New job/coping with anxiety

[TonesK]

I work as a carer in a care home, but there has been a lot of issues with the organisation I work for, and I've had some serious injuries from the clients in the home.

I am not in the best place mentally due to the injuries and also a recent sudden bereavement, which has left me feeling generally anxious. I would not have looked for a new job at this time due to this, but a new job found me, through a friend of a friend looking for carers.

The new job is looking after the client in their own home on a 1:1 basis, taking them their appointments and clubs. In addition to other disabilities, the client has diabetes. It includes sleep in night shifts which I haven't done before.

I have had shadow shifts with the other carers, been to training for diabetes and today will be my 3rd shift on my own. I am also keeping a few shifts at the carehome incase it all goes wrong with the private care, I will still have a job to go back to.

Now on the surface this new job seems ideal. The client is lovely and not violent. The pay is much better (33% more than current job). I know I am a good carer, but I am just so stressed and anxious. It's mainly because I am not familiar with diabetes, and the parents have told me not to worry as much.

I hope that as I get to know the client better my anxiety will calm down, but in the meantime, my heart is racing and I'm feeling sick. Its not just a little bit anxious! I kind of feel like just quiting and going back to the "safety" of my original job, but I really want this new job to work out.

How can I stick it out? What can I do to calm my nerves? Thanks.

Best of luck with the first days of your new job This anxiety is normal and it will pass. Within time you will feel settled in and much happier in the new role. Deep breaths, a warm bath or yoga (?) could help with anxiety in the short term

If I'm nervous, I find it helps to have everything down down, so that I have something to look at. Could you write down all the things you need to check on for the diabetes with times, and a flow of actions to take if issues arise? Anything you aren't sure of you could check off with someone, then if you feel panicked in the moment you can just check your lists.

Also slow deep breathing is calming for me; count slowly 10 in, hold 5, out 10.

Breathing exercises to help a bit. And what are your responsibilities re his diabetes? It sounds like you’re feeling it’s all on your shoulders, which it can’t be - you need to be really clear on your exact responsibilities to reduce your stress.
Sounds like longer term it could be way less stressful than the home.

www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/breathing-exercises-for-stress/

Thank you all.

Yes there is a care plan to follow and it's not all my responsibility. The parents and other colleagues have been supportive and helpful.

Will try to relax and do the breathing exercises. I am going to pack my bag all ready for tonight, then have a bath and go for a walk with my favourite music. Plus try and keep talking myself around from panicking!

This is a really helpful book, @TonesK:

www.amazon.co.uk/Feel-Fear-Anyway-Indecision-Confidence-ebook/dp/B00PYJ5Y6W?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

You know you’re a good carer so if you can, accept you are feeling temporarily anxious and keep going.

@SparklingLime
Thank you, I have downloaded the book on audible :) have heard of it before actually.

Adriane does a great you tube video on yoga for stress.
It concentrated on your breathing and really helps calm your body.
Good luck, I think you just need time to get used to it and learn the ropes.
It's nice that you care so much about getting the job right.

How are you doing, @TonesK?

@SparklingLime thanks for checking in! I am feeling a little better but still not great. I am trying to do things to relax and have started the book. I'm feeling more like I can cope while I give myself time to see if things improve!

That’s good - step by step!