Jobbridge causing panic attacks

CBGirl

I started a jobbridge position 6 weeks ago and have been suffering from panic attacks and anxiety since I started. I'm constantly on edge at work and when I finish I'm already dreading the next day. It's at the stage where I'm counting the minutes til I can get out of there.

I've been physically ill every day and have lost half a stone since I started because my stomach is constantly in knots. The €50 I get for doing the jobbridge is all going on medication and getting my back sorted because the tension means it's constantly sore.

Really, really want to leave but my mother phoned me a few weeks telling me what a failure I am and if I walk away from this it'd just be another failure. I started seeing a counsellor a few weeks ago but so far there's been no improvement. Any advice would be much appreciated!!

gugleguy

Wat kind of job is it? Customer facing as in a shop or warehouse or office work. Then me and other boardsies might have suggestions .. I'm thinking of mod here who could be a helpful bumblebee.

martingriff

I wonder is it the work or the pressure you seem to be under with your mother and yourself to "not be a failure". You can only be as good as you can be and nothing more. I am sorry you seem to have so much pressure on you which you don't need

CBGirl

It's office work and I don't really know why it's causing panic attacks because it's not terrible work. The people are ok, not overly friendly but not terrible but the thought of the place just fills me with fear. I don't want to walk away from a job but it doesn't seem worth feeling like this, particularly when I'm no better off financially. I had panic attacks in a job before but there were specific reasons behind it so I was able to put a stop to them then.

CBGirl

That's coming up as a recurring theme in counselling but it still doen't help with the panicking. Think what's really bothering me is after 5 weeks I feel like I can't keep going like this but I know there's no quick fix with these things

doolox

Get a cert for at least two weeks off from the "job".

Get an analysis of what it is that is causing the panic attacks.

I was an undiagnosed aspergers syndrome person for 52 yrs and did not get a definitive diagnosis until then (52 yrs of age) and it has improved things knowing that my fears and "inadequacies" are a result of something beyond my control.

Something similar might be the root cause of your dificulties at the moment.

If you are working for a large organisation book an appointment with their HR department and discuss your difficulties with them.

As for the parent tell them to back off. We are living in an age similar to the start of the great depression in the 1930's, they lived in the resurgent 1960's two totally different eras. People from these different times cannot and will not be able to advise or understand each other.

I have daughters aged 24 and 14 and now would not think to advise them as to how to live in their own lifetimes. Things are so different and more difficult in some ways and easier in other ways.

As a nation we have taken on the cost of 10 US aircraft carriers in debt to the dysfunctional banks which will take 2 lifetimes to clear. Europe will make sure we cannot let inflation get rid of the debt in a convenient fashion. The cost of basics will rise such as food housing and transport and energy while wages will actually fall. Our parents cannot compare their lifetimes with ours or our childrens and should be told not to do so.

My parents told me to conform and obey and do what the neighbours are doing. I did that without thinking about hidden agendas,market bubbles etc and now lost 100k as a result. I would now tell my children to think for themselves and look out for con-jobs, corrupt govt and corrupt moral leaders etc and corrupt employments.

While we were brought up to expect praise and positive feedback for a job well done, you will not get that now as most bosses are afraid of inceased pay demands if they offer positive feedback for a job well done.

We live in a very cynical age. If you are not being shown the door or fired you are doing well.

Look for and expect to get monthly written feedback on your performance from your immediate superiors so that your progress can be as transparent as possilble. Also look for and try to get the same feedback from your colleagues. By comparing them you can see if there are any "awkward" customers out there, if 9 of them are OK and 1 is bad you know if there is cause for concern.

Try and expand this by getting as much knowledge as you can about your sector from external sources, read trade magazines, online blogs etc concerning your trade or sector. Try and make as many friends as you can in other workplaces doing your kind of work. You may find that your boss is seen as a demanding and difficult person to deal with which might serve as a warning not to take things so seriously. On the other hand you might find that your difficulties are the norm for the sector or trade, then change to a different line fo work.

lovelyjubbly

You can only get 10 days off sick, more than that and the internship should be terminated by the employers and they face penalties if they don't. I did a jobbridge internship and hated it, dreaded going in.

OP have you spoken to your GP about the panic attacks? It might take a bit longer with your counsellor before you see the benefits of it.

CBGirl

I have but my GP is also my employer which makes it difficult. She was very nice when I went to her first of all but I get the distinct impression that now she doesn't think there's anything wrong with me

doolox

Even if it costs you €60 for the visit. Your employer cannot give you an honest opinion as she/he could be the cause of your difficulty.

What happens if you exceed the 10 days on job-bridge?

Cannot it be worse than what is happening now.

As you are from Croatia how about Austria ( 4% unemployment) as opposed to Ireland ( 14% unemployment)?

