Social Anxiety and work - Anxiety Message Board

msterio619 · 04-19-2006, 01:34 PM

Back in 2000 I went out on disability for my social anxiety. I have been on numerous combinations of meds and it doesn't really help. (cureently zoloft 200mg/xanax 1mg daily) I have done the CBT therpy made some changes in my thinking and changing some of the negative ways. what gets me now is I really badly want to go back to work and its so painful for me to be around people. Any suggestions as to what i could do workwise with minimial contact with people. I am so sick of feeling depressed cuz my friends look down on because I don't work - they think ohh shes just lazy - they don't get it. HELP>>>>>>>>>>

hry33 · 04-19-2006, 02:52 PM

wanting to recover is a big help,
keep trying to find an antidepressant that works for you, the xanax will always help and can be relied on but IMO, is best taken only as needed, with a few extra ytablets carried with you when out
a dose of xanax usually only lasts for 2 or 3 hours

SRMom · 04-19-2006, 03:31 PM

I think everyone has anxiety when they have to start a new job with unfamiliar people. I agree with hry33, keep your Xanax with you and take some if you get into an uncomfortable situation, until you get used to it.

As for jobs with little human contact...that's a tough one. Maybe some type of data entry, or working with animals, or piece work at home. I wish I knew some ideas too. I've been a stay-at-home mom for nine years, so I'm a little out of the loop. Hope you get some good suggestions.

msterio619 · 04-20-2006, 11:57 AM

As for the anti-depressants I have tried practically everything under the sun. I have tried most of the SSRI's out there as well as the tricyclic meds - those kind of meds do not work for me. I stress this to my doc and all he says is bump up the dosage. 6 yrs later I need to get back to work. I just have a hard time being around ppl -- even with a dose of xanax on hand. Panic attack are alot of fun NOT!!! I just don't understand why these meds dont work - dont get me wrong I am not solely relying on that alone - i understand its a combination of that and cbt to help on road to recovery - heck my road to recovery seems like there is obstacles and hurdles every where i turn. It's getting frustrating. Ya think in 6yr I would of made some progress but nada. I just need to get my but to wrk soon. My bank acct over the yrs has depleated and I am seriously at thr risk of losing everything i have. (which is not much but still)

SRMom · 04-20-2006, 12:11 PM

I just want you to know that if your friends are real friends, they will not look down on you and say you are lazy for having a disabling illness. I know how disabling this can be. If you really think you can give up your disability and go back to work, then go for it, but don't do it because you think people think you're lazy. You said you need to work...maybe you could talk to a career counselor to find a job that would suit your needs and talents. Without knowing you or what you are qualified for, it's really tough to come up with ideas. I would start with getting my resume updated and looking to see what type of jobs are available...which ones sound interesting, like I might enjoy them, and go from there.