To think I'm never going to get a job

[Regreteitherway]

I was supposed to have an interview this afternoon, had a panic attack in the carpark and couldn't force myself to go in. Idiot.

I've been out of work since December when my maternity leave ended and I couldn't go back (topic for a whole other thread).

I've applied for every part time job that has come up in the last few months. Usually instantly rejected. Finally got offered an interview and couldn't even get myself in.

Ffs how am I ever going to be able to get a job??

I don't have any experience with panic attacks so I don't know if this will even help but one thing that helps me is to remember that the absolute worst outcome of an interview is to be in the same position of now.

So in my head I tell myself "I am unemployed now. If all my worst fears are realised in that room then I will walk out still unemployed. There is a 0% chance of being worse off by going in and a larger % chance of being better off.". I repeat it as many times as I need to calm down. If you already have coping mechanisms for panic attacks try to incorporate that mentality into them. If you don't have any way to deal with it speak to your GP.

Don't beat yourself up for being out of work, we have all been there. It's a scary place to be and it's ok to feel the way you do. If you keep trying you will get there eventually. It doesn't matter how many times you fail - you only need to succeed once for this all to become a distant horrible memory.

Just go to the interview with the mindset of "worst case scenario, I have a panic attack mid-interview, walk out and never see these people again".
I have panic attacks and the only way I manage them is force myself into situations and I either handle it or I don't.
If I don't, at least I know I tried. If I do, bonus.

You need to remember that the interview is just as for you as it is with them. The business is not doing you a favour, they are trying to employ the best person for the role.

Have you tried temping? It would help you get used to things, and quite a few roles can become permanent.