AIBU to ask you, how do you calm down after a job interview?

[Soootired23]

I've had three on Friday.

One went great (although I got distracted for a minute trying to remember the name of their CEO) - but the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

One went so-so, but it ended on a positive note. I think it will be down how desperate they're to hire for said role as it's niche, and not many people can do it.

Third one went great, but it was the first of 5/6 stages. Thy did tell me they could speed things up for me, but I don't think the timelines will align.

Right now, my head is going on overdrive trying to speculate what will happen next.

I know there's nothing else I can do, and with no diazepam to take, what else can I do???

Bump

Why would you take diazepam for a completely normal time to be nervous? That’s a worrying coping mechanism.

Go have a hot bath, stick some soothing music on and then read a book. Or have a lavender tea and do some yoga.

Find something else to do... Go for a swim or something

Because all of those remedies do nothing... Have already had a bath, went for a long cycle, have done some yoga and I'm still in the same place.

I've even used the breathing exercises that ChatGPT suggested

My brain still goes into overdrive within minutes

Unless you’re having debilitating physical symptoms this is just normal processing. Don’t try to override it or medicate it.

I wouldn't call the debilitating physical symptoms, but it's the only thing I can think/talk about!

Well it will be you've had 3 interviews in one day call a friend and tell them about it. Why do you think what your feeling isn't normal

I only have 2 friends.... One I had to cancel on her birthday weekend to prepare for the interviews and the other one is away on holiday.

Any family if not have a bath and talk it through to yourself. I have conversations with myself all the time. Or honestly if it was me and i was full of adrenaline I'd take advantage and clean the house.

Unfortunately I don't get a rush of adrenaline. I just sit down and stare at the wall while I think about all possible scenarios.

Again completely normal i like to do this after a bath why im drying i can easily lose an hour. What are you worried about that makes you think this isn't a normal feeling and that you would need diazepam. You had 3 interviews in 1 day thats huge i haven't had 3 interviews in my whole life.

I really feel for you. That would really hype me up too.

I used to perform in the evenings, get home at midnight and was wired until 4am and then incapacitated the next day. For a while only wine would unwind me.

So, I understand. But what you’re describing is a fairly normal life event. Being adult is full of adrenaline producing days. Although Valium or wine will relieve the immediate feelings they are really unhelpful and risky ways of coping. You really should be aware of that and find other ways of coping with normal life challenges.

Write out the pros and cons of each job and your self feedback. Once out of your head and on paper you may find it easier to step back from it being all consuming.

The problem is that the normal "advice" makes it worse. Not always, but for example sometimes going for a run leaves me in a much worse mental state (same as yoga/meditation). Teas and baths don't do a lot, and unfortunately even at the best of times I struggle with sleeping, so it's not like I can sleep it off.