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Original poster

Struggling at work with anxiety

12 replies

rosieposie2 · 05/02/2017 15:35

Hi I'm after some advice, I'm struggling badly with anxiety at the moment and feeling really stressed, I'm trying to keep my head down and just get on with my job which so far has been fine.
My manager wants me to do a presentation to some clients and my anxiety has reached a high. Its not something that i do often in my role and not something I feel comfortable doing as I don't feel I have the confidence.
Anyone have any advice on how to deal with anxiety at work?

OP posts:
daisychain01 · 05/02/2017 20:50

Hi rosie you definitely need to highlight your concerns to your manager and formally seek support. I'm concerned about what you've said here:

My manager wants me to do a presentation to some clients and my anxiety has reached a high. Its not something that i do often in my role and not something I feel comfortable doing as I don't feel I have the confidence.

You need to ask for some training to build your presentation skills and increase your confidence. Your manager cannot just launch you into a task like this with external-facing clients, when you don't normally present to people outside the company, without knowing you are currently concerned about it.

If they insist, can you create the presentation and do plenty of practice at home and some willing volunteers are work?

When is the presentation ?

INeedANameChange · 06/02/2017 09:10

I had to go down the medication route. Nothing helped me cope with mine.

With presentations I found it was very much mind over matter - I was terrified, but told myself I wasn't, I was being ridiculous, I'd do a great job, and then push it out of my head.

daisychain01 · 06/02/2017 12:59

Have you tried Rescue Remedy? It's meant to give relief for anxiety. It sounds like you may need something to "take the edge off".

WLMcI · 06/02/2017 13:14

I'd speak with your manager in the immediate term and ask for the training, as daisychain said. But it sounds like this presentation is not the causeit's only exacerbating an anxiety problem that already exists at a lower level. I have dealt with general anxiety for years, including having bouts of uncontrollable crying and very physical anxiety attacks. The times when it tends to surface the most are at work, where we spend most of our time and have the most stressors (usually). Seeing a counsellor helped me get to the root(s) of the problem, and my workplace actually offered 6 free counselling appointments as part of their occupational health scheme. You might want to check with HR or another confidential person to see if there is any route like that you could go down. Mindfulness is a popular buzzword at the moment, but there's a reason for thatit's very helpful for those of us who can't shut off the busy/stressed/negative thoughts! Good luck :)

SallyLeStrange · 06/02/2017 13:15

The only think that works for me? Honestly? Vodka

Im not recommending this btw, just saying as I am sure I am not the only one

JustDanceAddict · 06/02/2017 21:21

How long have you been there? I spent the first 6 weeks of my new job feeling sick with nerves but am fine now 5 months down the line.
Was really horrible as although I liked the job & people I was just so worried I would massively cock up.
I hate public speaking/presentations too but just be massively prepared and you'll be fine.

Original poster
rosieposie2 · 07/02/2017 19:53

Ive been there 5 years. Ive not suffered from anxiety before (always been nervous about presentations but would never not do one). I have just come off propranolol which i was taking because my heart was beating too fast and i had hand tremors and I think coming off it has caused the anxiety.

OP posts:
daisychain01 · 07/02/2017 19:56

Rosie, could you mention your circumstances to your manager. It sounds like you have a health concern that needs to be taken into account.

Your manager should be helping you by not giving you tasks that could risk your health, particularly as you have had a change to your medication regime so recently.

Unless they are aware, they could keep putting you under pressure....

Original poster
rosieposie2 · 07/02/2017 20:12

I know I should speak to my manager and the thought of doing that is making me more anxious. Im worried how she will react.
I guess I'm just going to have to be brave and tell her otherwise nothing will change and like you said its making my health worse.

OP posts:
Original poster
rosieposie2 · 07/02/2017 20:13

Also I don't want her thinking that I'm just trying to get out of doing the presentation by using my health as an excuse.

OP posts:
user1485778793 · 07/02/2017 21:22

Tell your manager that given your current health issues you don't feel ready to give a presentation. Tell her it's causing you further anxiety even thinking about it. A good manager will be understanding

Zebraar · 12/02/2017 21:44

If work isn't causing your anxiety - i.e. It isn't situational anxiety - you're experiencing anxiety anyway, then I would go to doctors and talk it through - but let your employer know too

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