Work is scary!

[bassoonchick91]

Hi! I work at McDonald's. It's not the best job but I really like my co-workers (and my paycheck) so I think it's worth it. I just started about 3 weeks ago. I have anxiety problems and often I get overwhelmed by the amount of customers in the store. I work at the front counter as a cashier and many times people can be rude and hateful and they are always VERY demanding. I get sooo anxious and nervous when I am at work especially during the busiest times. On the second day of work I had a panic attack and threw up at work and had to leave. And yesterday I blacked out and then almost passed out because my anxiety got so high. I keep my anxiety medicine with me so I can take it but it doesn't seem to help that much. Does anybody have any advice on how to keep your anxiety down during really stressful times? I have tried holding my breath for 60 seconds or deep breathing and I've even tried to "go to a different place" in my mind. I have also talked to the managers about my anxiety and they want to help but they can only do so much and also keep it fair for the other workers and I understand that. I want to do the best I can at work but my stupid anxiety is preventing that. What should I do?

[Destination]

The only thing I could suggest is to ask your managers if you can work in the back, it would still be pretty fast paced but you wouldn't have to deal with so many people. Otherwise you may have no choice but to get a different job.

Hope this helps.

[Patrick]

I have worked in a customer service job for 22 years. You are relatively new to this so give yourself some time to get in the groove of the new job and don't put so much pressure on yourself. Your managers should know that your going to need a little time to work into a "comfort zone". Customers can be really nasty and demanding but you can only do what your capable of, no more!!!!