The reality is that at least 10% of our population have emigrated so that our real unemploment would be 24% without emigration. This does not take into account underemployment, casual contracts, enforced part-time working or underemployment ( people working below their skill level just to survive ).

I know nothing about hiring people but I suspect that you are over qualified for the jobs you are looking for and bosses will not hire someone more qualified than they are for fear of being displaced by their bosses......and ending up on the dole themselves.

MouseTail

If you have been unemployed for a while, it can really knock the stuffing and confidence out of you. Whilst on one hand it might be good to push your own boundaries, and fake the confidence in work, on the other, you do need to look after your mental health, and only you know if the anxiety is something you can work through.

I do think you need to change Doctors, it is a clear conflict having your employer your GP.

CBGirl

I don't think it'd be possible to change doctors. All the practices in town have an agreement were they don't take on patients that have already registered with another local practice. So torn on what to do!

whats newxt

Welcome to the precariat class

danthefan

CBGirl wrote: »

I don't think it'd be possible to change doctors. All the practices in town have an agreement were they don't take on patients that have already registered with another local practice. So torn on what to do!

Don't tell them you're already registered? Go to a different town?

doolox

You must go to a doctor who will take you on. Explain that there is a possible conflict of interest in the case of having your employer as your doctor as well. This may cost you money but is your mental health that is important. If possible change your doctor permanently for all purposes and inform health dept of your wish to do this if on a medical card. You have the right to do this and it can never be right that you doctor is also your employer. Too much conflict of interest. What happens if your doctor discovers some illness in you, you may be fired. You need to keep all personal issues secret from your employer as much as possible.

Mrs OBumble

CBGirl wrote: »

I have but my GP is also my employer which makes it difficult.

There is no way on God's earth that your own GP should EVER have take an patient on as an employee. It's an ethical nightmare from hell!!!!

Firstly - you have having health problems. You need to go to another doctor. There must be a way. If necessary, contact the HSE for help getting someone else to take you on.

Second - make sure that FAS (whatever they're called these days) know that it's your own GP who has taken you on, and that this is causing ethical problems when you need to see someone about health issues.

Third - tell your mother to STFU if she cannot say anything helpful. (Ok, you probably shouldn't say it quite like that ... but really that's got to be the least-helpful parent contribution I've heard for a long time!)



Longer term, I'm thinking that this really should be reported to whoever polices doctors. The GP has behaved appalingly ....

Mmm ... and I'll think some more overnight to see if I have any bright ideas for you.

An Ri rua

I'd go with all of the good advice above. CBGirl, take action. Panic comes from lack of control. And of course you can't control the unknown. Occasionally, it has physical origins also. So see another doctor.

Plus, give this a go and see if it helps you. Get another doctor but also give this technique a go and see how you feel after a few days http://www.tapping.com/videos.html

CBGirl

Went in today, had decided to hand in my notice. Had to go in to doc cos I have a chest infection and told her I couldn't do it anymore. She didn't accept it and put me off sick til after my next counselling session. When I told the manager she had put me off manager wasn't impressed.

olliesgirl55

CBGirl wrote: »

I have but my GP is also my employer which makes it difficult. She was very nice when I went to her first of all but I get the distinct impression that now she doesn't think there's anything wrong with me

You poor thing, I feel for you Any in my experience GPs are not a good source of help for mental health issues. Ask to be referred to the nearest mental health centre and be evaluated properly. They should be able to give you a proper diagnosis and prepare a care plan for you that will help.

Good luck

Dizzicizzi

I've been through a lot of CBT for anxiety and panic attacks. The fact that you had them in another job, even if for more specific reasons, could mean that you have unconsciously built up a negative association with the workplace. The problem with panic attacks is that the more you try to avoid them, the more they crop up. Like if I tell you, what ever you do, do not think about pink elephants. The first thing your mind provides you with is an image of pink elephants. So the more you tell you mind don't panic, the more panic it will provide.

Talk to your counsellor about distraction techniques and progressive relaxation. I find both very helpful.

The only ultimate way to beat anxiety and panic is to expose yourself to it more and more. I know it hurts and it sucks and it feels like it is going to kill you to keep going, but the more you push through, the better it gets. If you walk away and let it win, by going to the doctor and getting sick leave or by leaving altogether, the next time you try to work will be a million times harder.

Hope any of that helps. Like I said, I live it every day!

doolox

Try and get a job and boss that you can trust and then you might be able to work through your difficulties which may spring from a difficult mother relationship.

It might be possible to make good your current job situation by being brutally truthful about your current work situation as you see it and your feelings etc.

Most big organisations have an employee assitance program and most hospitals have one. You may be able to get help under the scheme if you are permanent employee.