Work and anxiety: how to deal
So, this is personal obviously but I’ve had generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder for many years. I’m also a successful professional in the tech world and have been for many years. That said, work travel and generally stressful work really flares up my anxiety and makes thinking and operating at a high level both exhausting and difficult. Have been on different medications over the years, done meditation, exercise regularly, limited my work travel, etc but still have to deal with it as a part of who I am most days. Anyone else out there go through the same daily struggle to be a successful professional in a global industry with high expectations and have anxiety? How do you manage or even thrive? Would honestly love to hear some tips and tricks that others use to stave off the anxiety and do well at work and home TC: 400k+
Have you considered therapy? You mentioned medication and meditation. Also there are a lot of self help books on the topic of improving your thinking like this one https://www.amazon.com/Feeling-Good-New-Mood-Therapy/dp/0380810336
This is common with working professionals. Some have better control while others don't. There are a few things that might work: Listen to calming music (YouTube has tons of it), try to meditate or do yoga (I know it's not for everyone), go workout to take all the anxiety out. Good luck!
Therapy is incredibly important. But beyond that day to day, boundaries are important. I’m sorry you’re dealing with this, I do too. Glad you shared. You sound self aware and already doing great just knowing what’s triggering. Set buffer days at home when you have to travel for work. Everyone should do this anyway. You are owed time to recover and the company will benefit long term. Block off calendar time each day, either for lunch or at the beginning and end of every day to avoid unnecessary early or late meetings. Find movement. Anxiety is energy. It needs to move AND find stillness. Find the exercise that works for you (but don’t do anything competitive) and a creative expression or nature. Something like indoor climbing can be both athletic and meditative. Pay attention to Nutrition. Not some fad diet or way of eating but truly what you’re putting into your body and how it’s responding. Our food literally builds our cell, nervous system, and body. When you find a therapy time that’s open, take it. Even if it’s the middle of the day. Make it work and block your calendar. So much of being a high achiever is just perception and pressure. If you set boundaries, others will admire and catch on. It’s a ripple effect and we need more of it. Lastly, remember that we sell stuff on the internet. Yes, it’s your job and it’s important. But no ones life is on the line here. You’re already doing something great by asking!
On the therapy front, yes I’ve been to psychologists over the years but not lately. I’ve done self help stuff, listen to calming music, etc. for me the biggest triggers are work travel and big meetings/presentations. I’m about to start a new job/new company where all of those things will be more prominent and I’m already nervous. I know I’ll be good at it but feeling like your dying inside is a scary and lonely feeling. I’m not a depressed person either, it’s just the daily struggle on the anxiety side and unfortunately as I’ve gotten older with more responsibilities it’s become more prevalent. Also have 2 little ones at home, so there is not a lot of sleep either. All you parents out there know what I’m talking about :)
Totally get it w the two littles. Sleep is hard w fam and work responsibilities plus anxiety and panic. :/ Try josephprince.com.
What is your role? Solutions architect? Sales?
I too struggle with anxiety. Cut out alcohol and caffeine (and every other drug). Keep a journal.
This is always a great suggestion. The coffee part is hard being tired with kids but I know it doesn’t help. Stimulants of any kind are bad for anxiety. Downers are bad with depression too
I have health anxiety so I know how hard it can be. Any day where I'm not full of anxiety is a good day.
This might seem like an odd suggestion, but doing improv really reduced my anxiety. I almost shat my pants on my way to the first class, but I got through it a d have done it for a few years now. It teaches you to roll with the punches and really changes the way you socialize and interact with people. My social anxiety used to be pretty bad, now it’s nearly non existent. For me it was a career saver. Let me know if it sounds interesting, and I can suggest some places you can go to. Ps! We had people in their 50s and 60s in our class. 😉
Your first paragraph is not making sense. Maybe take English classes as well
Wow. I’m sorry for your friends and family for having to deal with you.
I have exactly the same issues (GAD and PD), for several years now. It’s definitely hindered career progress (at best) and been debilitating and difficult (at worst). I have avoided work travel, and avoided big presentations/talks that would have helped my growth. I have tried CBT, mindfulness, calming techniques etc, but they have only been mildly helpful, if at all. What has worked for me is medication - a low dose of lexapro (likely long term), and a beta blocker. These two have definitely helped keep the panic at bay. Doesn’t reduce anxiety much, but dulls the edge to the point where I can reasonably handle work pressures. The other thing I have done is scale back career expectations. I feel like redefining success and satisfaction is the key to address work-induced anxiety. Reducing the baseline anxiety also helps reduce panic episodes.
This sounds exactly like me. I just keep moving up in my career and responsibilities though because I don’t want Anxiety defining me and my success, but it’s a struggle talking to those in the workplace (especially bosses) who have no idea how much it affects someone.
Magnesium, Omega, Multi B vits and Vit d work like a charm for me. Try it for a month.
I take all of the with the exception of Magnesium daily.
Try it - I bought Natural Calm from Amazon. Works like a charm. Also get enough sunlight. I hope you are not located in Seattle. If yes, try leaving that God forsaken place.
Have you tried therapy? You certainly can afford a really good therapist.