[Celyn]

Hi Paige,

I’m 21 and am yet to have a first job! I haven’t been officially diagnosed but my old counsellor did say that I have suffered symptoms of anxiety for a long time.

Being anxious during interviews is very normal and even expected. I find that preparing answers in advance, thinking about what questions might be asked and trying to think of a question or two to ask at the end when they ask ‘Any questions?’ can be helpful.

I can’t imagine how difficult it must be managing a job and anxiety. But don’t give up! One of things I learned with anxiety is that to overcome your anxiety you must face your face fears, and stick with it. It’s also normal to feel anxious on your first day, but since you feel the anxiety is interfering in your life I’m wondering if you have had any counselling to deal with it? Counselling can teach you how to manage your anxiety and to eventually overcome it. During my time with counselling, I found that doing some breathing exercises and mindfulness helped with anxiety as it makes me feel clearer headed and focused.

I know that it is very hard to accept growing up and taking more responsibility when you have anxiety, and I know that it is very tempting to isolate yourself. But take small steps in managing your anxiety (e.g. setting yourself goals, having counselling, breathing exercises) and try to work out what is making you anxious and challenge those thoughts by replacing them with more realistic thoughts e.g ‘I’m rubbish at my job’ becomes ‘I am not rubbish at my job. I have anxiety which can make things difficult, but I won’t give up!’

All the best