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Forum nameGeneral Discussion
Topic subjectYou're right...
Topic URLhttp://board.okayplayer.com/okp.php?az=show_topic&forum=4&topic_id=13425248&mesg_id=13425269
13425269, You're right...
Posted by ultimatedisc, Thu Feb-25-21 04:46 PM
posting about it is not enough but you're already doing some productive shit.

the fact that anger - not fear - seems to be your most prominent emotion is good.

it also means it's not likely PTSD - altho probably should be addressed similarly.

what you're doing that's productive is identifying the cues - or triggers to your fear/anxiety.

rethinking those things in the context of the new job (vs. the old one) is healthy, as you said (thus far anyway) things are better now.

obviously you don't want to end up punching anyone at your new workplace in the face, altho it sounds appropriate for some at your old j-o-b.

continuing to identify your triggers will be helpful in not allowing you to get to the "breaking point" where you act without thinking.

most helpful tho - is if you can pair the experience of those triggers with something calming or relaxing.

you can do this on an imaginal/visualizing level by thinking of calming scenes or events, or about things that make you happy (e.g., in your case it sounds like fam, etc).

you can also do this on a more experiential/physiological level by engaging in relaxation strategies like deep (diaphragmatic) breathing; or progressive muscle relaxation.

the former is easier to do while at your job, as it is pretty inconspicuous; while the latter is more obtrusive, but also may be more effective.

you can also do the latter pretty effectively with a quick "break" (maybe a trip to the bathroom?).

it's also pretty useful for getting ready to face your triggers (i.e., go to work) by doing it beforehand and setting your mind/mood/body for the impending grind.

either way it sounds like you're off to a good start by identifying your triggers.

your responses -- emotional and physical -- are consistent with general anxiety which is really just anticipatory fear.

your old job "conditioned" you this way, but hopefully with a healthier work environment, and some continued work, you'll "uncondition" yourself.

good luck...