Fear of the new normal
So I got the call today that next week I'll be going back to work. It's a new job I was supposed to start but the week I was meant to start the state entered shutdown.
I had a complete breakdown once I hung up. I'm having another even now. It's not even the virus that really scares me anymore. It's the "new normal" that's going to happen.
My career is in retail so anyone that knows that industry knows it's already somewhat chaotic and in its own constant flux. What scares me is learning a new job with a new company after months of being on lockdown and adjusting to this "new normal" that people have already seen take effect in various ways across the country.
Prior to the lockdown I was already having serious anxiety and depression struggles. I have a therapist now and I'm really doing my best to work on myself but I don't know how to handle going back to work.
I'm grateful for my job but so much is out of my control and after all that's happened I don't know what to do to hold myself together.
@BunnyInSeattle
Sorry to hear that you're feeling so anxious right now. I think your worries are perfectly valid because you're not going into your usual work environment, which is scary enough in any new job, but into a new environment where the public unfortunately may not handle the situation as well. It's great you have a therapist and it probably would be a good idea to mention these concerns with them.
All I can say is to have a bit more confidence in yourself and your ability and realise that all new situations make people anxious. Think about what you'll think of this situation 6 months down the road, when you're more settled in your job and hopefully the pandemic has calmed down a little. You'll be in a better place mentally by then and feeling more confident in your job, I hope.
I've worked through the pandemic and I don't know where you live, but most of the public have been okay and have followed social distancing rules, some even go a bit overboard. But you'll hopefully have kind and supportive colleagues who will help you with any problems.
You can do this!
