Job interview anxiety

[GooseFat]

I think I just need to vent to anyone who might understand how I'm feeling! I suffer from anxiety, it's nowhere near as bad as a few years ago but does still affect me in small ways day to day. I'm trying to apply for a new job, one I know I'm capable of doing and have no fears about doing it. However, the thought of the interview is absolutely crippling me. Not just what I assume are regular nerves, but I am avoiding writing the application which is due this week, coming up with excuses not to apply, secretly praying if I do apply that I don't get an interview....it's actually exhausting me. Just a simple thing like this throws me completely off track. I can't eat healthy, I've stopped working out, I don't want to make plans (not that there's many to make!), im very irritable...I'm just sick of losing weeks of my life whenever something that scares me comes up! I know everyone gets nervous at the thought of job interviews but it's all I think about every day. Anyone relate?

Do you have any coping mechanisms? Your GP can refer you for some CBT sessions which will be hugely beneficial. It’s normal to be nervous but you really do have to crack on with it. I’ve interviewed candidates before who were shaking, and that’s okay. And I’ve gone into interviews myself and just admitted to feeling nervous, which can be a way to break the ice. Best of luck, OP.

I don't really, I've thought about going to the GP in the past but every time I gear myself up to do it I talk myself out of it, saying 'oh I'm not that bad really' and worrying this is just normal for people and being dramatic. I do tend to be not so bad when I'm in the actual interview, it's more the thought of it before hand and the days/weeks of stressing that I can't cope with.

Someone once told me to channel my nerves into excitement- and it worked for me. It made the panic turn into adrenaline... I kept telling myself over and over 'this is a great opportunity for me'! 'I want this so I'm going to show them how good I can be' etc etc.

Good luck.