I think I had a panic attack this morning. I was on a job interview that was very important to me and I got?

Question

lost on the way but his wife said to come between 7:15 and 7:30 and I got there at 7:25. After I began to fill out the application, he was behind me watching me, I got so nervous and started shaking so bad that I couldn't finish filling out the app. It was quite embarrassing to say the least but I have even more anxiety now. I have been under alot of stress lately :ie no money, and I went for an Aids test yesterday because I was assaulted a week ago today and I just got scratched but the police advised me to get a test. It left a huge bruise on my arm where they drew the blood. I saw him look at it. I guess he may have thought I am IV drug user. How in the world do I fix this?

Answer 1

Dear Victoria,

The key here is to breathe. When you find yourself worrying, stop the worry by breathing. Take three long breathes in through the nose and slowly out through the mouth. Paint a picture in your mind of a better place or situation. Focus on the mindset and let your worries disappear. In time crunches or in your case someone looking over your shoulder, take one deep breathe and say in your mind, "Everything is O.K., I'm Fine." This can be done without anyone even noticing and you'll see immediate results and your pulse will succumb.

As far as this particular job, did you finish the application or have you had your interview? If you haven't finished the application, return to finish it. This will show him your determination that you want this job. If you did finish, have you been called back for an interview? When you are called back for one...walk in there with a smile on your face, steadiness in your stance and respond to his questions as if nothing ever happened.

If he asks you about the day you filled out your application, tell him that you had blood drawn and you were feeling a bit woozy from it. This will expel all doubts from him about you.

If he doesn't bring it up, never mention it. It means that you noticed it more than he did. He may not have noticed it at all.

Be encouraged! If you don't get this job it either means it's wasn't the right timing for you or if he does hold your first day against you, the guy's a prick. Would you really want to work day in and day out for this type of shallow person?

Good Luck and I hope all goes well!!!

Answer 2

Sounds like an anxiety attack rather than a panic attack, but many people do not like anyone standing behind them. And with a recent assault history you probably are very sensitive.

You need to go back and finish the application. Best not to provide personal information about the assault, as many employers are concerned with AIDS treatment issues, etc. If asked just say you were recently the victim of a purse snatching etc with minimal information but fine now.

First, did you have an interview or just do the application. I would call the person with whom you set up the appointment and ask to return.

Best to check out the scratch but doubtfully a problem if you read about HIV/Aids at www.wedbmd.com Since it does not sound sexual, you probably had minimal exposure if the perp was positive.

Back to the job though. Next time plan ahead and be very early. Better to sit in the card, locked, than late. Sets a good example to the employer about your reliability. And if you can work up a great resume to give them, you can usually say "see attached" and not suffer through filling out the majority of the application. Plus the resume gives you more room to really describe your background, skills, etc.

Answer 3

Things are out of your control. Just try to relax and let the Universe find you a job. If you don't get this one it is because you probably would not have like it. Try to borrow some money from friends or rellies. To not have money is a worry. Is there anything you can sell? Eat at soup kitchens if possible. An IV drug user would be conscious of bruising and trying to hide it, so I don't think he would be thinking what you think he was thinking. You could mention in a follow up that you gave at the Blood Bank the day before and suddenly saw the bruise the next day. That is if you really think he saw it. I am sorry you were assaulted. Hope things will start looking up for you. Panic attacks are like electric shocks but some can take other forms. Hot flashes and sweats.

Answer 4

Oh my, you sure have a lot on your plate sweetie! I'm so sorry that you've had so many events pile one on the other recently! I do believe you were having an anxiety attack...Just try to relax and take stock of your situation. Make a cup of tea and try to close your eyes and just breeeeathe...You were recently assaulted and you have had an aids test for which you are awaiting the results. The police were right to advise you to do this and chances are great that the test will be negative and you can put that element of that nightmare behind you. Don't worry for one little minute about the prospective new boss thinking you are an IV user. Since you just went on the interview, you should formulate a thank you note for being given the opportunity to interview with him. Make the note count! You just may be able to resurrect the composure you weren't feeling when you were there. If this job is reeeeally important for you to get, you might even consider asking if he might meet with you again or call you and perhaps you could explain what had occurred to you. Who knows -- he could find the fact that you tried so hard to just press on in spite of the horrendous experience you suffered to be a real show of your intestinal fortitude. It may be just what he's looking for in an employee. What have you got to lose? Allow your cooler head to prevail and claim your life back. Don't be a victim, be victorious! I'll keep you in my prayers!

