DEALING WITH ANXIETY AT THE WORKPLACE
-April 29th,2014-
By: Jacob Alan
**update** I no longer work for this company, but this article still holds true at any job**
For those of us that struggle with an emotional illness, just getting out of bed and working a nine to five job can be one of the most horrifying things imaginable. Work for a lot, and for no reason at all can be a big trigger for those with social anxiety. I myself, work a call center type job. At this job I talk to 50-100 people a day. Often times, due to no fault of my own, the caller will become irate. This for me, can often be a trigger for my anxiety, and even my PTSD.
For example, a couple days ago, I was sitting at my desk; and assisting the caller the best I could, in which they became angry, my heart began pounding, not necessarily racing, just hard beats, my fingers began to twitch, and my shoulder jerked (this is usually the start of an anxiety attack for me). I sat there hoping I would not go into a full blown attack, I remember some steps I've read about, and I preceded to go through them. They helped immensely. I am going to share them you all.
For those of us that struggle with an emotional illness, just getting out of bed and working a nine to five job can be one of the most horrifying things imaginable. Work for a lot, and for no reason at all can be a big trigger for those with social anxiety. I myself, work a call center type job. At this job I talk to 50-100 people a day. Often times, due to no fault of my own, the caller will become irate. This for me, can often be a trigger for my anxiety, and even my PTSD.
For example, a couple days ago, I was sitting at my desk; and assisting the caller the best I could, in which they became angry, my heart began pounding, not necessarily racing, just hard beats, my fingers began to twitch, and my shoulder jerked (this is usually the start of an anxiety attack for me). I sat there hoping I would not go into a full blown attack, I remember some steps I've read about, and I preceded to go through them. They helped immensely. I am going to share them you all.
- Nurture yourself with the same encouraging, supportive words you'd offer a friend.
I read this, and at first thought it silly, then I remembered that even if we like helping others we got to first help ourselves. If you feel yourself beginning to have an attack... Breath, picture that you are sitting with yourself, picture your other self cheering you on "You can do it!" WILL turn into "I CAN DO IT!" - Provide yourself with constructive — not destructive — criticism
As the saying goes, we are our own worse critic. We all make mistakes but from those mistakes we have to coach and up-talk ourselves. Not bash. If you mess up on something, or forget to do something. Stay calm, and again breath, and make improvements, not excuses! - Be objective
At the workplace, especially with a job like mine, you are bombarded with many people's emotions. I will say do not ignore how your customer, client, etc is feeling but stay objective. You were hired to do a job, provide a service, let that be your main stance. Objective is not Rejective, understand that if you help your client, or customer to the best of your ability that regardless of the outcome, you still receive a positive result. - Be open to coaching
Like with the second step, remember criticism is not always bad. If a superior tries to assist or teach you, do not take that as they are angry or disappointed in you. They are trying to help you grow, and become a better employee! Take what they teach and utilize it within your job. - Be open to new things
Remember that just as you have grown and developed into a person, so will your job. With different, sometimes better protocol, and procedures. These are not meant to be obstacles for you, but are meant to help you and your job. Rejoice is learning new things, even at work! They are experiences, and skills that, if you think so or not, you will be able to use later in your life! Do not become stagnant, in a day to day robotic process of doing things. Remember that sometimes change is just what you need to relight the flame inside you.
