I have been out of work for 2 years now. The first was not by choice, but the last year because of Anxiety. I know we need me to be working but I'm terrified to go back job hunting.

It's gotten to the point where my mental health comes first before doing anything else. Like the other jobs I have had in the past, my anxiety gets the best of me and I can't do ANYTHING without breaking down or when I tried different medications they ruined my daily routine..

I think that I must have PTSD from my last job. It was a nightmare that I am still not over.

Even the thought about doing some very part time volunteer work brings on a panic attack.

I give up looking for a job. I have anxiety when i am thinking.I trying other ways to make money.I do not want to see my frineds or family.

sweetie i understand you completely. I was in a job i really loved working with the elderly but id work a 40 hour week and they just wouldn,t leave me alone asking me to do fill ins so of id go but in the ended up making me very ill with anxiety to the point i was totally non functioal, i ended up quitting and haven,t gone back for several years now.
I think you need to take your time and work with your doctor and councillor untill bit by bit you gain back your confidence in the world around you before you work again, i understand the fear in the world you have, i am the same way. maybe you could get your family to read these replys or buy them a book on anxiety or even have them go with you to doctors and councillors oppts so they can gain more insight into what you are going through. you are not alone and you didn,t ask for anxiety. you a stronger than the adveridge joe you have to be just to get through the day, dont forget that!. Hugs.

I completely feel all the pain. I know EXACTLY what you are feeling... I even get scared to take a shower at times no reason that I can think of I just freak. Baby steps for me. BIG HUGZ.. If ya need to talk or anything just let me know.

The best thing you can do is find supportive people in your life who encourage you, not hinder you. Even if you have to find support online that's okay. Take time for you and take no crap for it. Isolation isn't the answer, but finding time to recover and cope is okay.
It'll get better. You probably need to talk to your doctor about it and start anti anxiety meds. Klonopin worked for me.

I wish i could just show them this to make them understand a little that i'm not just the only one experiencing this! It makes me feel better that i'm not alone with this, but at then some time i'm not, i don't want anyone to go though this terrible feeling.

I tell myself to be patient and take baby steps. Right now, i am waiting at home till i get that appointment with my doctor, its all i can do. They hate me for sitting at home every day, but what else can i do when i'm feeling like this? :/

Thank you for sharing, It really does help to know their are people out there who understand me.

Klonopin helped me out more then anything ever has, unfortunately they refuse to prescribe it to me anymore because of my history that was irrelevant to it. :/

sweetie stand strong and please show them these pots they really need to gain some insight and understanding of what your going through, you need to be supported in your recovery. Hugs.

You need to get your confidence back and you can little by little. Give yourself credit for even the smallest achievement. I have been there and gotten better.

I've been out of work for 2 years all my bs started when I was laid off, lost my job self confidence and sanity but I def dont think isolating urself is the best thing to do neither is talking to friends or family about ur problems, my friends are very supportive but sometimes ther suggestions and support dont help and actually make me feel worse, in regards to ur family they wont understand depression and anxiety was never really a big thing back then and was def more easiar to cope with but society has managed to screw that up for everyone, I was diagnosed with Bipolar and PTSD and manic depression and what ever other label they wanted to stick on me put on several cocktails of meds that just made me feel worse and sometimes even suicidal and now my 14 year old daughter suffers from major anxiety issues so that doesnt help my situation... only advice is to talk to someone who does understand someone who will just listen I feel getting it all out helped me a lot, keep ur friends in ur life talk about other stuff t.v, movies, things u guys use to do something that may lift ur spirits even a little...hope this helps a bit

I haven't worked in almost 3 years for the same reasons. I'm terrified of the world and of people. My boyfriend seems to be the only one who understands that and doesn't pressure me to get a job. I take care of the apartment and all of the household chores while he works. People don't seem to realize that housework really is WORK. I'm far from lazy, but I feel like people look at me that way because I don't have a job and I get so embarrassed when people ask me what I do for a living. That's one of the reasons why I get such bad anxiety when meeting new people. Wish I had some advice for you, but unfortunately, I don't. Just thought it would help to know that you're not alone. Take care.

First, I want to tell you that it WILL get better. For most people that have a period of severe anxiety, it does resolve.

Second, take a deep breath. There is no need to rush.

Third, try to reframe what "job" means. It may mean going into an office 40 hours a week but it can also mean doing something from home or easing into something you enjoy - moving from very part time to more or less full time - or whatever you feel you can handle.
But - when you're ready.

Finally, there are plenty of people who get your anxiety. Find them. When I was surrounded by people who told me to "get over it" or "get on with it" it made me so much more anxious. Now I work with and have friends that either have dealt with anxiety or have another issue so they get the limitations.

I had a talk with a co-worker today that was so wonderful. We were talking about what each of us would do and he said, "Choose only the things you're comfortable with" - all three of us working with this company have anxiety but we each have anxiety about different things. So we accommodate each other's needs. It's fantastic.

In my personal life, I have a lot of people who are really terrific about my anxiety and get it. When I tell them about something, they ask - "Are you feeling okay about it or can I do something to help." And it's heaven. It makes all the difference in the world.

That said, I sent a note to my sister today asking for a bit of support and she wouldn't even text me back. Sometimes those who are closest to us just don't get us. But there are ALWAYS others who are amazingly kind.

I am absolutely certain there are people in your area who can provide a safe and understanding place.

There is online confidential video therapy for anxiety at www.integrativebalancepsychotherapy.com Serves residents of CO and MN