Social anxiety and starting a new job
I start my new role at one of Australia’s leading hospitals tomorrow. I’m prepared, you know, new clothes and a fresh haircut. I’ve made my lunch in my brand new bento box and I feel great! Then the doubts start to kick in; “what if I can’t do this job?”
“What if they hate me?”
I’ve only worked on short projects since falling ill in 2018. This is a huge deal to me as it’s working in an area that’s so close to my heart. I want to succeed.
STOP! Deep breathing is helping, I recognise that I’m catastrophising. I’ve gone through significant changes this year with my health and my personal life. I’m allowing myself to feel these unsettling emotions because I’m a human being.
I’ve just climbed into bed, a soothing place with a hot water bottle and my two cats, Pip and George. I’ve put on my favourite pyjamas and I’m about to watch some youtube.
Self soothing is hard, isn’t it? It’s like being in control of a car from the backseat and reaching for the breaks. It’s a big stretch and a lot of effort.
Now I’m thinking logically, I’m starting to reason with myself. The whole reason I got this job is because I am competent and why would anyone hate me? This is my brain working overtime and catastrophic thinking fuelling my anxiety.
What about some kind words to myself? Yes, I can do that. I am going to be ok. I’m also a great person with a lot to offer.
The bedroom is cosy and warm now, the cats have fallen asleep. The deep breathing worked and that hot cup of peppermint tea really did help warm me up. Soothing fresh.
I’ll be ok.
Update:
My first day went so well! The anxiety kicked in around 8am and I spent way too long in self-doubt mode. As soon as my new manager greeted me, I felt absolutely fine. Those awful new introductions were done in small doses. I actually found myself to be less socially awkward and more interested in what my new colleagues’ roles within the organisation were.
Social anxiety lies to us and makes us think we’re less than others but actually, everyone, regardless of status, goes through the same thought processes.
Am I good enough?
Yes. We all are.
Sam - COREmpower Consumer Advisor
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Social anxiety and starting a new job
November 02, 2021
I start my new role at one of Australia’s leading hospitals tomorrow. I’m prepared, you know, new clothes and a fresh haircut. I’ve made my lunch in my brand new bento box and I feel great! Then the doubts start to kick in; “what if I can’t do this job?”
“What if they hate me?”
I’ve only worked on short projects since falling ill in 2018. This is a huge deal to me as it’s working in an area that’s so close to my heart. I want to succeed.
STOP! Deep breathing is helping, I recognise that I’m catastrophising. I’ve gone through significant changes this year with my health and my personal life. I’m allowing myself to feel these unsettling emotions because I’m a human being.
I’ve just climbed into bed, a soothing place with a hot water bottle and my two cats, Pip and George. I’ve put on my favourite pyjamas and I’m about to watch some youtube.
Self soothing is hard, isn’t it? It’s like being in control of a car from the backseat and reaching for the breaks. It’s a big stretch and a lot of effort.
Now I’m thinking logically, I’m starting to reason with myself. The whole reason I got this job is because I am competent and why would anyone hate me? This is my brain working overtime and catastrophic thinking fuelling my anxiety.
What about some kind words to myself? Yes, I can do that. I am going to be ok. I’m also a great person with a lot to offer.
The bedroom is cosy and warm now, the cats have fallen asleep. The deep breathing worked and that hot cup of peppermint tea really did help warm me up. Soothing fresh.
I’ll be ok.
Update:
My first day went so well! The anxiety kicked in around 8am and I spent way too long in self-doubt mode. As soon as my new manager greeted me, I felt absolutely fine. Those awful new introductions were done in small doses. I actually found myself to be less socially awkward and more interested in what my new colleagues’ roles within the organisation were.
Social anxiety lies to us and makes us think we’re less than others but actually, everyone, regardless of status, goes through the same thought processes.
Am I good enough?
Yes. We all are.
Sam - COREmpower Consumer Advisor