My job is killing my mental health

[Sunflower918]

I've been working at my job for two years. This is my first job outside of graduating college and I only took it to gain "professional office experience." Since the new year I've been slowly starting to dislike it. It has now gotten to the point where my anxiety is through the roof before every work day. The smallest things bother me. My coworkers lean on me for everything but then treat me like I'm disposable. I started looking for a new job in May and so far no luck. The pandemic doesn't help either. It's to the point where I am looking at job boards for hours every day trying to find something I am qualified for AND have interest in. The last thing I want is to find a random new job just to get out of this one, because I will likely find myself in the same situation down the road. I hate starting my days feeling anxious, and sad, and angry. How should I manage these emotions until I find a new job?

[Mia898]

Speak to a manager?

[Sunflower918 in reply to Mia898]

I told my boss my mental health has been suffering and he just told me to use some vacation days and "get over it." I am taking two days off and giving myself a long weekend. During the actual work days I'm just really struggling to get through

[Mia898 in reply to Sunflower918]

Have you told him you are struggling? Guys do not get it but keep trying !

[Sunflower918 in reply to Mia898]

Yes I've tried. Maybe I'm not explaining myself to him right. I'll keep trying!

[Hidden in reply to Sunflower918]

Hello. Can you explain it in writing perhaps?

[Sunflower918 in reply to Hidden]

I've thought about that. Do you think it would come off more negative in writing rather than in conversation?

[Mia898 in reply to Sunflower918]

No if its the only way you can express yourself . The manager may listen more as can digest it and keep going over !!

[Hidden in reply to Sunflower918]

Good question! I don't know the answer to that. Let me ask you this: would it hurt to do so?

[Mia898 in reply to Sunflower918]

You need to keep trying .. Managers should be there to help and support . Letter or email how ever you can get across you need to try..

[kuntz]

I have a problem interacting with coworkers too.

[Skin311]

is there anyone at work you can talk to i have had the same problem

[Sunflower918 in reply to Skin311]

It's a small non profit. There are only 7 of us working there. Unfortunately we don't have a human resource department or anything. If we did I would go there. I was talking to the coworker I was closest to, but she quit a couple months ago. Im going to do what Mia898 suggested an write to my boss about my struggles. Verbal communication is not working.

[Skin311 in reply to Sunflower918]

yea not good write to your boss and if they have a boss try them if you get no where

[Mia898 in reply to Skin311]

If you can send a copy of the later to the manager above your manager as they also maybe able to hurt does not hurt to inform both. Good luck and they should sort if the respect you and care they will !

[SuZQ154]

Glad you are posting! Managing my emotions sometimes takes changing my habits outside of work. Exercise, good nutrition, sleep, praying, talking to trusted friends, and hobbies SOMETIMES helps ease my anxiety. Counseling, especially Christian, has helped me in the past too. What do you feel would be activities outside of the office which would help you the most? HUGS to you!

[robbylynnofnm]

Hi Sunflower,

I hate when my work environment is bringing me down and I have anxiety or dread about showing up. Some things that works for me is to try and get some new outfits to make me feel good about myself. Taking the co-worker I might be having trouble with to lunch, so they can see me as a person away from our job titles. Or if that isn't possible, bring coffee or some treats for the office. It puts you in a good light and lightens the mood. Even putting them at your desk is a nice way to make your interactions more pleasant. Another thing you can do is take your lunch outside in the fresh air and someplace green and relax and enjoy the break. I've even taking min vacations in the bathroom stall with a puzzle book. Lol. How do they know if I'm not taking a big pooh. Lol. Another thing I have done is bring a fish to work and put it on my desk in a little bowl. I know it sounds crazy but I asked for suggestions on what to name it and it became our office mascot. In other words, take your crazy to work is what I say. I also put a positive quote on a post it and put it on my laptop so I can see it all day. I might appear a little eccentric but these have worked well for me in the past. Burn out can happen at any workplace. It's the hazards of a job. Hope this helps.

Robbylynnofnm