Believe it or not, new job anxiety is pretty common. Even if a person doesn't suffer from the disorder, they...
Believe it or not, new job anxiety is pretty common.
Even if a person doesn't suffer from the disorder, they can still experience the inconvenience.
Being anxious about a new job can cause a plethora of emotions and if you aren't coping in a healthy way, it can have a negative impact on your performance.
The first step to overcoming it is to understand what it is and how there are ways to handle it to ensure a more positive outcome.
The excitement alone can be overwhelming especially after what may have felt like an exhausting, endless job search for the past few months.
During a time when you should be relieved and joyful, you're now bombarded with worrisome thoughts about messing it up, dealing with significant changes, imposter syndrome, etc.
It can be even more challenging if you already suffer from anxiety to begin with, which is why it is essential to understand that being anxious about a new job is completely normal and it would actually be alarming if you didn't experience it at all.
Being anxious about a new job can feel like an emotional rollercoaster.
The first step to coping is by identifying the symptoms you may be experiencing and tackle them head-on. Here are some symptoms of new job anxiety:
Although it's not uncommon to experience new job anxiety, actual anxiety disorders can be far more extreme and challenging.
Just know that you are not alone.
The feeling can be frustrating and uncomfortable but the good news is, it won't last forever.
In fact, there are effective coping methods that can help speed up the process where you will be back to normal in no time and it will feel like you've been doing the job for longer.
Here are a few tips on how to cope with feeling anxious about a new job:
Be Prepared: Preparing ahead of time can avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Plan out your workday and get organized so that things go smoother.
Give Yourself Time To adjust: Don't expect to be a pro right away at your new job.
Let go of the need to be perfect and enjoy the experience.
Besides, they chose you for the job!
Try Journaling: Writing down your thoughts can help you think more clearly and release tension.
Confide in someone you trust: Talking to a family member or a new work friend can help ease your mind and you may even be able to share their own tips on how to cope.
Soft belly breathing exercises: Breathing exercises can help calm down the racing thoughts
Feeling anxious about a new job should not keep you from going down without a fair fight.
Change your mindset and realize that the dark thoughts that creep up are just there to challenge you.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, it is highly essential that employers and supervisors become more aware of this matter.
Oftentimes, employers and/or supervisors may not realize that their employee is suffering in silence.
Symptoms can come off as poor work ethic where it can be someone who is actually a great worker who is just suffering mentally.
They may feel uncomfortable with communicating what they are going through or too afraid to speak up in an irrational fear that they may be harshly judged.
Instead of completely icing them out, keep in mind that practicing emotional intelligence in management greatly contributes to managing workplace morale.
Here are some red flags to watch out for:
Being more aware of these symptoms can help you identify them in order to effectively accommodate your anxious employee.
In a variety of ways, anxiety in the workplace is a common problem for many workers.
Although there are effective ways to cope with feeling anxious about a new job, it's still very important for employers to be proactive in helping employees manage anxiety to maintain workplace morale and encourage a more productive workforce.
Anxiety in the workplace is often caused by:
There are effective ways to help an employee with anxiety even when you may have a hard time understanding it yourself.
You can contribute to mental health awareness and a great cause within your workplace by practicing these simple methods:
Offer Support: Approaching situations with caution and understanding creates a more comfortable environment.
Showing concern and support to an employee with anxiety have a significant impact on their performance.
Have An Open Door Policy: Being approachable and providing an open floor for employees to speak openly can help employees become more at ease with speaking up if any issues arise.
Have Realistic Expectations: Giving them enough time to adjust especially if they are struggling can show them that they don't have anything to worry about.
Promote Flexibility: Anxiousness can come along with depression and can make some days worse than others. This is why it is also important to adopt a flexible working style. An employee suffering from anxiety may require additional time for assignments or may require small accommodations in order to swiftly complete their tasks.
These few simple methods can go a long way and can help put your employee's mind more at ease.
It not only clears up confusion, but it tremendously boosts productivity.
New job anxiety can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
However, it can take about 3-6 months to become fully comfortable which is why having realistic expectations is essential.
Spreading awareness and practicing healthy coping methods can help speed up the process of feeling anxious about a new job and inspire many.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.
To reduce your anxiety, you can practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and mindfulness practices. Additionally, regular exercise has been found to be beneficial in managing stress and improving mental health.
Yes, Medicaid provides insurance coverage for therapy services specifically designed to help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Access to licensed therapists who specialize in these areas is available within the Medicaid network.
Medication is often prescribed for anxiety due to the fact that it works quickly to ease symptoms of distress or panic attacks in some cases. However, this should always be discussed with your doctor so they can provide guidance on what's right for you and the type of medication best suited for your needs.
Ignoring anxiety can exacerbate symptoms and make it more challenging to manage over time. This can result in a negative impact on your personal, professional, and social life, leading to feelings of isolation and even depression.
Other activities which have been found helpful in reducing both immediate feelings of anxiousness and long-term anxieties associated with chronic disorders include yoga, journaling, nature walks, art therapy, volunteering, and other low-stress activities. Additionally, developing a healthy lifestyle incorporating adequate sleep, physical activity, and nutritious meals can help reduce overall stress levels.
Addressing anxiety is crucial because it can significantly impact your quality of life and overall well-being. Left untreated, anxiety can lead to more severe mental health issues, relationship problems, and difficulty functioning in daily life.
