Spinning

[Lazy_dog_lover]

I am new here. I feel like I am spinning. I am trained as a teacher, but depression and anxiety keep getting in the way...long story. I just have no energy to devote to anything. I have no passions left. Need to reinvent a career, but can't seem to find my best qualities and cannot project any quality personality in an interview. PTSD creeps up. In talk therapy. On some meds. Nothing is bringing me out of the slump. Thoughts?

[Hidden]

Hi, I’ve been there. I can’t say I’m totally out of the slump but I’m close. I had a career in the medical field for years and due to my anxiety and depression fell apart, lost that job along with my self esteem and direction. I went on disability leave for a while, spent time in therapy, in 12 step program, just giving myself time to heal. I was so depleted. Eventually I realized my true gifts and wrote down different jobs I was considering. I prayed a lot. I eventually decided to go back to school for drug and alcohol counseling. Today I started my internship. It’s been a long long road back. I just want you to know that you can reinvent yourself.

[AZ1970 in reply to Hidden]

You give me hope!

[Hidden in reply to AZ1970]

Never give up hope my friend!

[AZ1970]

Are you burned out? I was a teacher and after a while I hit a wall where I couldn’t do it anymore. It takes so much out of you. I’m in the same boat. I have only worked in education and behavioral health. My PTSD keeps me away from both fields. What do I do know? I’m smart and educated, but how does that translate to a different field? I don’t have much strength to endure a learning curve. I hope you can get some inspiration. In the mean time love on yourself and indulge in self care. Do what fills you up.

[Lazy_dog_lover in reply to AZ1970]

Unfortunately, nothing fills me up right now. I just want to sleep. I feel sick all the time.

[Gina_B]

Please just recognize it as a slump and not something that is a life sentence. It can be an opportunity to open up new avenues in your life (like lynnalice). Be kind to yourself, patiently explore other things to see what grabs you and it's okay if something doesn't. Interviewing takes a lot of energy so go slow and even if you don't do well think of it as gaining experience. Also, sometimes it's just finding the right fit between people in an interview. Stay in therapy. Journal. Find little beauties in your life. Breathe. And remember there are those who are pulling for you!

[Lazy_dog_lover in reply to Gina_B]

I am tired and feel sick all the time. After 6 years at the bottom, I'd think something would help.

[Gina_B in reply to Lazy_dog_lover]

I'm sorry. Although some pain may stay with you I can tell you that life does not stay the same. You can and will grow and change. This is from someone with many years under her belt to attest to. Hugs.

[tlf777]

How are you doing today? Have you done a full medical checkup? (Especially bloodwork?) There may be a larger problem that you need to treat. I read about you wanting to reinvent yourself. I'm not sure what capacity you teach in (or have taught in), but perhaps a change there? I taught night courses for GED students, and it really gave me my passion back for teaching. I have another friend who left teaching and is now a trainer for HR for a business. I'm not trying to make light of what you have been through over the past several years, just wanted to throw out some things that you may not have considered before.

Do you like to be outdoors or exercise? Sometimes just finding a *bit* of joy from another activity can make other parts of your life a bit more tolerable. If you would like to private message me, I would be more than happy to talk.