Don't want my anxiety to stop me going for a job, reassure me please!

[faffer44]

I'm unhappy in my current dead end job. It's unfulfilling, low paid and my manager isn't supportive or flexible in any way. An opening for a new job in an area I'm much more interested in has come up. It's less hours which I want, but more money and although tenuous, I do have some experience of the role. I don't have much confidence that I'd get it but I know I could have a good crack at it.

But my anxiety is holding me back. I suffer badly from panic attacks which has gotten worse since covid. I find social situations daunting now. Often I put off going to things and then get cross with myself because usually once I get there I'm fine and enjoy myself. The new role would involve engaging with the public and other staff members a lot which feels scary after my safe little work from home role. I'm in a total rut.

I just need someone to tell me I can do it and it'll be ok. Dh is very supportive but doesn't fully understand my anxiety. The panic attacks are real and embarrassing. I sweat, shake, retch and quite often need to run to a toilet. I'm terrified of this happening in a professional situation. I do take beta blockers but they don't stop the attacks completely.

I know I'll be hugely out of my depth if I go for it. I also know I will be so disappointed in myself if I don't. Has anxiety ever held you back from something? How did you find the strength to just go for it?

Do it!

I had horrible anxiety due to a job (and bullying boss) I was in. I had an idea of the sort of job I’d love, it really interested me.
A job came up, I read and reread the ad and felt miserable knowing I’d never be able to apply for it.

After two glasses of wine I actually filled in the online application. I felt sick when I got a reply a couple of days later, could barely open the email.
I’ve been there nearly 8 years now!

Feel the fear and do it anyway. The only way to beat the anxiety is to push it aside and do the things that make you anxious, once you’ve done them and know it’s not as bad as you fear, it diminishes the hold anxiety has.

Go for it -good luck!

Have a look at this Ted X on anxiety -

Remedial hypnosis (which is what Tim does - I trained with him) is great for anxiety as it deals directly with your subconscious mind, the part of you which is charge of your emotions.