New job, physically ill
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| Tue, 04-18-2006 - 6:46pm |
Hi everyone,
I'm new to this board. I have posted on other boards and just now found this one. Wow, why didn't I find it earlier.
Ok, short story, I'm bipolar and suffer from anxiety attacks. Almost two years ago I quit my stressful job and became self-employed. I have actually been off of meds for those two years. Sure, I have had an occasional mild anxiety attack. I recently decided to go back to work for insurance reasons. I got a job that I honestly didn't think I would get(my friends say I don't give myself enough credit). So, tomorrow is my first day and I am scared to death. For two days I have had stomach cramps, running to the bathroom non-stop and have lost my appetite, want to cry all the time, going out of my mind. I do not want to go back on meds. I have spent a lot of time on changing my eating habits, regular exercise, avoiding stress (where possible). It's like I forgot that I have a mental disorder and am starting all over again. Anyone with any great ideas to get through this night and make it to work tomorrow without flipping out? I know after a few days I will feel comfortable but how do I cope now?
I appreciate any help.
Pamela

You have done well without your medication so far
try to hang on to that! You are going to be fine!! The
symptoms are anxiety and worry. Try to relax and
JOIN US IN CHAT TONIGHT!! We will keep you busy---
whatever you do try to stay in the moment you are NOT there
yet so don't worry now! Get through the night and you will
feel better being rested. Take care and join us tonight!! Judy
(((Pamela)))
Sheri Ann
Welcome, Pamela! It's nice to have you in our caring & supportive community. You are NOT alone. Plenty of folks can relate to your fears & concerns.
We can be our own worst enemies sometimes. I bet you are well qualified for the job & will do great. Until you get there & begin to feel comfortable, it's easy to worry. The hard part is letting all this worry & anxiety go. Have you ever tried the belly breathing as Sheri Ann suggested? It takes some practice but is worth the effort. Try the positive affirmations along with it. "I am a good person. I will succeed. I will
Hello everyone,
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I went online to the live chat but with the time difference I was too late. I hope to make it next time. I didn't sleep great last night, kept waking up to see if it was morning yet. My husband comforted me enough this morning so that I didn't break out into tears.
With butterflies in my stomach I managed to get through the whole day without one anxiety attack. Wow! With a mixture of my own coping techniques and the ones I read here yesterday I did really well. You have to understand that a few years ago I couldn't have done this. I have quit many jobs and not even shown up for new jobs because of my anxiety. I'm working at our county courthouse and am qualified for the job but don't have any confidence in myself. I wish everyone could be as lucky as I was and found colleagues that are supportive, complimentary and friendly. It makes a world of difference.
It was only the first day and I still have a lot to learn, but I'm taking it one day at a time. I am staying focused on myself and my symptoms to prevent myself from freaking out. I hate it when people think you're a nutcase because of anxiety. Just don't want to be put back on meds.
Thank you all and I look forward to being a part of this message board.
Pamela
Pamela, it sounds like the first day went well!
Sheri Ann