Am i able to survive in the long run as a poly grad w social anxiety..?

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During polytechnic years right before covid, I have nausea on some days of the week. Out of three years, I vomited 6 times after class and once during class orientation. Nobody told me it was due to anxiety. My parents didnt understand and only advice to go clinic and eat nausea/vomit medicine. During polytechnic internship, I was fine and performing well in Big4 firm and extended my stay for a few more months. I didnt want to go university (scared of presentations and class intro + vomit in front of whole class)

I have been working for 3+ years since grad without any break in between. My morning diarrhea/IBS getting worse each year.. I went to 2 different private specialist gastronelogy but it doesnt really help. Early this March, I handled a telephone call from client during work. The client said I wasn’t explaining clearly and said some nasty remarks. After that day, I started crying everyday at random timing. Last month, I went to polyclinic and diagnosed w anxiety disorder. My manager was informed and was understanding about my diarrhoea and anxiety. Currently, I am still having difficulty coping with work - brain fog, can’t speak smoothly, slow in response, unable to express my thoughts, hands shaking, etc (Idk why when studying it’s nausea/vomiting, when working it’s diarrhoea/loose stools/flatulence)

I felt like its really wasted as I did well for exams and results pulled down by presentations/class participation. Also, I didnt graduate w a degree while others of my age alr graduate this year… I wonder will I be able to survive in the future competitive world…? With social anxiety + only polytechnic diploma

Anyone similar situation or am I going thru the worst…as currently no one seemed to fully understand what im going thru and they just say stay positive and continue to try harder ( when i have persevered for so long and kind of want to give up and stop trying harder)

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Have u tried a therapist?

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Hello! Thank you for sharing your story so openly. I can sense how much you’ve been carrying on your own, and I want to assure you that your anxiety, overwhelm, and struggles are real and valid.

Anxiety can show up in many ways and affect your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Experiencing physical symptoms like nausea or IBS can feel confusing and unpredictable, but it’s your body’s natural way of responding to stress—it doesn’t mean you’re weak or failing.

I also want to recognise how much you’ve persevered—through polytechnic, an internship, and years of work despite these challenges. That shows incredible resilience and strength, and you deserve credit for it.

It sounds like the encounter with the client was particularly tough. It’s understandable that it triggered strong emotions, and it’s okay to feel shaken by that. I’m glad to hear your manager is understanding. How comfortable do you feel sharing with your manager about what might help you manage anxiety at work?

It’s also normal to feel anxious about the future, especially when comparing yourself to others with university degrees. At this point, it might be helpful to reflect on what specific factors you’re comparing yourself on with university graduates. Is it perceived status, pay, career progression, or something else? Thinking about this can help clarify what really matters to you personally. I also want to highlight that success can take many forms—your exam results, work experience, and the resilience you’ve built are all meaningful achievements. You’ve accumulated real-world skills and experience that many fresh graduates haven’t yet had. Reflecting on what success personally means to you—beyond comparisons—might help guide your next steps.

As someone who also experiences social anxiety, I know it can feel isolating. Right now, it’s okay to focus on small, manageable steps instead of trying to push yourself harder all the time. Celebrate your progress: recognising your anxiety, speaking to your manager, and seeking support are all wins. If it feels right, exploring therapy, coping strategies, structured routines, or support from friends and family can help with both mental and physical symptoms. One method I tend to adopt is to imagine my ideal situation in the future (e.g. in terms of education, work, or my anxiety). This has helped me map out the goals I want to work toward and then think about the intentional steps to take moving forward. This can help with making ourselves more self-aware of our and short-term and long-term goals, making this less overwhelming. On that note, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—what helps one person might not help another. You can explore what works best for you at your own pace.

You are not alone in this. Many people face anxiety that impacts work or school, and finding strategies that work for you takes time. You don’t have to go through it silently, and your perseverance already shows how much strength you have.

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Thank you for the message, I felt a bit better after reading it :face_holding_back_tears::white_heart:

I’m scared that if one day I had to find another job, it would be a competition with lots of people who had degrees and relevant working experience. Also, I couldn’t imagine myself being able to go for interview without trembling and stuttering. Communication skill is their strength but my weakness… Employers would prefer someone who have good communication skills.

I have tried counselling at private hospital and govt polyclinic, but seemed that my improvement is only tiny bit. Most of the time they said to practice communicating/ breathing/ take smaller steps etc … I have no idea what else could help me :sob: My manager asking how they can help me but I have no idea.

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I have tried couselling (is it considered talk theraphy?)

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Hi @thatlittlemelody,

I hear how heavy this feels, and I want you to know that your fears are valid. But they don’t define your worth or your future.

The job market can be intimidating, especially when it seems like others have bachelor’s have degrees or polished communication skills, but those things don’t guarantee success or fulfillment. Everyone’s growth trajectory is different - some people bloom later, some take unconventional paths, and some thrive precisely because of the empathy, resilience, and quiet strength they bring. Employers may value communication, yes, but they also value integrity, reliability, and the ability to listen deeply - which are qualities you already carry. If you wish to build on these career skills, a consultation with a career coach (such as the career coaching service by Workforce Singapore) may be helpful.

As for counselling, it’s understandable to feel disheartened when progress feels slow. But healing and growth aren’t linear - they’re more like planting seeds that take time to sprout. Counselling is a long-term commitment to yourself, and sometimes the most meaningful shifts happen quietly, beneath the surface. And that is why counselling services like the Community Intervention Team are meant to support individuals over the long-term.

Practicing breathing exercises or making small steps may sound simple, but they’re foundational tools that build emotional resilience over time. It’s okay not to have all the answers right now, even when your manager asks. Just being honest - like saying “I’m still figuring it out” - is a brave and valid response. You’re not alone in this, and you don’t have to rush your way to clarity.

Here are some references to the services I mentioned. Hope this helps! :+1:

Best regards,

HanSolo2000

Befriender | let’s talk by mindline

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I couldn’t imagine myself being able to go for interview without trembling and stuttering– thats what everyone goes thru, even if not all seem nervous on the surface. For me i approached a few diff orgs, Wda did hold those interview/resumes wkshops free but mostly push those f/b, childcare sector jobs. Have u tried to sign up for some interv skills wkshops? For me i got help from Image mission and then later someone ref me to Ies SG Social Support

Ahhh u mention u alr are in a job. these days not all ppl expect uni degrees, poly stuff also can. ehh im not expert tho.