New job and social anxiety?!


Question: I suffer from horrible social anxiety and I haven't been able to hold a job for a while because of it. Which just sends me into spiraling depression.
I recently got hired as a sales associate in a fairly large book store. After just working a few days my anxiety has overwhelmed me. I sit awake late at night just dreading going to work. I've been told to just stick through it a week or two and I should be fine but it seems to be getting worse. Should I tell my boss my problem? I don't want to quit without giving them any notice I just don't know if I can do the job.
I've really got to find a job with less social interaction because I'm horrified of even answering the phone at work and I feel insane trying to explain this to my apathetic coworkers.
How should I go about this?


Answers: I suffer from horrible social anxiety and I haven't been able to hold a job for a while because of it. Which just sends me into spiraling depression.
I recently got hired as a sales associate in a fairly large book store. After just working a few days my anxiety has overwhelmed me. I sit awake late at night just dreading going to work. I've been told to just stick through it a week or two and I should be fine but it seems to be getting worse. Should I tell my boss my problem? I don't want to quit without giving them any notice I just don't know if I can do the job.
I've really got to find a job with less social interaction because I'm horrified of even answering the phone at work and I feel insane trying to explain this to my apathetic coworkers.
How should I go about this?

Your situation sounds like a difficult one.
What you are experiencing could be greatly helped with the assistance of a Counselor / Therapist to consult with, and to "walk you through" any anticipated snags.
Speaking on the telephone or a microphone can be frightening to many of us.

Some people with difficulties such as yours, will gain the assistance of a "job coach", who will come in and help you with speaking to the management, or assisting you to adjust to new situations or responsibilities. (I'm not sure what organization would do this, but I would ask about it at a Mental Health clinic or an organization for Disabled Workers.

On your employment papers, (in the USA), there is a box near the top of the page to be marked if you are a "disabled worker". When you mark that box, there are certain considerations, by law, that the employer must accommodate.

You might look ADA Americans with disabilities act, and see who you might contact for counsel or assistance. OR
you can have a friend or relative make that call for you.

How I would handle it, going in to work in the morning:
On a 3X5 card or a piece of paper (This will be given to the employer to go into your file, so make a copy to keep for yourself, too)
Briefly write, first stating you would like to hold this job for them, and be successful in doing so. Being as you have some personal challenges, you wish to ask for help in accommodation or assistance as you do your best to adjust to this new employment position and its duties.
!) state you have a social anxiety problem
2) name what might be most difficult for you - the phone, etc.
3) request or ask what you might do to "ease into" the responsibilities of the job -- in a way that would help gain success. (working in the stockroom, or stocking or computer work, merchandise, or cleaning might be a good place for you to start. It would help you to become successful just a bit at a time -- be sure to state that you are willing to learn additional responsibilities, but to be successful you ask for patience.
3) (You might) state that you would be willing to work with a job counselor outside of work to assist you in learning skills and managing your anxieties on the job.

You need to speak to a psychiatrist not a psychologist because they can prescribe medication. You don't want to live with your anxiety forever, so stop running from the problem.

I would try to stick it a little longer and try to get to know the people after awhile. You may actually look forward going to work if you work there long enough because you will feel comfortable. I probably wouldn't tell your boss yet, give it a little while. Try doing something to take your mind off it like chewing gum or something stupid like that. I have left a couple jobs that I didn't like and have always found a new one. If all else fails, there are plenty of jobs where you don't have to talk to a lot people. You will always have to talk to some people but a good job may be a truck driver or working from home. Try different jobs but it may take awhile before you find something you like. Good Luck!





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