Anxiety Support Group

Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...

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ohmbug 11/26/2017

So recently I've really started to change my life... I've been going out more. And driving. But tomorrow I have a job interview, and I get real anxiety when I talk to people... I get dizzy... I kind of zone out. And i feel like I need to go running for the door and get outside to breathe.... I start focusing on my breathing too much because I get so anxious; and in return it makes me dizzy from me shallowly breathing. OR i'll do the opposite and take too many deep breaths.

But I'm really proud of the progress I've been making... So I'm praying! Any advice? On positive thinking, being calm, and not focusing on your breathing? I'm not so focused on getting the job, but rather this practice of getting out, talking, and getting back to my old self. Kinda like a practice-interview. But if I got the job, that'd be pretty rad too...

It's just like when I have a job, I feel trapped. And I feel like I could bail. But tomorrow I really want to be another milestone in my journey of getting better, and to be my best, and not feel so much pressure.

Any advice, good thoughts, prayers, or coping skills would be really appreciated!

patti22 11/26/2017

For most people, it takes 10 to 20 interviews before they land a job.

So maybe it might help to think of tomorrow AS your practice. If you manage to get dressed, show up on time, and just stumble through the questions....consider it a success. Then take notes on the things that they asked, and prepare answers for the next time.

ohmbug 11/26/2017

I have always gotten every job I interviewed for. It's like... I'm really good at hiding it... But on the inside it's UNBEARABLE sometimes....
And it just makes me never want to go back. But I want to be relaxed... and able to enjoy my time. I dont want to fear the worst, or worry about falling out. I just want to enjoy life, and this interview, haha.

Dilemma 11/26/2017

I recently had my first job interview last week and I was the same as you. I get so focused on myself calming down that i forget where i am or how to speak properly. I'm scared of many things and i read a very long time ago that chewing gum really helps with calming nerves because when you chew gum, your brain thinks that you are eating and you brain tells you that if there is something to be afriad of you wouldn't be eating. It's a weird wiring but it works wonders for me. I know that it is unprofessional to chew gum while in an interview but it really helps with jitters and spit it out right before you go in. Or if's a more casual job, try explaining to you interviewer whats going on. Hopefully they will understand! i hope the helps and let me know how the interview goes!! GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Rippelk2 11/26/2017

I can completely understand what you're feeling, although I am on the opposite end of it. My anxiety is getting so bad I'm fearful I may lose my job and that I wont make it there, etc.

I agree, go in as practice and anything is a huge success and accomplishment that you should be proud of! And remember, even if they offer you the job-you aren't trapped and you don't have to take it! :)

ohmbug 11/26/2017

If it's the position I'm thinking it is, I'd love to work there. It's a calm environment and closer to home. But I have a lot of tattoos. It makes me nervous. Some people care. And others could care less. But. I'm going to look my best. And do what I can. And hope I can get it.

tweety53 11/26/2017

You’ll do just fine . You seem rele determined and as long as your tattoos aren’t vulgar , their shouldn’t be an issue .

ohmbug 11/26/2017

I don't have any vulgar tattoos. I have a small cross under my right eye. And a few stars by my right eye. But. I can cover those with makeup. When I initially go on I don't cover them. And then I ask what they prefer.

Sisabel 11/26/2017

I have anxiety like this with things like interviews and public speaking. Someone once suggested I wear glasses because it gives the sense of a "barrier" between you and other people. I tried that once and it did help. Unfortunately there's no way but to do your best to face it. I feel your pain. I joined Toastmasters and stayed with it for five years. It helped a lot but I never did completely get over the public speaking phobia. I can speak up in meetings and do short presentations now though. Also, I asked my doctor for propranolol to take as needed for public speaking anxiety. I still have it on hand in the event I need it.

Diane22 11/27/2017

Try to remember that u don't need them. They need u. That should help u also remember nothing bad can happen. Just u not getting the job. So what? There will be others

bridgie101 11/28/2017

People say imagine them naked and philosophically speaking it's actually a really good and important thing to do. We all have bums. We all have belly buttons. We all have hairs on our legs.

We are all just the same. The person you are talking to may have severe anxiety. I know someone I work with with severe anxiety. I can tell because I've been through it too - I like to think i have hidden it FAR better than they. Or maybe I'm just more attuned to seeing it.

he hides it well. He has interviews. He asks questions. He looks people in the eye. He comforts himself and defends himself from the unknown with pieces of paper with questions on them.

My last interview was with some phenomenally lovely people. Every now and again you have an interview and you feel like you've come home. You never know how it's going to go, but do know that they're meeting you from their position as well, their fears, their insecurities, their perceived inadequacies. Be kind to them and it will help you be kind to yourself.

wvguy 11/28/2017

I don’t know if this helps, but once when I was interviewing for a job in Texas, the guy doing the interview had a big bug (beetle?) slowly moving up his slacks leg. I didn’t say anything as it was harmless and barley moving. But wow, it took all the pressure off me. So imagine what I was seeing (try not to laugh) or imagine they have food stuck in their teeth. Because if you get the job you’ll likely see them at least once with something out of sorts.

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