Answer 5

It sounds like you are having a terrible week! Take a deep breath first.

When I get overwhelmed with things, I find that it calms me down to have a game plan. Yeah, the interview thing didn't go as well as you would have liked, but look at the pressure you were under. It would be nerve wracking on anyone to have someone watching you over your shoulder. That's pretty rude in and of itself. If he was doing that while you were trying to fill out an application, think about what it would be like to work for him!

Now, as far as your money troubles, you are doing the only thing you can do; you are going out there and you are trying to find a job. Not a lot of people would still make it to an interview having been assulted a week before and going through the stress of waiting for the results of an AIDS test. Give yourself mega credit for going on with your life! That's a huge accomplishment!

Try to relax this weekend and take time for yourself. I know this may be easier said than done considering the circumstances you're under, but it will help you in the long run.

Answer 6

Well first of all, you're certainly not the first person to be nervous in a job interview -- although it sounds like you've been through a lot more than the normal pre-interview jitters! Perhaps you could call and reaffirm how nice it was of them to give you the opportunity to come in for the interview, and how you think that you would be a good candidate for the job. (Don't be solicitous, just be very polite and cordial). Um... I don't know... I guess the only other thing to do would be to hope that they saw your strengths and qualifications instead of your panic attack.

Good luck! Just take comfort in the fact that even if you don't get this job, you've probably got EXACTLY what some other company is looking for -- you'll get there soon!

Answer 7

Hi, sorry to hear you are feeling so bad. Yes, it sounds like a panic attack. The following steps will eliminate (or at least significantly reduce) your panic attacks:

1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.

2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks, OCD and anxiety etc. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: www.livinglifetothefull.com

3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. You can get free downloads online, e.g. http://www.studentservices.utas.edu.au/counselling/audio_resources/index.html

With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. practise the steps every day, not just when you are feeling bad). I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck!

Answer 8

YOu may be having panic attacks be caue YOU WORRY TOO MUCH!! Just because you had a bruise doesn't mean he's gonna think you use drugs. People get blood drawn everyday for tons of different reasons! The shaking is normal, if he noticed then he's probably glad that he intimidates you that much, Guys are like that especially bosses) I would worry and if yu dont get the job then move and keep trying. If you think negative you will bring negative into your life!

Answer 9

It definitely sounds like a panic attack. If you continue to experience anxiety, you may want to see a doctor about it. Some anxiety is normal, but it should not interfere with your ablility to function. As far as your bruise, maybe next time you fill out an application you could wear a little sweater over your shirt so that it isn't noticeable. Good luck.

Answer 10

A panic attack is the sudden onset of a discrete, brief period of intense discomfort or fear accompanied by somatic or cognitive symptoms. Panic disorder is occurrence of repeated panic attacks typically accompanied by fears about future attacks or changes in behavior to avoid situations that might predispose to attacks. Diagnosis is clinical. Isolated panic attacks may not require treatment. Panic disorder is treated with drug therapy, psychotherapy (eg, exposure therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy), or both.

Panic attacks are common, affecting as many as 10% of the population in a single year. Most people recover without treatment; a few develop panic disorder. Panic disorder is uncommon, affecting 2 to 3% of the population in a 12-mo period. Panic disorder usually begins in late adolescence or early adulthood and affects women 2 to 3 times more often than men.

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Excerpt above is from the first source below...see both sources for more information on stress and stress related disorders.

Seek medical attention for your symptoms...and call back to let the interviewer know that you have sought medical attention and let him/her know what the doctor determined your problem was stemming from.