Seven months ago I started working at an environment that was supposed to be fun but after working for two months, I decided to quit as the management doesn’t treat employees well and it has caused me to be anxious and I dreaded going to work. I realized working there started to affect my mental health significantly and I should have seek help after I quit but I didn’t. I though I would recover after quitting but turns out I didn’t and it has started to affect quite a few aspects of my life such as (being open and honest in communication, increased anxiety, feeling negative, difficulty answering questions, difficulty making decision, dwelling on recent difficult life event, having trouble trusting myself, changes in appetite, my actions are motivated by fear) and I would like to know what are some ways that I can work on myself so that I don’t hurt or cause confusion to others when communicating as my friend was affected by the way I communicated that caused confusion/frustration. I have recently started seeing a counsellor and tried EFT tapping to help cope with releasing stress.
@cub I just want to acknowledge how much self-awareness and courage it takes to reflect on your experiences and actively seek ways to improve. Walking away from a toxic work environment was a big step, and even though healing hasn’t been as straightforward as you’d hoped, you’re already taking important steps by seeing a counsellor and trying EFT tapping. That’s something to be proud of.
It sounds like the negative experience at work really shook your confidence, and it makes total sense that it’s affecting different areas of your life, including communication and trust in yourself. Healing from something like this isn’t always linear… 
Perhaps some suggestions from me would be for you to practice self-compassion and reframing as you’ve been through a tough time, and your reactions aren’t weaknesses; they’re signs that something really affected you. Instead of being hard on yourself, try to acknowledge that your feelings are valid while also reminding yourself that you’re actively working on improving.
You should also start rebuilding self-trust. This could be done with small decisions to remind yourself that you are capable. Even something as simple as choosing what to eat for dinner without second-guessing can be a step forward. Over time, these little moments help rebuild confidence in your own judgment.
If you have any close friends who can help you too (and if you’re comfortable), you could let close friends know that you’re working on it and ask them for gentle feedback. This could help reduce misunderstandings while also giving you a safe space to grow.
Do give yourself some time to heal and trust the process. Glad that you’ve got a professional to support you along the journey. Jiayou!
Dear @cub
It sounds like you’ve been through a really tough time, and I applaud that you are reflecting on everything you’ve experienced. The impact of a toxic work environment on your mental health is evident, and it’s clear that you’ve been trying to find ways to heal and take control of your well-being, which is admirable. 
It’s understandable that you’d be feeling anxious and struggling with communication, especially when it feels like you’re still processing the emotional and mental weight from that experience. Acknowledging these feelings is a huge step toward recovery, and you’re doing just that by seeking support from a counsellor and trying EFT tapping. Both are excellent approaches to dealing with emotional stress and anxiety.
Here are some additional ways that might help you work on yourself:
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Practice Self-Compassion: You’ve already been through a lot, and it’s important to be kind to yourself through this journey. Instead of criticising yourself for not having “recovered” after quitting, try to treat yourself with the same understanding and care you would give to a friend in a similar situation.
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Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a great way to process everything that’s going on in your mind. It can also give you clarity on what’s affecting you most and help you understand your emotional patterns better.
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Slow Down Communication: When you feel anxious or overwhelmed, it can be helpful to take a moment before responding in conversations. Try to pause and think through what you want to say. This might reduce any confusion or frustration with your friend and help you communicate more clearly.
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Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can help calm the mind and reduce anxiety. Spending even a few minutes each day in meditation or mindfulness can help you become more aware of your emotional state, making it easier to address challenges in communication.
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Building Trust in Yourself: When trust feels broken—whether in your workplace or even in yourself—it takes time to rebuild. Start with small steps of self-trust: honoring your decisions, taking care of your needs, and reflecting on past decisions that were right for you.
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Setting Boundaries and Saying No: Often, fear-driven actions come from the inability to set clear boundaries. Practice saying no, even in small situations. This helps restore a sense of control in your life and reduces feelings of overwhelm.
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Open Communication with Your Friend: It’s really thoughtful that you’re reflecting on how your communication might be affecting others. It may help to have an open and honest conversation with your friend about what you’ve been going through. Let them know that you’re working on yourself and apologise if your behavior caused confusion or frustration. Most likely, they will appreciate your honesty and your effort to improve.
You’re already on the right path by acknowledging your struggles and seeking help. Continue being patient with yourself—healing is a process, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time. If you’re feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out to your counsellor for further guidance.