So there is the stress ball. That one I know. Does anyone have any other ideas for dealing with nervous energy from stress and anxiety in the office that won't bother people around you so much (esp those moments when I can't just go for a long walk or to the gym, etc).
It’s a fairly routine problem for me that even after the stressor is long gone, the nervous energy sticks around. I don't so much need the 'take a deep breath' or 'think positive' type of thing, I might not even be actively thinking or worrying about anything; and I already have a good doc for the long term aspects. Just looking for some ideas about the tactile and physical side of this thing, which tends to stick around for a while and can be pretty uncomfortable.
posted by shimmer
on Apr 23, 2013 -
33 answers
Please help with a complicated work situation.
Some context: Mid-twenties, female, graduated from a top-ranked university in liberal arts (I know, I know, but it worked out in the end. Sort of.) I work in sort of a niche, new media-y entertainment field, for which I am extremely grateful. I love this industry and I love the company I work for. And yet, snowflakes abound…
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posted by themaskedwonder
on Mar 19, 2013 -
10 answers
I caught up with a good pal and sometime boss last night and I learned something new and interesting. She said on first meeting I can come off as distant, focused on the job and not in a warm way. Looking for tips on how to change this.
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posted by mooza
on Mar 13, 2013 -
8 answers
I have on-going problems with work anxiety and impostor syndrome. The worst part? I’m starting a new, high-demand job in two weeks and need help now.
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 8, 2013 -
4 answers
Nearly everything I liked about my current job has evaporated, and I am left with stress and anxiety. In addition, I've always been indecisive about what my career should be. At this point should I try to build a career at my current company or leave and try something else?
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 19, 2012 -
11 answers
Last year I quit my job due to depression and anxiety. I now have an interview with my former employer for the same job. Should I disclose my mental health issues during the interview as an explanation for my progressively lazy work attitude and subsequent quitting?
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posted by anonymous
on Oct 24, 2012 -
15 answers
I do NOT want to come in to work today. My shift begins in 3 hours and I'm seriously considering just not showing up. One week working there and I already want to quit - HELP!
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posted by HiphopAnonymous
on Oct 21, 2012 -
39 answers
I'm badly depressed and anxious. And I've got the worst job of my life - I'm 42, so that's saying a lot - complete with a boss I despise and who seems to despise me. My therapist thinks I should quit. Um, hello? Realistically, what can I do? Special flower BS inside.
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posted by Jaie
on Sep 22, 2012 -
26 answers
Anyone have any positive stories to share involving simultaneous end of marriage, job departure and moving?
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posted by DuckGirl
on Aug 20, 2012 -
24 answers
The organisation I work for recently had an inspection from Ofsted. We came out as well as could be expected, but I (and a colleague) am now finding it difficult to recover from the anxiety of the period. It has made us feel unconfident about what we do and we are finding it hard to focus.
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posted by toenail
on Jun 16, 2012 -
10 answers
Panic attacks are killing my self employment. What (work) should I do?
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posted by b33j
on Jun 11, 2012 -
13 answers
Hi everyone. I've got a problem and wondered if anyone could give me some help and advice. I've been signed off work for a week because my old recurring problem of depression has reared its crappy head. It was very sudden. I went to the doctor on Tuesday basically in tears, exhausted and pretty much unable to function. You know; the usual.
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posted by Tiltedwindow
on May 25, 2012 -
12 answers
What would you suggest for improved social skills, fitting in, decreased awkwardness, and undoing a reputation for being annoying at work? I'd especially love help for nerds with social anxiety who need to fit in with mainstreamy socialite sorts of people.
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posted by anonymous
on Apr 30, 2012 -
20 answers
There's nothing wrong with my job. There's something wrong with me. Please help me to choose what to do.
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posted by b33j
on Mar 28, 2012 -
15 answers
Work colleague accidentally cc'd me an email containing personal insults directed at me and now wants to meet to discuss the issue. How do I diplomatically and professionally say that I don't want to meet and would rather just ignore the email and keep working?
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 6, 2012 -
61 answers
I panic at work when the stress is on. Can you help me handle the fire more gracefully?
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posted by anonymous
on Jan 24, 2012 -
5 answers
How do I explain a university medical withdrawal to a prospective employer without damaging my chances of being hired?
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posted by anonymous
on Jan 21, 2012 -
17 answers
For those who find "relaxing" completely un-relaxing, how do you cultivate a strong activity and project based home life?
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posted by elephantsvanish
on Jan 2, 2012 -
11 answers
I think I procrastinate on projects as a dysfunctional way to manage my anxiety about them. Can you help me manage that anxiety more productively?
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posted by colfax
on Dec 8, 2011 -
8 answers
Why do I get so stressed out by the idea of confrontation, or of people being angry with me? I obsess about it for ages. How can I move past this constant need for people to approve of me?
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 30, 2011 -
21 answers
Dealing with depression, and I went AWOL from work on Friday - Damage control?
I'm suffering from extreme apathy/depression (ie it may take up to an hour to work myself up enough to go to the bathroom), and I didn't turn up to work on Friday. I have Saturday & Sunday to decompress, and savings I am willing to blow in pursuit of being functional 'enough' over the next few weeks to
not lose my job.
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posted by anonymous
on Oct 1, 2011 -
28 answers
Am I depressed because I hate my job? or do I hate my job because I'm depressed? Quitting is a bad idea, right? What about going to a psychiatric hospital? (warning: long)
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posted by sarahj
on Sep 1, 2011 -
29 answers
In my work, with my family, and my friends, I suddenly feel like a child, or that I am inferior to them. I'm not!, So why am I jobless and friendless? BTW: I don't feel this way in other areas of my life, only when it comes to work and friend-making.
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posted by midnightmoonlight
on Aug 12, 2011 -
6 answers
A friend referred me for a dream job and I screwed it up really badly. Please help me fix things.
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posted by anonymous
on Aug 11, 2011 -
14 answers
Through circumstances beyond anyone's control, my work situation has suddenly become a lot more precarious, and I'm freaking out. How to handle the uncertainty?
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posted by Ceci n'est pas un sockpuppet
on Jul 18, 2011 -
7 answers
What has helped you take criticism better, and avoid losing your nerve when you feel that your work is being evaluated?
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posted by anonymous
on May 23, 2011 -
8 answers
I like my coworkers, and I like lunch, but I have anxiety issues with eating in public. Is it socially acceptable to skip 90% of friendly work lunches? Will it hurt my working relationships, in your opinion?
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posted by jess
on May 6, 2011 -
32 answers
I've realized that I mirror people's emotions back at them way too much, especially at work. I have a lot of trouble dealing with an accountant who is very nervous and fussy because I get nervous and fussy along with her; I also mirror the tone of another accountant who is very aggressive and accusatory over routine no-wrongdoing things. In each case, I escalate behavior that is already upsetting. How can I stop?
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posted by Frowner
on Feb 18, 2011 -
7 answers
All of the places I trust to provide comfort and security, in any form, are imploding. I've already been existing in coping mode; what can I do now (particularly day-to-day)?
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posted by Madamina
on Feb 15, 2011 -
10 answers
My mojo quite suddenly vacated during an interview yesterday. Help me get it back so I don't botch the other 2 interviews I have this week.
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posted by Cat Pie Hurts
on Jan 26, 2011 -
20 answers
Either I am oblivious to my own ineptitude, or my boss is reacting disproportionately, how do I tell? What do I do?
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posted by anonymous
on Jan 15, 2011 -
14 answers
