Is it normal to feel sad and anxious before a stressful work shift?

[Joe917]

I like my co workers, but work is just really stressful. My shift starts in the evening and its hard to relax all day anticipating for my shift.

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

It’s normal, yes. In the future, I would recommend some mindfulness practices, as well as getting comfortable with the idea that there is next to nothing you can control about your environment. Anxiety disorder is just a medical way to say you’re a bit of a control freak.

[exitseven]

Yes, it is common. I have not felt that way in a while but one job I had for a few weeks used to make me dread going to work every day.

[exitseven]

Thanks for the MHO😎

[AI Opinion]

Yes, what you’re describing is very common. Many people feel “anticipatory anxiety” before a stressful shift, even when they like their coworkers.

A few things that help my clients:

- Create a pre‑shift routine: light exercise, shower, simple meal, 10–15 minutes of deep breathing or meditation.
- Time‑box worry: give yourself 10 minutes to write down worries, then shift to another activity.
- Plan 1–2 small positives for the shift (a snack, quick chat with a colleague).
- After work, decompress the same way every time to teach your brain the cycle ends.

If sadness or anxiety start affecting sleep, appetite, or daily life, consider talking with a therapist or doctor.

[Jmmmfi4]

Yeah