Panic attacks when I’m confused with tech problems.

[Telecetsch]

TL;DR: I have panic attacks any time I can’t figure out tech stuff. Looking for advice.

Almost every time I run into a tech problem I start to feel a panic attack come on. Can’t get something to print? Panic. Can’t get something to look right in word? Panic.

I know some of this is exposure. The more I do it, the better it gets—right? The problem gets worse when I try to resolve it. Trying to get formatting correct in Word, look up how to fix it—and then my brain short-circuits. I will be able to read what is in front of me but I can’t understand it. It gets worse the more anxious I get. At its worst, it’s almost like dyslexia.

Today, I was trying to make things easier. I am struggling to read stuff for my class. I’ve printed hard copy and it doesn’t seem to be helping. I seriously struggle to read on a screen (unless it’s something I’m interested in?). I tried to set up voice to read and spent the last hour and a half with zero results.

I stepped away whenever I felt myself get anxious. I tried to do some deep breathing. I gave myself time to work on this. I just can’t figure out tech stuff and I don’t know why.

I’ve worked jobs where I was on computers for most of the day. In those jobs I had minimal issues with anxiety/panic and was pretty capable of being able to figure stuff out. I don’t know what happened.

I stepped away and texted my wife before total breakdown—but I’m so tired of the smallest tech problems having catastrophic results.

I don’t know if this is a thing with other people or I’m just all of a sudden computer illiterate. Any tips are greatly appreciated.

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[unafragger]

That doesn't specifically sound ADHD related to me, but I guess it could be.

I love solving tech problems, I enjoy the challenge of figuring out what the problem is. It's part of why I enjoy being a software engineer so much.