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I am a full time student studying by distance because my social anxiety is too awful to deal with and I know I would drop out of uni if I had to work with others.
I feel the same with a job. I was a cleaner for 6 months this year but couldn't keep going. As well as social anxiety I suffer depression. I fear judgement from clients that I am terrible at what I do and am a pathetic person in general.
I'm kind of glad you posted this, though i'm sorry that you have. I could have posted the same last line that i am terrible at what i do and am pathetic in general... but hearing someone else say it my first thought was i'm sure that isnt true and we aren't the sum and total of terrible at everything. i recently finished mindspot course and i think that is all or nothing thinking or maybe black and white thinking.. im not sure, sigh! But i doubt very much that you are terrible at your job/work etc. I also am always wondering what others will think of this and that and am such a perfectionist i end up wearing myself out trying to be perfect... when it's really not always necessary (although part of me is already panicking about that sentence lol)
Way to go with the study, i loved distance study as it helped me because i could choose my hours to study. Are you enjoying the course? What do you hope to do after study?
here listening
lj
In response to: I feel like I can't work
NikNikSenior Contributor
Re: I feel like I can't work
Hi @Michelle_90
I think a lot of us fear judgement in the workplace - from managers, clients, etc etc. I really admire what you do @Former-Member - As a teacher I felt like eyes were on me!
While I think it's really important @Michelle_90, to reach out to get the assistance you deserve around your anxiety and depression, I also would encourage you to think about types of work conditions you would be comfortable with.
For me, majority of my role here at SANE Australia is online. A lot of businesses are embracing remote employees and flexible work conditions.
Are you more comfortable with online world?
In response to: I feel like I can't work
Michelle_90Casual Contributor
Re: I feel like I can't work
I am definitely more comfortable with online work. I do see a psychologist once a month but I'm starting to think I need more. I have seen my lovely lady for over 3 years and am scared to ask for additional help, I don't want her to feel like she hasn't been helping me because she is so wonderful.
In response to: I feel like I can't work
KurraSenior Contributor
Re: I feel like I can't work
I think you can still ask for extra help from your psychologist @Michelle_90 by first mentioning how wonderful she has been and how helpful working with her has been. You could then add that you'd like to increase your contact hpurs with her as you feel you're ready to work more intensively on your issues. 💕🎶
In response to: I feel like I can't work
Michelle_90Casual Contributor
Re: I feel like I can't work
I would love to increase my hours honestly from monthly to weekly or fort nightly, but I'm on the Medicare care plan and can't really afford those extra sessions, I get 12 a year so that's why I do it once a month. I used to see one for free at a charity that I love but they sadly stopped doing it.
I've been on anti depressants before but it honestly freaks me out the idea of being dependant on a pill - I want to be able to learn how to deal with my low moods and anxiety without them, what if for some reason I got deserted somewhere and had no access to my meds etc, so for the last 3 or so years I've just been dealing without, and the meds didn't help me anyway.
I have treatment resistant depression so it's been a big journey on trying to figure out what could help me. I guess the closest I have found at the moment is being around my partner and son. They are my life. 😊
In response to: I feel like I can't work
KurraSenior Contributor
Re: I feel like I can't work
My depressions as the depressive component of bipolar have also been treatment resistant and in 25 years I had never responded to antidepressants. I was puton something else that allowed me to function which I only took once my depression was becoming quite profound.
Earlier this year I was able to identify that I had a serious problem with anxiety. As a result I was given a trial on a medication that tends to be particularly effective with anxiety. This medication also happens to be an antidepressant. The med staryed to produce a massive difference within 4 days. My anxiety has gone and so has the subsyndromal depression I was experiencing. It took many years to find the right combo of meds but I can honestly say that my life today is wonderful.
I no longer worry about taking meds. I would much prefer to have the quality of life I have today with medication than a life of hell without the medications.
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