Hi,

I am recently only taking Xanex as needed to control my panic, which often now, I have to take daily. I am resisting an SSRI until at least mid-year for my own reasons. I notice my panic at work is increased. I have experienced bad time periods in the past as well. Sometimes I'm okay for months and others I start to get severe anxiety and I feel it interferes with my work. I'm terrified of meetings and people putting me on the spot without notice (I haven't taken a Xanex!). I even get nervous when someone just stops in my office to talk, thinking I'll panic. Sometimes I even fear losing my job over it. I have tried to tell my bosses about my Panic Disorder, but they don't seem to grasp it. I've even had to present before - a ridiculous, 5 minute only slot, over a Webinar (not even standing in front of people) and I panicked and started crying, which was awful. That was mid-last year. It hasn't happened since. However, this Monday, I got very nervous for an internal meeting and only had to talk for a few minutes and started to choke up and shake. Some people could tell how nervous I was but I just kept going. When I was done, I was so relieved but couldn't stop shaking for like ten minutes. I feel NUTS. It was with people I work with and see on a daily basis. Maybe 11 I had to speak to. How do others deal with Panic Disorder and work? Right now, I'm in a low period. But I know there is hope. Thank you for listening!

As mentioned in my other post, I was lucky to escape panic at work. It seems my mind-set at work overrode the anxiety and that worked for me.

If available in your area, try looking into the Toastmasters Organization. It is a group specifically developed to help those who experience anxiety through public speaking. It might help to cope with your fears knowing that there are others experiencing the same anxieties. You can share with others and garner inspiration through their experiences. There are speaking exercises that are practiced there which helps in knowing that others will not judge nor criticize . . . hugs

I feel your pain. I had lots of anxiety at work. . . Heck, sometimes I still do. I think Toastmasters is a great idea but if that's too scary you can work on this on your own and it will get better. I wonder if you have some social anxiety, presenting in front of people (but maybe it's just the pressure and not people). There are lots of great books on coping with panic and social anxiety, such as Martin Antony's social anxiety and shyness workbook. Then you can challenge yourself in small ways rather than have your boss throw you into the shark tank (so to speak). I hope things get better for you.