I don't want to use my anxiety as an excuse

[Sup Phyl]

I struggle with my job in various ways; whether it be training others, getting to know colleagues, talking to customers. I have held this job for five years and I found out I had SA seven months ago. I told my boss who either doesn't care or understand, probably both. The thing is now I can say why I have been struggling all this time, but I don't want to say 'I have an anxiety disorder' and suddenly use it as an excuse not to do things or explain when asked why I can't do things. I'm not sure what to do, especially since we have a new system in place which really raises my anxiety to the point where I feel I'm going to cry, can't even speak, and openly exhibit safety behaviours.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? If so, how did you overcome it?
Thank you in advance for your contributions or any suggestions.

 

[A86]

I told my boss who either doesn't care or understand, probably both.

I don't think you can do too much to someone not willing to even try and understand.
Personally, I also hate any sort of justification from being diagnosed. I think that because I am actively trying to overcome these behaviors through various means(weekly psychologist/psychiatrist visits etc) makes it easier for people to at least acknowledge that I am making an effort which is easier to comprehend than the weird behavior itself.

Communicating this effort is more effective than trying to explain the underlying issue. At least in my case.

 

[THeCARS1979]

Ive dealt with Social Anxiety ever since I can remember. My problem is , I dont know if i use it as an excuse. Or maybe I used to and Ive gotten better some due to therapy. My confidence in the past wasnt there all the time. It has gotten better, but with women and dating it hasn't. Ive used it as an excuse not to talk to women or rarely ask girls out for years. I used it as an excuse not to go on to college after high school. I used it as an excuse not to work on my career when I was in my 20s. Im having more fun in my mid to late 30s then i did in my 20s. The thing is Social Anxiety ruined my life. I now work in the airline industry and its my livelihood , and Ive been there for 5 1/2 years, but its still doesnt make up for all those lost years. I have a lot of regrets. Please people if your young dont lets this all happen to you. If you see a girl or guy you like, attempt to say something to them. Dont wait till the time is over. Pink Floyd, Time-1972.

 

[Bustn Justin]

Ive dealt with Social Anxiety ever since I can remember. My problem is , I dont know if i use it as an excuse. Or maybe I used to and Ive gotten better some due to therapy. Ive used it as an excuse not to talk to women or rarely ask girls out for years. I used it as an excuse not to go on to college after high school. I used it as an excuse not to work on my career when I was in my 20s. Im having more fun in my mid to late 30s then i did in my 20s. The thing is Social Anxiety ruined my life. I now work in the airline industry and its my livelihood , and Ive been there for 5 1/2 years, but its still doesnt make up for all those lost years. I have a lot of regrets. Please people if your young dont lets this all happen to you. If you see a girl or guy you like, attempt to say something to them. Dont wait till the time is over. Pink Floyd, Time-1972.

Great advice. I wish I dealt with these issues in my 20s.I would have more friends to hang with and have more fun.

 

[Jaysonguy]

I struggle with my job in various ways; whether it be training others, getting to know colleagues, talking to customers. I have held this job for five years and I found out I had SA seven months ago. I told my boss who either doesn't care or understand, probably both. The thing is now I can say why I have been struggling all this time, but I don't want to say 'I have an anxiety disorder' and suddenly use it as an excuse not to do things or explain when asked why I can't do things. I'm not sure what to do, especially since we have a new system in place which really raises my anxiety to the point where I feel I'm going to cry, can't even speak, and openly exhibit safety behaviours.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? If so, how did you overcome it?
Thank you in advance for your contributions or any suggestions.

An explanation and an excuse are two different things.

You can explain what's wrong and that's fine but there's still a job to do. While your boss might not understand or care right now you can still do your work to the very best of your ability.

Can you give a list of your duties and maybe we can think up some ways you can practice them?

 

[Sup Phyl]

Thank you for your reply and offer of help.
I work at McDonald's and alot of my job is interacting with customers; I have gotten used to the usual conversation I need to have which is strictly professional, but once anything new arises or they try and speak to me in a more casual way I panic and I feel rude as I feel like I'm ignoring them because I don't respond to them except with an awkward smile. Training is an issue as it is in my job description to train people and once again about 90% of the time my anxiety gets really bad and I just avoid talking to them let alone training them. I don't know if you have been to a Drive Thru McDonald's but they have a speaker box system on the Drive Thru lane which we have now and for me it's like using a telephone which I never ever do because it terrifies me, as well as the fact we have to follow a script which I can't do and I keep getting told off for it. I'm not sure if it's something I have to get used to, but I don't know if I want to as it just makes me feel so awful.

 

[Bustn Justin]

I manage a small cell phone store and it is a struggle dealing with customers and working with my employees. It has gotten easier after having this position for 10 months since I feel more comfortable with my staff and knowing what needs to be taken care of

When I do come hom from work I will go to the gym, but anything else I just shut down.