How do you deal with anxiety while at work?

@kappa170 If the anxiety is debilitating, I would also echo that you may want to see a doctor to discuss your options. If you can't take that step right now, sometimes the self-help techniques can be effective, but that does depend in part on how bad the anxiety is and your willingness or ability to practice these methods while working. Breathing, getting up and walking around, or listening to soothing music have helped me with my work anxiety. What methods appeal to you?

Just try to take it one day at a time. I also am going to suggest seeing a physician if you think your anxiety is becoming debilitating and affecting your everyday life.

Ask your HR if they have what's called Family Medical Leave. My employer has it and it's been great to work through my mental health issues and remain employed without having my attendance be overly effected.

@kappa170 I have to get out of the building for a bit. My rationale is that the work isnt going anywhere, the patients arent going anywhere, and if i cant take a break before I have an attack, it's just going to turn into an even worse situation. I keep Vistaril at work and am very blessed with having coworkers who understand my anxiety disorder and are very supportive.

I am one of these people who like my routine and if my routine gets altered, it creates a LOT of anxiety for me. What if I screw it up? What if a coworker gets mad at me for not doing the task right? What if I embarrass myself? What if I suddenly snap on a patient???

I do try to remind myself that these altered situations and altered routines turn out fine and the anxiety was unneccessary (of course, trying to tell yourself at the time is hard)

If it gets to be too much, usually one of my coworkers will notice before I will and tell me to go take a break. I go outside, deep breathe, and try to distract my mind with whatever is going on outside (birds in trees, geese flying over, planes coming in for a landing because were close to the airport) I cry if I need to then get myself together and go back to work.

I used to bottle it all up in fear of coworkers or supervisors thinking i was nutty, a basketcase, or a cry baby. But that just makes things worse. Hopefully you can find someone on the job who is supportive to you. Also look into your employers Employee Assistance Program if they have one. You can usually get free counceling through the service. I have used them and they are great.

Hope this helps and God bless.

Amy