Rough time starting out

If you just started treatment a week or so ago, it's too soon. Regardless of what medication your on, it takes several weeks for it to build up in your system enough to say you found the right medication, or combination of medications. You need to give it a couple of months to be sure. Any less and you're kidding yourself, and very possibly on course for another failure, which you cannot afford. Losing two jobs, you have a chance. Mess up on a third, and you can forget it. There's no hurry. You have the rest of your life. Take some time and be sure you're o.k.

 

Trucking ain't for everybody.Most people can't do it.

 

What he said!

 

It could take months.

I won't apologize for what I'm going to say, don't work in this industry. Get out now.

If you are even under treatment, then there will be days like the ones you describe and may be even worst.

 

You also need to make sure all the meds you are on are DOT approved.

 

OP, let me start of with some friendly advice. Your anxiety issues can be dealt with so don't allow the fear of previous anxiety attacks linger in your mind and act as a contributing factor in the future. I used to suffer from panic attacks, generalized anxiety disorder and agoraphobia. Three things you wouldn't want to have if you're a trucker, especially agoraphobia for an OTR driver.

I would highly suggest putting your hunt on hold until you've:

1) Checked your medication against the FMCSA and what they/your new company will allow.
2) Allow said medication to begin effectiveness (I was taking Cipralex 10mg - took around 2-3 weeks to become effective).
3) Consider CBT training http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_behavioral_therapy - essentially it's built around changing your thought process and embracing your fears and negative associations to formulate positive thoughts.
4) You feel ready to go. You know yourself better than any doctor, employer, friend or otherwise. If you're not quite ready or still have lingering doubts about the job, just wait a little bit. The last thing you want is to start job hopping from place to place.

I started off OTR last year. I had a few doubts in my mind that I could be an effective driver and utilize my skills to the best of my abilities. My very first run took me from Toronto to Atlanta. I was sort of thrown in to the fire and didn't get much chance to second guess myself. It's worked out fine for me but again, what works for one person doesn't always work for the next. Just remember that you WILL get yourself healthy again. You have a long and bright road ahead of you so don't rush to the finish line right away. Enjoy the healing process and remember to stay positive in all situations. If you find yourself getting anxious just remind yourself that anxiety cannot and will not hurt you and it will pass. The tougher you become mentally the easier it will be to defeat. There's no shame in asking for help when it comes to mental health and you're certainly not alone. If you ever need someone to speak with I will always be around to answer any questions you might have.

Be safe and stay positive.

 

Everyone is not cut out for trucking, because it really is a lifestyle not a job. If you have suffered 2 mental episodes in 8000 miles you have no business driving a tractor trailer. How would you react in heavy traffic, with cars cutting you off? (Nj turnpike) , delivering to a food warehouse ? Dealing with idiots in dispatch ? There are a lot of things everyone would like to do but have to admit it is not for them! I wish you luck!

 

I have had panic attacks off and on for the last 5 years and pretty familiar with anxiety disorders. I have never had a preventable accident in over 10 years. DO NOT listen to the drivers that say you are not cut out for it.That is not true. I highly suggest reading a book called Hope and Help for your Nerves by Dr. Claire Weekes. There is a beta blocker called propranolol that can be helpful in curbing panic attacks. Ask your Dr. and it is very DOT legal and helps with the physical stress symptoms. With therapy you can work on the mental part and eventually get back in the saddle.HOWEVER being that you were fired might be an issue depending on what you were fired for. It doesn't take a "special breed" to drive a truck from point A to B as long as you enjoy the lifestyle. That will be your overcoming factor. Deep down if you don't really enjoy it or are just it in to get by or for other reasons than it is just not for you. If THAT is causing your anxiety than you should look at another career,but if you suffer from anxiety and/or depression itself but still love that line of work than you CAN get back into it. These disorders are highly treatable with therapy and/or DOT legal meds. In the meantime while in therapy.try to find out what is REALLY bothering you deep down that could be contributing to the anxiety and depression. And DO NOT give up until you do.Everyone's recovery is different and there isn't really a timeline. IF you are lucky and work hard at it maybe within a few months. It isn't the recovery that can hit you. It is the relapse later that can knock you down if you are not ready for it,and you CAN or WILL relapse at some point again whether you drive a truck or not BUT you can quickly pick up and go again if you have mastered the tools and methods the first time and expect it.