I couldn't go into work yesterday due to panic attack in car what do I do?

Mental health
1

I started a new job 2 weeks ago in a recruitment company, I took less money and more hours with the hope of getting more progression and commission over time. However, since the day I stared I've been overwhelmed. Every day that I'm at work I feel sick and when someone talks to me I just want to cry. I don't enjoy the role. I don't think it's for me in the slightest. It's unethical and generally doesn't fit my personality. I used to love my previous job but I did have reasons for leaving, their staff turnover was ridiculously high and the manager was hard amongst other things but it did not make me feel like this.

Yesterday I got to work and the closer I got the more I started crying until I parked my car and had a panic attack, I called my boss to inform him that I wasn't feeling well and that I'd got to work but need to go home. He said thank you for letting him know and 5 mins later he called me back asking questions about whether I'm enjoying the job, I was so panicky I couldn't breathe and I told him I was finding it extremely hard and felt the pressure since day 1. He said it may not be the career for me and told me to take yesterday and today off to have a think. Yesterday I visited the doctor and was told I had anxiety and given Lorazepam medication but I'm not in a situation I feel is impossible to get out of. I spoke to an ex colleague about my previous work place and she said that they are still looking to fill my position and that she will speak to the new manager tomorrow (there has been a new manager since I left) My options are;

1) call my boss tomorrow and tell him I quit and hope I can get my old job back (I don't think going back is an option as it makes me feel physically sick and he told me I'd need to go back with me 100% effort which I can't do) and risk having no job

2) go back and put myself through hell trying to stop myself crying and having another panic attack

3) request a note from my doctor getting me out of work for 2 weeks due to my anxiety to give me time to think

I cannot decide what to do. I know it's hard to get another job when unemployed but I feel I can't go back: when I think about it I go into panic mode. I have until tomorrow to decide and any suggestions would be appreciated.

2

Hello there, I've been in a similar situation recently and decided the best thing for me was to take sick leave and think about longer term options. It's been very good as have given me the space I needed to think clearly. And without the constant stress and worry of work to detract from my own wellbeing. You should always put your health first. Let me know how you get on x

3

Hi Shannon

Sorry you are struggling but you're right, it is harder to get a job when you are unemployed. I understand what it's like being in a job you don't enjoy but I also know if you give up on something because of anxiety then it has won and you will possibly struggle with your next job.

Are you on any medication? Maybe ask your doctor for a low dose of diazapam or something similar to help you relax a little until you can move jobs?

I know how hard all this is but I'm sure you are strong enough to push forward and win this battle, there are plenty of people on here who would help you through it. You can always private message me for extra support when you need it x