AIBU to ask how I can deal with stress?

[Snickerdoodles]

I work in a fairly stressful job, although I do enjoy it. I think what makes it even more stressful is that I only started it recently, so I’m still getting used to it.

I’ve started getting stomach aches and chest pains, which I’ve had many times before when I’m stressed, so I’ve learned to recognise as signs of stress.

Earlier today, I also started to feel panicky and short of breath, and to get that gaspy, shuddery feeling that you have after you’ve been crying (does anyone know the one I mean?)

I don’t work ridiculous hours or anything by any means (9am to 6pm, so very normal and standard hours), but due to the nature of the job, I feel like I have to be totally focussed and switched-on all of the time and I feel like it’s taking it toll.

Any tips on how I can deal with this please?

Thanks.

Is your job worth risking your health for? All these symptoms are warning signs OP....signs that your body is not coping with the stress.

Mental stress has long term physical effects.

Is there anyway you can look at a change of job or less hours?

In the short term, you would probably find yoga useful and it's worth looking at Mindfulness too.

Are you in healthcare, social care or education?

You're having anxiety and that can be caused by many different things. Your first instinct might be to blame your job, but that may not be the cause at all. Vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin D, are very common and very often cause a whole host of health issues, anxiety being a very common one. Hormonal fluctuations also cause anxiety to rear it's ugly head. I think you should see your gp and have a complete blood panel done to see how your are.

Just remember that although bouts of anxiety feel terrible, they will not hurt you, you are not losing control, and you will get through it. I highly recommend the Dare book by Barry McDonagh. It helped me beyond words.

Thanks so much, Ajas and Aquamarine. If anyone else has any further advice, please do post it here :)

Does your company run an employee assistance scheme? Such as Pam assist? Is it a big company with a hr department? Please speak up, there are stress assessments and people you can talk to to help manage stress. Is there an aspect of work you feel you need more training or support in? I work in a stressful environment and there are posters everywhere about this. Download a mindfulness app and do guided breathing to help you regain control. Make sure you sleep enough and eat well. Remember if symptoms get too bad consult your gp. Good luck

Thanks so much, Kezzamo. They might have a scheme like that, as they’re quite a big employer. I’ll definitely look into it :)

Just bumping in case anyone has any more ideas :)

OP, your post indicates that you've felt like this before if you recognise the signs - how often has this happened before, do you feel like this with every job? Has there been a role where you've felt comfortable before?

Also, as Aquamarine said, is this something that happens outside of work? Most people would feel nervous in a new role tbh.

Sympathy OP. Yoga (I find breathing exercises particularly useful) or Tai Chi (friends find it works) or Mindfulness could help. Address any diet and/or sleep issues as others have said. Join a walking group via Meet-up perhaps (sociability with gentle exercise).

Do you get breaks during the day?
Sometimes it can be tempting to work through breaks as you have so much to do, but research has shown that people that take their breaks are often more productive.
Try to do something non-work related on your breaks. Staff tea rooms can be a minefield for stress because you end up talking about work!

Can you get out into the fresh air?

There are some good recordings on YouTube that I sometimes listen to to go to sleep. Just search for stress relief hypnosis or similar. Try the first few minutes of a few, because it can take a while to find a voice you find soothing rather than irritating!

Well done for recognising you need to do something. Good luck.