New job worry

Jayjay29

Hey guys,

I actually just created this profile to look for advice. For me its a very embarrasing subject. I guess I suffer from mild social anxiety although I was never diagnosed I know I meet the criteria.

Anyhow I have been really trying to push myself lately to get over it. I started a new job (male nurse) recently and I love my work but I am constantly worrying if people like me. I feel I am very pleasant and nice to be around but sometimes when I'm getting to know new people my voice gets a bit shaky and I say awkward things.

Like yesterday in the canteen I was meeting one of the other new nurses who started too and my hands were slightly trembling and my voice was a little shaky. We spoke for quite awhile and despite my nervousness I feel I come across well but I always fear that they view my anxiety as a character flaw. Everyone else appears so confident and self assured 

I was bullied years ago and I guess this has dented my confidence a bit. Meeting new people can be such a challenge for me. Do you feel that people are generally forgiving of nervous folk? I just hope that its not too noticable

Thank you so much for any responses on the matter!
J

Lumi

Welcome to Boards and the Phobias Forum
You're definitely not alone feeling awkward and anxious starting a new job. It's a perfectly normal reaction - even for people who don't usually suffer from anxiety issues.
Focus on the positives of having a fantastic new job and try not to worry too much about what other people might be thinking or your shaking hands. You're being far too harsh on yourself. Your colleagues will probably be extra nice and helpful because you are new and everyone has had the new job jitters - trust me!! Once you settle in all of that nervousness and anxiety will just disappear

hogo

Your grand, once you get a bit of time behind you in new job everything will be fine.