[artsygal]

This seems like a good place for a first post from me

It IS possible to cope with it. I used to have this problem - all of a sudden just have the need to cry uncontrolably, or I'd have a panic attack or something...

If it's ok for you to take breaks at work, designate a safe place for you to go for 5-10 minutes, whether it's your car, or a room that is usually empty where you can be alone, a stairwell, etc.. and just let it out! Once you acknowledge it, and let it out, it won't have power over you and you can pull yourself together and get on with things.

If you can't take a break, learn deep abdominal breathing. That will at least get you through until you CAN let it out.

I hope that helps... :hug

artsygal

 

[ninjamonkey]

there is another way to break the tension...be a complete goof. i have that down pretty good. laughter can be the best medicine. having something...or someone funny around can take the edge off. i kept dilbert books at my office and small soft objects to throw at people or other inaninmate objects.

 

[Arkie]

Well, first of all, a safe place at work to go freak out is very important. I go to a friend's office -- who also happens to be the HR officer in the office, so it's actually her job to let me vent a little . Otherwise, I lock myself in the bathroom, but I'm not much help, because I'm currently on FMLA because of panic attacks at work.

However, since you are volunteering (and I work with a bunch of volunteers and their supervisors), they are not going to think you can't do anything. They are going to take you at your word -- that you were light headed and didn't feel well and that you would finish the job as soon as you were better. There's nothing wrong with going back to the guy who gave you the original instructions and saying, "you know what? I was feeling so bad the other day, your instructions just went in one ear and out the other. Would you mind very much repeating them and letting me write themd down? I just like to have things in order."

He'll do it. People who use volunteers need them desperately -- they do very important work and work that wouldn't get done if it was to be done only by paid staff, at any non-profit that is true. So most places will generally do whatever you need to get something done and be rather chipper and friendly about it .

Esby