person to console or encourage or bat for someone experiencing the same, but that doesn't stop me feeling that way about myself.

You are projecting your thoughts onto them.which is a bit unfair really. anxiety, stress worries. These are all normal human emotions. ....yes excess levels are not nice and panic attacks are horrible. ..but please be kind to yourself......there is no shame..you do not need to carry it.

Thank you 💐

I'd be genuinely concerned for their welfare.

Most people know someone with a mental health issue and chances are someone you work with has one.

It's a shock to have one, but please don't worry and make sure you get plenty of rest.

Thank you 💐

Ah, that happened to me once many years ago. At the time - shaking and hyperventilating like a lunatic in the canteen - I was just eternally grateful for my usually starchy manager whisking me away from the curious stares, fetching my bag and sending me home.

The following day I was mortified but knew I had to brazen it out. I tried to stroll in casually unnoticed, blushing furiously - but although I did get the same curious looks, most colleagues came up to make sure I was okay, and after checking on me my manager - nor anyone else - ever mentioned it again, and it never happened again either.

I went on to get promoted in the same firm a few months later and did pretty well, so try not to worry.

Thank you 💐

Please be kind to yourself and do not worry. Managers are much more aware of mental health than they used to be and should show kindness and understanding. This is even more so after the year that has been, with all the difficult stresses people are under. Take some deep, long breaths. Good luck.

In my experience things like this just confirm to people you are human, that's not a bad thing.

Take care, these are difficult times

Thank you both 💐

Sorry that happened to you, it’s a horrible feeling.

I don’t think people will bother about you not being well in a ‘tainted’ way. I think they will just be hoping you are ok.

Everybody’s struggling now. My friends a therapist and says people she had as patients ten years ago and such are phoning her out of the blue for help as they arent feeling well.

You are not alone. If anything it might help some people to see that you felt the way many of them are feeling. They are more likely to be understanding.

You will feel much better once you’ve gone back and had a couple of hours under your belt. It will feel like things are back to normal again.

Thank you 💐

Sorry to hear. I am a manager, and have also suffered from anxiety. It's very, very common and any manager worth their salt will know that and feel nothing but compassion for you. Take care of yourself and hope you can get some real life support too . (Counselling and anti-depressants have changed my life immeasurably.)

Thank you. 💐 I love my job, and can't bear the thought of them hating me, or being a problem

I'm dreading going back today. Even though I did get some sleep I feel as though I haven't slept for weeks and am exhausted.

What is it you are dreading specifically? did you look for the book ?