working with anxiety/panic

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-15-2006
working with anxiety/panic
6
Sun, 10-15-2006 - 4:32pm
Just wondering if anyone has told their boss/co-workers about their anxiety or panic issues?? I would hate to tell anyone and then have them hold it against me but sometimes when you feel like you just want to run during a panic attack like outside or away from people?? I already had my supervisor ask why I put myself in so much personal time during the day.(I work in a customer call center with back to back calls so they notice when you step away) I know that may sound paranoid but I also suffering from CFS(chronic fatigue syndrome) I made the mistake and confided in a few people who basically laughed it off and said who isn't tired all the time?? Also does anyone think that stressful jobs can trigger panic attacks?? I have really thought about leaving the current job I am in due to the stress because it seems like my panic attacks have gotten worse since I started working here but then again who doesn't have some kind of stress with their job, but I thought maybe if I confided with my supervisor that maybe she would understand why I do have to just walk away from the phones during a panic attack. Thanks :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Mon, 10-16-2006 - 12:11am

First let me say that many of us have developed panic after periods of high stress. That can be a death, illness, trauma or any life changing event. Reducing the stress is possible. Perhaps it's in your best interest to leave this job. That is a very difficult decision & one you will need to make on your own. It would seem

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 10-15-2006
Mon, 10-16-2006 - 10:33am
Jan, thanks for your response. I guess you are right anxiety and stress and CFS are things some people just don't get. I had one friend tell me I was a hypochondriac (lol did I spell that right) It seems like if you don't have something like cancer or heart disease some people don't want to hear about it or have little sympathy, but you know when I do find someone to confide in it seems like there are so many people that have panic and anxiety issues that you would never have guessed. I think some just choose to suffer in silence. I do take zoloft daily and it helps somewhat but not completely that is why I really thought if I could take Xanax with it maybe I could cope at work. I only work 3 days a week so I feel so defeated if I leave this job. Also I have only been there since June so I don't think a medical leave is even an option. Oh well all I can do is pray and keep taking it one day at a time. I am so glad I found this board. It is so nice to know that I am not alone or going crazy!!! Thanks :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Mon, 10-16-2006 - 6:27pm
Please consider joining us in chat on Tues. & Thurs. night from 9 to 11pm EST. We want new folks to feel @ home & give you lots of typing space to share your story & ask questions. Hope to see you there! (((hugs))) jan


 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 10-16-2006
Mon, 10-16-2006 - 6:50pm

Hi,
I had a similar problem with a few of my university courses. If they required class participation or presentations, I would freak out and drop the course. Last year and again this year, I'm in classes for which a large portion of my mark is for class participation. I got to the point where I had to tell my professors, "this is why I'm so quiet." For the mostpart they were really good about it, too.

Stressful jobs I think can definitely trigger panic attacks. I worked at a daycare and would be left alone with a bunch of kids, even though I was the summer student with very minimal training. I had panic attacks a couple times while there and almost quit.

I hope my post helped at least to some extent, I know a lot of people dont understand what panic and anxiety is - when I attempted to tell my friends about my anxiety I actually was made fun of and still am by a couple of them. It's something that you have to experience to understand fully, or know someone close to you who is experiencing it.

Take care an good luck with your job!!

"Hate is easy. Love takes courage."

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-22-2005
Mon, 10-16-2006 - 10:44pm

Hi,

I have a co-worker whose wife suffers from anxiety and possibly depression. I had heard about it through management of where I work (so that makes me realize that my problem can never get out or everyone will know). My co-workers wife is so bad I guess that he actually has enrolled into the Family Medical Leave Act so that he can take care of her. In case you don't know what that is it is apparently a law that allows you for medical reasons to be able to call out sick and not be reprimanded for it. The guy in question told me that he has 180 days a year that he can use this so basically he can call out half the year without repercussion.
Anyway, we had got to talking and he told me about his wife. Eventually I told him that I understood because I think that I may have the same thing. We talked about it for a while and even though I was afraid he may tell everyone else it felt so good to tell someone about it. Especially someone who has seen first hand what this can do to you.

Take care,
Rob

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Tue, 10-17-2006 - 8:21pm

Telling your boss or coworkers is a big decision.

Sheri Ann