Anxiety at work

[user9102811]

I’m really struggling with bad anxiety at the moment and it’s starting to affect my work. I’m constantly worried about meeting deadlines and have no confidence in myself. My new manager seems to be constantly increasing my workload and I just can't deal with it, everyone else seems to have everything under control.
I had cancer 3 years ago and I just can't seem to get my life back on track.
I don’t know how I can make it go away, I hate feeling like this and miss the old me.

Hi OP, so sorry to hear this and sending you lots of hugs.

Have you spoken to your manager about how you’re feeling and maybe seeing if you can delegate some of your tasks to others?

Book and appointment with your GP. Self refer for talking therapies.
Also, speak to your manager and let them know how you’re feeling. If they’re dismissive - speak to HR.

@AlwaysAnonymous I haven't spoken to her the thought of doing that makes me more anxious, I'm worried I will get upset.

I experienced something similar recently and kept pushing through it thinking it would get better (but it didn’t). I had to sit down with my manager (who is also our HR person) to tell her I was struggling — I got upset doing it too but it was better her knowing. It’s still not 100% fixed but her knowing what’s going on I find is a lot better and explains why I struggle doing certain tasks or, when I’m stressed and anxious, I can be very withdrawn and moody so I imagine I’m not that pleasant to be around!

If you have a HR person you could speak to I’d definitely recommend that, they can at least share this with your manager who will make a plan with you on your workload and supporting you.

As previous poster also said it may be worth speaking to your dr too if you’re not feeling like yourself. I’m just done this and will start CBT next week which will hopefully be a big help. Maybe talking therapy will help you during this time too? It’s always a great help having someone to share your worries with and will help take the load off.

@AlwaysAnonymous I'm glad things are getting better for you, what sort of tasks did you struggle with? My main concern is she will think I am saying I have anxiety to avoid certain jobs.