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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dona on August 30, 2001, at 12:52:28
I have long standing depresssion and overdosed in May. I am much better thanks to meds and an intensive out-pt. program. But now I am going back to 20 hours per week as a nurse and I am terrified each day I have to go to work. I have been a nurse a long time and it is not that I can't do the job well--it is just that I don't want to. And I am afraid of driving in the traffic. I like to spend money so I really need the job, but why do I have such a fear of doing this?? Any ideas?
Posted by paxvox on August 30, 2001, at 13:14:48
In reply to Why do I have work phobia??, posted by Dona on August 30, 2001, at 12:52:28
I'm assuming you are being properly medicated for a "social phobia" as it were, but is it possible that there is some association at your job that you are trying to avoid? I know once when I would feel physically ill when I had to see one boss at work, and just the thought of that would make me get all funky. Why the attempted suicide, are the two related? If too personal to answer, that's OK, but it might shed some light on just what you are facing so that others here might help with better suggestions.
PAX
Posted by Dona on August 30, 2001, at 14:37:41
In reply to Re: Why do I have work phobia?? » Dona, posted by paxvox on August 30, 2001, at 13:14:48
I take prozac and zyprexa and I don't think I have a social phobia--it is only having to work that stresses me too much. I don't know if it is just that I have major burn-out from nursing, but it scares me to be responsible for someone's life, and I just feel too old to be doing this(i am 55). I have inherited a small amt of money (my mom died 11/2years ago and I am still with a bit of grief about that) and part of me wants to just live on the money, but I know that would not last for very long. I think I am rambling, but I do not know what else to say. I get suicidal when I feel overwhelmed. Thanks, Dona
Posted by susan C on August 30, 2001, at 15:24:39
In reply to Re: Why do I have work phobia??, posted by Dona on August 30, 2001, at 14:37:41
Oh, Donna, Stretch your arms out then wrap them around yourself and give your self a big ol' hug. Squeeze. I know what you mean, job burn out. Does your employer have a way to take a break, take a long vacation, leave of absence, sometimes if you have something to look forward to you can get through a tough patch. Then, make plans.
Sometimes changing jobs, tho a tiresome process (Cam on the Psycho-Babble) is job hunting in the med world) can help refocus. As you have probably heard before-it may help to talk to your doctor or pdoc or therapist?
Just out here in cyberspace checking in.
Susan C
> I take prozac and zyprexa and I don't think I have a social phobia--it is only having to work that stresses me too much. I don't know if it is just that I have major burn-out from nursing, but it scares me to be responsible for someone's life, and I just feel too old to be doing this(i am 55). I have inherited a small amt of money (my mom died 11/2years ago and I am still with a bit of grief about that) and part of me wants to just live on the money, but I know that would not last for very long. I think I am rambling, but I do not know what else to say. I get suicidal when I feel overwhelmed. Thanks, Dona
Posted by Greg A. on August 30, 2001, at 15:32:56
In reply to Why do I have work phobia??, posted by Dona on August 30, 2001, at 12:52:28
Hi Dona,
I can relate to what your feelings are about work. I have a good job that I have been doing for a lot of years. My associates consider that I am competent and I do good work. When I am depressed, I tend to be very anxious as well. This makes it hard to function at work. I cannot concentrate properly. I have trouble with what should be simple tasks. And I feel like my efforts are pretty shabby even though others say that it’s not so. This loss of confidence and anxiety makes it hard to go to work where I am expected to make decisions and be calm – exactly the opposite of what I feel capable of! So I begin to dread going to work.
Three years ago (wow – has it been that long) I checked myself into the hospital because I was suicidal. I didn’t try to hide any of this from co-workers, bosses etc. It made it easier for me to now say when I don’t feel I am capable of performing up to (my) standard. And when I feel more at ease about admitting that I am feeling overwhelmed, I find that I get back on track much faster. I guess I now allow myself to be ‘not well.’
I don’t know if any of this helps, but I wish you the best. You sound like a very competent person who takes pride in helping people.Greg
Posted by Waterlily on August 30, 2001, at 16:27:07
In reply to Why do I have work phobia??, posted by Dona on August 30, 2001, at 12:52:28
I am a medical technologist and was having a similar problem last year. I've been working at this hospital at the same job which I'm very good at for over ten years, but last fall started getting really scared going to work in the morning and it would last all day. Thankfully, through some work on my part and medication, I no longer have that problem (whew!). There were days when it would be very slow at work and once I was given permission to leave early, I felt much better. I don't know why it came on so suddenly, nor do I know why you are in the situation you're in, but at least I do know that you're not doomed to be this way forever. Hope things get better for you!
Posted by paxvox on August 30, 2001, at 19:41:44
In reply to Re: Why do I have work phobia??, posted by Dona on August 30, 2001, at 14:37:41
> I take prozac and zyprexa and I don't think I have a social phobia--it is only having to work that stresses me too much. I don't know if it is just that I have major burn-out from nursing, but it scares me to be responsible for someone's life, and I just feel too old to be doing this(i am 55). I have inherited a small amt of money (my mom died 11/2years ago and I am still with a bit of grief about that) and part of me wants to just live on the money, but I know that would not last for very long. I think I am rambling, but I do not know what else to say. I get suicidal when I feel overwhelmed. Thanks, Dona
Say, Dona, Now I don't claim to have the last word on psychopharmacolgy ( I think Sal does), but methinks you might do better on something other than Prozac. It poops out to soon. Maybe ask your Pdoc about Wellbutrin with a benzo chaser, preferably Klonopin, I think that might put some spit back into your whistle.
PAX
Posted by Angel4u2003 on February 28, 2003, at 10:51:03
In reply to Re: Why do I have work phobia??, posted by Greg A. on August 30, 2001, at 15:32:56
I am not sure if i have work phobia or not. I have tried working several times. I cannot hold down a job for more than 6 months. At times i get so fearful, i can't walk out my door. I worry about getting into an accident, mugged, raped, or even beaten, shot and or killed. To work a job when i am not so worried, i seem to panic when i feel i am being watched. I fear i am not doing my job correctly and am unable to face my boss after he has corrected me. This has affected my life to the extreme. I am a mother of 4 and i seem to have the same problems in my personal relationships. I need HELP!!!!
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