Aibu to be stupidly anxious about this?

[Worrierallthetime]

Ok so I know I am probably BU.

I suffer from Generalised Anxiety Disorder and over the last year I have managed to get off my meds. I had to give up work due to my anxiety (have good and bad days) but have been managing well recently (for me) and have started to challange myself.

DP lost his job at the start of covid so we have been managing on savings and a tiny bit of benefits since then. Hes been looking for work but is having no luck. I've managed to get a few hours a week waiting on in a restaurant. Later today is my first shift and I'm an anxious mess. On the verge of a panic attack, feel sick. I know I can do this. I just need to get there and I will be fine.

Can I have a hand hold and a kick up the ass please? There is a chance of more hours if i can make a good impression and we need the money.

Sorry just needed a bit of a moan. Stupid anxiety

First day nerves are a normal response to a job, actually. No GAD need apply.

One moment at a time. You can do this. Don't be afraid to ask them how to do things.

How fantastic. Well done you.
Don't think about needing the money, just look at it for the experience. If you make it there and then through the shift it is a massive win for you and such a boost. If you only manage a part of it today then that is something new you have attempted and will bring you steps closer next time.

Look at what you've achieved so far- life has thrown you a shitter and you've coped, challenged yourself and found a new opportunity, all without your meds.

Not only can you do this today, you can do it WELL.

Don't be afraid OP, you've got this. Lots of deep breaths before you start work (and during if necessary), and ask as many questions as you need to. It's fear of the unknown. Once you've been there an hour hopefully you'll be relaxing in to it. Good luck!

You've done well to find a job so quickly - you must have come across really well in the hiring process, so I am sure you will be fine as soon as you get there and make a start.

Thank you so much everybody.

Deep breaths and positive thinking needed. I did the job for a couple of months years ago so I'm not going in totally inexperienced, that's something.

If you’re anxious, you’re anxious. There’s no reasonable or unreasonable. As pp says, it’s totally normal to be anxious on your first day, so that won’t stand out. Just breathe your way through.

Are you prescribed beta blockers? If not, get some kalms this afternoon for extra support.

Break it down into tiny bits OP, and just focus on each one. It’s like eating an elephant, you have to take it one bite at a time so that’s a bit less overwhelming. What’s the first thing you need to do? Have a shower? Get dressed? Drive to the restaurant?
You’re doing great, you’ll be so proud of yourself by the end of the shift, and it’ll get easier each time!

It's always the anticipation that's the worst and like a pp mentioned, most people would feel nervous about their first shift in a new job.

When I feel like this I try to break it down and just focus on one thing at a time, ie getting ready for work, then getting into work, then the 1st hour etc. It helps those feelings of being overwhelmed when you try and imagine it all.

How long is your shift? Can you plan something nice for when you finish, something to look forward to. Also don't put too much pressure on yourself, if it leads to more hours great but if it doesn't you will manage, try and take the pressure and expectation off yourself, you will try your best and that's good enough.

And finally I always imagine how great I will feel after I've faced the situation making me feel anxious. It's such an achievement and a confidence boost.

Go for it op, you can do this

The breaking it into little bits makes sense. I've just had my shower (stick some loud music on in there lol) and am about to try fix my mad hair. My lovely Dp has just said he will have a nice dinner and a glass of wine waiting on me when I get home so i will definitely be looking forward to that! So, hair to do, stick on my "I can smash this" makeup and then I'm going. No stopping, just keep going.

You are all be great, thank you. Will be thinking about all the advice

Great op you've got this

Let us know how your 1st shift goes.

Well done you!! I really hope you enjoy your first shift.
You’ve got this. Like people say, break it down into 30 minute chunks.
Smile at the customers and the staff, act happy and you will be.
You’ve got this

No shame in using meds if it means you can function. You're not the only one. Hope it goes well today.

Thanks everybody. I'm just back in the door home. All went absolutely fine. Had a wobble when parking the car but some deep breaths and grounding got me there. Actually really enjoyed it. Felt good to be useful again!

Thanks you all so much for the encouragement

Fantastic! You are amazing. You got through it and all is well. I'm a sufferer too OP. Been thinking of you today.

Well done , do not berate yourself. You deserve praise for doing so well.
Not sure on hand hold symbol so flowers it is instead
Be kind to yourself.

Aww, lovely to read op, well done!

Thank you all for your kind words. I've had alot of challenges in life but GAD has definitely been the hardest to deal with on a daily basis. My fab DP had my dinner ready and my wine poured. Also a bunch of flowers for me as well as a massive hug.

I really did just need the kick up the ass and understanding from you amazing internet strangers

Going to go to bed soon, the come down from all the adrenaline is starting and always makes me feel crap. Will definitely be having another large glass of wine first though.

Well done!!

Your DP sounds lovely - I hope he can get a job soon too 😊

When is your next shift!

Enjoy the 🍷 (we need a white wine)

Amazing op! Really well done

@IncrediblySadToo actually got asked to cover an extra shift mid week

This is fantastic! I suffer too, and have very nearly talked myself out of interviews and first days before now. Sounds like you smashed it, well done! The feeling of doing a good job really helps me to feel better about myself, sounds like you might be similar.

Well done OP. Anxiety is such a hard thing to deal with. Hopefully you’re next shift will feel much easier. You definitely deserve🍷. And so glad your partner is supportive.

Brilliant! Well done

*your