
I want to start by saying I have never been diagnosed with anxiety, I’m just seeking advice here because I think people here may understand and be able to help my situation. I’m sorry if this is inappropriate for this sub but I didn’t know where else to post. 

Yesterday I had the first day of my first job. I work the register at a fast food place. I was super nervous the whole shift. During lunch rush I got so overwhelmed that I broke down. I couldn’t stop crying and freaking out. Everything was just too much. Talking to strangers, learning the menu and how to work everything, hearing the constant chatter in the headset. It just overloaded me and I flipped out. The other girls working were so sweet about it and told me to take as long as I needed to calm down, but I felt like such an idiot and a burden for them. 

This is also a rare occurrence for me. Although I’m generally nervous around strangers, and sensitive to many sensory inputs, I again, have never been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. I hate crying in front of people so even if I’m feeling bad I can usually keep it together. This time I just couldn’t. 

I know I have to go in again tomorrow. I know I have to learn to overcome this. It’s a job anyone could do so I want to be able to do this, but I still feel incredibly nervous even after learning the basics. I think I could handle it if I just didn’t cry, so if anyone has tips on how to stay calm or specifically not cry, that would be really helpful. I tried doing the thing where you count your breathing but it didn’t work that well until I was alone and could focus. I’d also like to know if anyone had similar experiences and how they dealt with it. 

I’m too ashamed about this incident to seek advice from friends/family, so really I could use some support.. thank you to anyone who took the time to read this.