NotMVH

I have been thinking about how I have been living. When I get into a confrontational situation I tend to feel an unbalanced level of anxeity. This is something that has developed in the last year and it something I want to change.

Situation where I think I should be comfortable; I become unsettled, my pulse and heartbeat raise but I don't display any sign of agitation. Most of these situations revolve around mild arguments with customers at my job (of which I leave tomorrow) and situations where I need to be assertive and confrontational. I get edgey, even when I have to show photo ID (pubs, liquir stores, roadchecks ..ect) I know my emotions aren't logical and they don't inhibit my ability to act. I want to understand why I feel this way and how to work past it?

I think the anxeity stems from no longer feeling secure in public. At my previous job I had a couple of junkies rob my boss's jewelery store at gunpoint, I got caught the middle. The situation worked out as best as it could have, everything was fine after the ensuing police chase and both of them are serving three years last I heard.

If the anxiety stems from having someone confront me like that so suddenly and unexpectedly, I don't know how I can settle those emotions. I find it ridicoulous and almost humiliating that simple situations put me off.

Can anyone else relate to my state? Did you move past it? Does anyone have advice they could offer? Feel free to ask any questions if they arise.

Seeker

I don't see this as ridiculous or silly. My advice would be some form of counselling. From what you have described, it sounds like a mild form of PTSD and although you are aware of it, it could get worse if left unexplored.

Another thought would be if something happens that may be slightly disturbing in your life, it will compound the problem, for instance say if you come across a loud argument in the street. Seems innocent enough however given your aroused state it will add to the stressors already heightend in your physical system.

Is this why you are leaving your current job? just curious

__________________
To those who wander but who are not lost...

~ Knowledge is not something you acquire, it is something you open yourself to.

NotMVH

I just received a better job offer that pays considerably more and has a much better working enviroment. Although it wasn't why I left, I do like the fact I will not have to deal with the public at my new job.

After reading about PTSD, I don't think any of the problems I am having are that severe. I don't suffer from any nightmares, flashbacks, detachment or depression. I am feeling very good right now about the changes I have made in my life in the past month and am taking major steps to acheiving some of the goals I have set for myself.

I will turn over the idea of counseling in my head and find out if it would be covered by my extended medical coverage. Thanks for the advice,