Stopped doing the bare minimum

[Bremoore]

I'm new here and this is my slight breakdown first post. I started a major burnout a few months before the pandemic shut everything down. I maintained minimum working deadlines for a while. Last June however I haven't been able to do anything. I'm months behind on work and deadlines for work and for an organization that I'm currently in a high leadership position. I'm self-aware that I'm isolating and self-sabotaging. .... but I can't stop. It's like tripping right before the big finish line but I can't stand up or watching myself cause a car crash in slow motion

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome among friends! I think it's positive that you are aware of what you're doing.

[Mumbutterfly]

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. It sounds like you’ve done the research and that you’re going through burnout. From what I’ve learned, self care and self compassion are helpful, as well as going outside, even for a few minutes, to build a connection with nature and making a running list of things you’re glad/grateful for. We can talk more if you want through PM. I’m trying to be here for others. I’m not very slow at typing so this is harder than actually talking but I’m doing what I can.

[KindredKate]

I have been there. For 2 years. I am just wading out of it now. I needed a long rest physically, mentally, & spiritual.

I thought I might never come out of it.

Turned out the antidepressant I had been on 10 years had stopped working. Once the Dr.( At my request) cut my dose, I began to improve. I now wake with a smile on my face. Yesterday, the doctor decided to take me off of it completely!😀 He saw that it HAD quit working & was causing. the immobility I was going through daily, as far as chores, self care, leaving my house alone,etc.

I am even happier today. In 2 more weeks I will be fully off that Rx. Then I will have my anxiety med& a bedtime antidepressant that helps me sleep without waking at night in a panic.

Have YOU been on something your body doesn't like/need anymore? Check with your therapist or doctor. That is what they are there for.

Sending hugs & warm thoughts for a brighter tomorrow.

[Hope4me1 in reply to KindredKate]

If I might ask what the anti anxiety drugs you take and the one for sleep so you won’t wake up with panic? I find that I experience the same symptoms and would love to have that benefit. I have been taking Prozac for many years now and it helped when I started it, but now I really don’t feel any help with my anxiety from it.

[KindredKate in reply to Hope4me1]

I have been on Zoloft taken at 10 pm nightly for about 3 years. I have taken Ativan 1 mg up to 3 x a day for 10 years. I use it as a tool to help me function. I have never increased the dose. In fact I normally take 2&½ tabs per day. I reserve the extra half tab & take it those occasions when I can't stop panic attacks from welling up. Most days 2&½ tabs are enough and it helps keep my U.Colitis in remission, too.

I will add you to my follow list, as well. Thanks for reaching out. It means alot.

🤗

[Hope4me1 in reply to KindredKate]

I wrote you a private message as well. Just tap the paper airplane at the top of the page to see it😊Thank you for the info. I tried Zoloft once and it made me more anxious. I take a generic form of Klonopin .50 mg cut into 4 pieces that I take during the day. I am prescribed a half a .50 mg 4 times daily, but have never taken that much. Sometimes I take less than .25 mg a day. When I have bad days or nights I add a little more. I seem to err on caution taking these meds. I probably should take more on nights when I’m waking up in a panic.

[Blueruth]

I got burnt out around 2017-2019. For me it was the industry. I was lucky to be able to take half a year and regroup. I landed in a startup where I am challenged and work with a different type of team. I was actually worried I wouldn’t be able to make the same pay class. I would have to get lower skilled jobs or start an easy business. I got lucky. Maybe a sabbatical?

[Blue_81 in reply to Blueruth]

A sabbatical sounds nice. Maybe that is what I need to recover my health. Just need to come up with the money.

[Blueruth in reply to Blue_81]

Get laid off Just kidding. It might not be as much as you think. When you are home, not working you spend a lot less money. Something to consider. I'm independent so I am used to thinking up ways to get through dry periods.

[Blue_81 in reply to Blueruth]

Haha lol you made me laugh 😆 . Thank you! Im the breadwinner so it will be hard. Unfortunately im not that creative of thinking on how to get money. Im saving up though so that should help me out. But definitely looking forward to a sabbatical. Would like to get an RV and be going around campsites 🏕. Maybe that will help out on improving my health. Thanks for responding.

[Blueruth in reply to Blue_81]

That sounds wonderful. My goal is indefinite slow travel. Go to a different country for ~6 or more months at a time. That is what really energizes me about this job. 🤫

[Daveacr1959]

We can only tell you what helps us. I take my anxiety medicine. I start every morning with the Wim Hof guided breathing exercises free on you tube. If you don’t like those they have many other ones. I get 30-40 minutes of cardio exercise daily. And I take cold showers or bath. I started with cool and worked to cold after a month. Online and YouTube has much information. Cold shower therapy for mental health. Cold plunge, cold water swimming. Good job in looking for help!

[Blue_81]

Hello Bremoore You may want to and take a long vacation. My anxiety started because I was in a high demanding environment where at times the deadlines were per hour. Got on the bad side of a senior employee and that just added months of pressure. Anxiety poped up and it has not been the same. Listen to your body and take care of yourself.