From Panic Attacks to Purpose: My Journey Through Workplace Stress | Ep 268

From Panic Attacks to Purpose: My Journey Through Workplace Stress | Ep 268

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Have you ever felt your heart racing during a work meeting for no apparent reason? Or experienced that sinking feeling when rumors of layoffs begin circulating? You're far from alone.

Workplace anxiety is a silent epidemic that affects countless professionals, yet it's rarely discussed in honest terms. This episode delves into the profound mental health impact of corporate America's realities – particularly the trauma of restructurings and layoffs that educational institutions never prepare us for. From watching colleagues being escorted out by security to eventually facing my own termination, these experiences created lasting anxiety that spiraled into panic attacks, excessive drinking, and ultimately a mental health crisis that led me to a psychiatric hospital admission.

The journey through corporate trauma reveals how our bodies hold onto stress long after triggering events occur. When we feel powerless in professional settings, the anxiety doesn't stay contained at work – it follows us home, affecting relationships and self-worth. Most devastatingly, we often judge ourselves harshly for these natural human responses, thinking we should just "power through" instead of acknowledging genuine trauma.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is the recognition that education fails to equip us for these inevitable workplace challenges. We learn technical skills and subject expertise, but nobody teaches us how to cope when our professional identity is suddenly stripped away or when we witness the systematic dismantling of our workplace community. This gap in preparation leaves countless professionals vulnerable when facing career disruptions.

Share this episode with someone who might be struggling silently with workplace anxiety. Remember the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 via phone, text, or chat – because nobody should face these challenges alone.

Chapter Markers
0:00 Welcome to Voices for Voices
3:09 Experiencing Workplace Anxiety and Panic
8:45 The Trauma of Corporate Restructuring
16:19 Personal Impact of Being Let Go
22:00 Seeking Help and Checking Ego
24:53 Call for Better Mental Health Education

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