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I’m currently nearing 11 months into my first full-time job since graduating. Since the start, I’ve been feeling extremely anxious and stressed — to the point where I constantly feel like I’m underperforming or not good enough at my job.

The anxiety gets quite overwhelming at times. I’ve had to rely on breathing techniques just to calm myself down. It affects my personal life too — I often avoid going out because of how stressed I feel, and I experience really intense Sunday scaries every weekend.

I started seeing a therapist last year to cope with these feelings. While the sessions help a little in the moment, the anxiety and stress usually return once I’m back at home or at work.

One of the main reasons for my anxiety is that I get very fearful whenever I’m assigned a task in work. I believe that I’ll do it wrongly or struggle with it, even before I start. I also find myself especially uncomfortable with tasks that involve strategic thinking — like coming up with proposals or campaigns. I just don’t feel confident in that area and worry that I’m not cut out for it. I will keep thinking about it, even when i go home or during weekends.

From what I understand, my boss is generally satisfied with my performance and is likely to confirm me at the end of my 1-year probation. But despite that, I still feel anxious and stressed every day. It can be pretty bad.

I’m not sure what to do. I feel stuck — like I’m just trying to survive each day.

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Hey, thank you for opening up — what you shared really touched me.

It sounds like you’ve been carrying a heavy emotional load every day for almost a year now. That kind of invisible tension — the constant self-doubt, the dread that builds every time a task lands on your plate — it’s exhausting. And it makes sense that even when you try to rest, your mind can’t quite switch off.

You’re not weak for feeling this way. Actually, I’d say it takes a lot of strength to keep going while your mind is stuck in that anxious spiral. You mentioned how even though your boss seems satisfied, you still can’t shake the feeling that you’re not good enough. That gap between how others see you and how you see yourself? That’s something a lot of us wrestle with when we first step into the working world.

From what you have shared, I wonder if part of your anxiety comes from believing you need to “already be good” at everything, especially strategic work — when really, strategic thinking is something even seasoned professionals keep refining. You’re not broken — you’re just in the thick of learning something that takes time and support. Let us know what you think?

Therapy is a great start, but you might find it more helpful if you start unpacking the deeper beliefs behind this anxiety. Maybe things like: “If I mess up, I’m a failure,” or “Everyone else is coping better than me.” These beliefs aren’t facts — they’re fears trying to protect you, but they can also hold you back.

For now, can you try this: Instead of aiming to survive each day, try to find one small moment — however tiny — where you felt capable, or even just okay. Write it down. Over time, these small bits add up to something solid and real.

And remember, you’re allowed to feel stuck. You’re allowed to feel scared. But you’re also allowed to believe that things can change — not all at once, but slowly, and with kindness toward yourself.

You’re not alone in this.

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Hello, thank you for sharing, I understand that you are feeling a little stressed and nervous at work, and your feelings are valid. I understand that your boss is generally satisfied with your work, which shows that you are on the right track. And it is okay to feel a little nervous for strategic thinking tasks, which can be something that you can slowly work towards.

Perhaps during the weekends, you can try disconnecting from work a little, giving yourself some headspace to relax as well, such as going for a short walk or trying a new eatery that caught your eye. Rooting for you OP! :slight_smile:

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Hey @user1709. Thank you for being this honest. Reading your post felt so familiar. I remember that gnawing anxiety too well. That sense of dread before even starting a task, the overthinking, the emotional hangover that stretches into the weekends… it’s like your brain’s stuck in a loop of “what if I mess up?”

It’s so clear how thoughtful, responsible, and hardworking you are, even through all the internal tug-of-war that you’re experiencing. As much as it’s exhausting, the fact that you still show up despite the internal struggle speaks volumes about your strength and courage, even if your mind refuses to see it that way.

It feels scary because it’s unfamiliar, not because you’re incapable. So, you’re not "bad at strategic thinking, you’re just new to it. Besides, strategic thinking isn’t something anyone is instantly confident in. It’s a muscle. And like all muscles, it strengthens with time, use and guidance, not pressure. You’re learning in real time, not failing. You deserve that grace too.

If you’re open, here’s a small reflection to try: What would it look like if you approached your next task like a learning journey instead of a performance? Not something to ace, just something to learn from. Perhaps, you could even write down what you’ve learnt after each task like, “Today, I learned…”

You’re doing better than you think. Surviving every say takes real strength and courage, and you’ve done that for 11 months. That says something :sunflower:

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hi @user1709

I understand how you feel . i’m anxious everyday too , even the thought of going to work , though my struggle a bit different from you -i’m 3 months in the new company and having issue with how-to gel with people here . yeap , it is unbearable -im feeling you .
What i do everyday to cope with this intense feeling is, same as you , i will do the breathing everyday before i step into the office , i will tell myself that i got this , i journal every night before go to bed..just try do things that makes u feel better.

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