I’m about to turn 48. and been having anxiety specifically related to work. Having never previously been an anxious person. I have always worked in healthcare- 30 years in the NHS.
Over the last 4 years I’ve had 4 different jobs. When the panic hits thinking a new job is the answer.
The anxiety isn’t there all the time but I have periods when it peaks.
Im currently finishing training in a new role and now I’m seeing more patients by myself and being given more responsibility the anxiety has kicked in again. I’ve been signed off for two weeks.
It had been building for few weeks, and then one morning I had to keep pacing around, my arms and legs felt numb, tightness in my chest. Feeling something awful was happening. I physically could not get in the car to go into work.
I can’t even specifically say what the worry is. I think it’s the level of responsibility and heaviness of things I’m dealing with- other people’s trauma and mental health. And just how broken the NHS is. Other people say I seem like I’m doing a good job but I feel like a complete fraud. And my brain is mush. Trying to deal with emails etc is overwhelming.
I’ve been so exhausted, even wacking a frozen pizza in the oven for my kids feels like a huge effort. I feel like the worst mum. Like I have nothing left to give any one.
My house has got so cluttered and messy. Everything feels on top of me.
I don’t want to keep working in healthcare but I can not afford to not work or work a minimum wage job so I feel trapped in doing a job that’s destroying me.
Years ago women didn’t have to work stressful jobs outside the home at our age.
I don’t expect anyone to give an answer. I just wanted to share in case anyone is feeling similarly.
p.s I am on HRT and it helps lots with sleep etc but not with this particular issue. I just feel broken