Post your sympathy if you please

@aliali As you said, employers like to have open offices and it is a good thing so everyone can communicate and employees may not have any say in that. They are always figuring out ways to increase productivity. Sometimes that doesn't agree with our own views, but as workers, we don't get a choice. Often a separate office with a door is a sign of status of a person who is a boss and manages other employees.

What I may suggest is to challenge yourself with something a bit out of your comfort zone so you can practice focusing on interacting with other people. It may give you some ideas on how to interact with your co-workers. I know that I have felt valued and learned a lot by volunteering. I used to teach swimming to handicapped kids and when they did something good, they were so proud of themselves, and I felt really good about helping them get there. I also feel that way by helping patients here on Connect.

Do you like animals? Maybe volunteering at an animal shelter could build your confidence and help you interact with people in a neutral environment. Maybe this would be something to ask your doctor when you see the psychiatrist. That sounds like a positive step and commitment toward bettering your life. When you start to gain confidence, you'll see new possibilities. Tell yourself you will learn and try new things even just for fun. You don't need to bring any judgements or expectations along with you. Find something you enjoy. Small steps like this can change your life, and every journey starts with a single step.

Hi Aliali!
I'm so sorry you are having such a bad time but I can understand how you feel. My husband and I like being by ourselves too and not with a group. I'm sure it's hard for you to concentrate with a lot of people openly around you. Have you looked into working for a corporation from home? Since the Pandemic that has become very common. Plus take your problems to God. He made you. He can help you. Besides it does state in the Bible that he knows of all your needs. So ask for his help and at the same time ask him to please hurry up! I ask him for that often and it works!
The psychiatrist might be a good way to get things more in perspective.
Good luck!
PML

I think you’ve received a couple great suggestions here on connect! I know sometimes I build something up in my mind that turns out to be nothing like it’s reality. My environment is so much what I make it! I hope that talking to a doctor helps you work through your anxiety about the environment at work. I can tell you I’ve worked in a similar corporate environment and it wasn’t bad. There were plenty of people like you who prefer to be left to themselves and that was respected among coworkers. Just know your not alone! I’m sure there are other employees who aren’t thrilled about an open environment.
I do appreciate that this change is overwhelming for you. I hope you keep an open mind and remember that you are a capable person, qualified to do your job! You wouldn’t be there otherwise. With the help of your psychiatrist, you can learn tools to use to cope with anxiety. I’ve used affirmations, meditation and positive reinforcement to help change negative or unhelpful thoughts. I’ve had depression and anxiety for most of my adult life and I needed something to change thoughts that don’t serve me well! You can do this too! When you start to think of how difficult this will be, change your thoughts to something you’re grateful for today. Your family, your home, food in the cupboards or the things you do well. Stay in the moment rather than cast a negative light on something you haven’t given yourself a chance to experience yet. I truly wish you all the best!

There are some remote positions out there now after COVID where you can work from home if that works for you. This would mean some change and you would need to navigate that as well as invest the time and effort in finding something that meets your needs - but that could be an option.