My new job makes me feel so stressed that I’ve started having panic attacks

DEAR DEIDRE: WHEN I started my new job two months ago, I was excited to take on a new and better-paid challenge.

But I’m so miserable and stressed that I’m having panic attacks.

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I’m a 32-year-old woman with no partner or kids, so my career is my life.

My new workplace is gossipy and bitchy, and my boss just leaves me to it, without explaining anything.

I can’t sleep and I keep bursting into tears.

Now I dread coming into work every day.

The fact I have a nightmare commute that takes more than an hour doesn’t help.

My old job was great, and the office was a lovely place to work, but I was there for five years and thought I needed to move on.

I think I’ve made a huge mistake.

DEIDRE SAYS: Starting a new job can be a bit of a culture shock and what was promised in a job description isn’t always the reality.

No job is worth getting sick for.

It’s OK to admit to yourself that maybe this job is not right for you and to start looking for something else.

But if you think there’s a problem that can be fixed, talk to your manager or HR.

In the meantime, get support from Anxiety UK (anxietyuk.org.uk, 03444 775 774).