Mental Health and Work?

Question

I start my new job tomorrow morning (Monday) and I am extremely anxcious today, so much so that I have taken more of my medication that I am allowed. I really do not think I am capable of working/meeting new people.

I am a diagnosed OCD and Agoraphobic sufferer.

My question is how do you people cope with these disorders on a day to day basis at work. This is my first professional full time job after I have left University.

My main fears about tomorrow are:

- meeting new people
- embarrassing myself if a difficult situation occured
- people judging/looking at me
- fear of experiencing a panic attack in the office infront of everybody (they can be brought on by just talking to someone)

My doctor says that I should work and keep my mind busy. But when I have all these thoughts rushing through my head it is extremely difficult to concentrate on anything else.

I don't think I'll last a day in this job to be honest.

Answer 1

Meeting new people and staring a new job can make anyone feel like you are feeling. The fact that you got hired over someone else shows that your manager saw something in you that you may not see in yourself. Try to remember that. Also, if you find yourself getting overwhelmed, take a few minutes, go to the bathroom or somewhere where you can be alone and calm down. If you have a positive mantra you say to yourself, say it. Having a positive attitude will help. Tell yourself you are going to do great and you will make at least one friend. But it may be a day to day thing. Plus no one expects a new employee to come in and know what they are doing right away. If need be, tell your manager that you would like to just train with one person and have that be the one person you meet tomorrow. (they cant fire you if you tell them about an illness-mental or otherwise)

Answer 2

React: Confront fearful situations until the anxiety reaction is slightly uncomfortable, a #3 (or below) on the anxiety scale.

Retreat: Back away from the fearful situation. Walk toward the door, take a few steps away, or turn around and face the other way.

Relax: Distract mind and let self relax and calm down.

Recover: Completely recover from the anxious reaction.

Repeat: Approach the fearful situation again, repeating the five R’s process.

You have to confront your fears in order to be able to overcome them, there is no other way. In terms of a job, there are many things you will have to learn to deal with, remember, you need them much more than they need you. Decide you will be strong and not let your fears inhibit you from having a normal life. Good luck to you.

Answer 3

It is possible to have mental health problems and work as well.

I've been doing it for years.

It isn't always easy, but it can be done. Your GP is right, being occupied is a good way of distracting your mind away from the negative things it usually turns round and round.

Give it a chance as this could be one of the best things you ever do. Try not to expect the worst, but see it as an opportunity to experience new things. You are obviously intellegent or you wouldn't have been to university, so use the knowledge and learning that you've gained, don't waste it.

Try these links to the Mind website,

Mind guide to surviving working life:
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Mind+guide+to/workinglife.htm

Staying in employment:
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/index/Staying+in+employment.htm

Hope these help.

Take care and good luck tomorrow - you can do it!!

Answer 4

You are not ready for work yet really, try it for a morning if u can and if it feels wrong then go home, it's easy for anyone who hasn't had it to say this and that, i have no respect for any so called medical person who hasn't experienced it first hand. Take my advice and push your limits at your own pace gradually each day.

Answer 5

Don't put yourself down, be bold, get in there and be confident, not easy but if you don't force yourself you won't know what you are capable of, people won't judge you unless they are totally ignorant in which case you don't have to talk to them, don't worry about embarrassing yourself, no one is perfect, give it a go, surprise yourself.
Ken