What do I do now?

AprylMay

Long story short, I've been unemployed for a while now. I struggle to communicate with others when it comes to being face to face or over the phone. It's now getting to the point that I'm starting to fear interactions entirely. If the door knocks, I go into a panic attack and find myself frozen and can't seem to focus or operate for at least an hour after. 
I want to get back into work because I need to be able to help provide for my family. The rising costs of everything from electric to normal bills are having my constantly stressed and fearful, yet at the same time, the sheer thought of having to put myself into a situation where I will have to face others and potentially deal with confrontation has me feeling nauseous and panicked. 

I simply don't know what to do or what I can do to try and help increase the funds for my family. 

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @AprylMay

I'm so sorry you are going through such a difficult time at the moment. 
If it's ok to ask, are you currently receiving any help? or under Universal Credit at all and have a work coach?

If so, they'd be a great starting point in helping you find work that fits into your current situation. My local job center had confidence building workshops that are very popular. 
The job center will also be able to point you in the direction of disability confident employers, that was very helpful when I suffered badly with anxiety. They have the that extra element where you know, asking for any adjustments to the interview process, isn't going to feel so fear inducing.

Tori_Scope

Hi @AprylMay Have you been able to take a look at Hannah's comment above? I'd also be keen to hear about what financial support you're currently claiming, and whether there's any further support you could access through that.

I'm also wondering whether, at some point in the future, you'd find it helpful to access one of our employment services? One of our friendly advisers could help you to secure suitable work. 

Do you think that working remotely could be an option for you? 

Have you spoken to your doctor about your symptoms?

L_Volunteer

I can see you have already received responses @AprylMay. However, I am wondering a couple of things. 

The first is how supported do you feel currently with struggling to communicate with others and panic attacks and feeling frozen.

The other is can you think of any jobs which might be more manageable for you at the moment? I am hearing that other people are a key factor and I am wondering if this might be reducible somehow.

I recognise everyone is different. However, for me, I have noticed I am more comfortable with written communication and that means things like online forums are more manageable for me. 

I would also be tempted to look into jobs that involve less 'people time', such as desk work administration, research and data work etc. 

I think a good starting point might be to think about what you enjoy and your strengths. Equally, since you mainly want to work with the increase in finances, is there any other source of financial support you might be able to access?

Please don't hesitate to let us know if we can do anything to support you. We are all here for you and listening to you