Hi Guys,

First time poster. Thanks for having me.

I work as a support worker in a rehab and I want to be a drug counsellor one day. I mainly work the weekends (set hours) and sometimes pick up shifts during the week. I've been picking up less shifts during the week because my anxiety is getting really bad.

I really DREAD my upcoming shifts. As I am writing this; I have this building feeling of anxiety, dread and panic regarding my shift tomorrow. I have never really experienced anxiety like this. It is almost painful. When I get to my shift it gets worse; my voice gets shaky, I am extremely nervous and struggle for most of my shift. My job is to essentially stay over night with the residents and give them medication and make sure everything runs okay. I really enjoy helping the residents, I am a recovering addict myself. I just have this feeling that I won't be able to handle things if something happened while I am the only staff member there.

Has anyone else experienced anxiety at work? I am really struggling and don't know what to do. I really don't want to resign but my life now is just dreading work and not enjoying my days off because I know what is coming. I was thinking of being honest with them about what is going on but I don't want them to think I am weak and can't handle the job (even though I don't think I can). I am really good at my job and if I could handle the anxiety it would be great. 

Any advice or personal experience would be great guys. Thanks for reading.