Ways to Cope when Overwhelmed

[Amerilove1]

How do you cope when feeling overwhelmed? It’s really hard for me to manage things at work when there is no structure and very little direction. I get that it is important to “think fast”, but my brain says “No thanks!” Lol! I’m on the hunt for a new job, but wanted to know if anyone had any tips on how to handle these types of situations when they occur. Thanks!

[Peruzzot]

The answer will depend highly on what type of job you do. But sometimes all you can do is slowly take in a deep breath and then slowly let it out. If time permits you could also go for a short walk to help clear your head.

[Amerilove1 in reply to Peruzzot]

I meditate, but I will also try taking a short walk. It's always good to get some exercise! Thanks!

[Fancy1959]

Amerìlove1, hello it's Fancy and I totally agree with Peruzzot a lot of being able to cope with the disorganization that you're facing depends on what type of job you have. The last position I held before going on disability was as a section supervisor for a Local School District transportation department. I supervise between 70 and a hundred to 110 people plus was responsible to oversee the school buses they drove which was approximately 35 to 40.

I know being in charge of others it's difficult to find a network support but if you look hard enough or in my case if you work hard enough the support comes to you because they're grateful for what you're doing. There was half a dozen people that I could count on to help me focus when things went amok at work which was oft. They would also help by pitching in to take a bit of the load off my back or assisting what was required of myself in six other supervisors but which I often found myself doing alone as the other sit around doing nothing.

The main advice I can give you is to keep your chin up. Do the job in the best manner that you know how to do it despite fighting things no one knows about. I agree it's time to look for a new job and I'm glad you are but I also did that and was unsuccessful in finding anything out there that work was my skill set. Come here often and we'll sit and talk with you and at least be a sounding board for anything you need to get off your chest. In the meantime best of luck with your search for a new job. I'm certain you'll be successful as you are very well spoken when on the chat room. I'll be thinking of you and wishing you well. Remember..... together we are stronger! Fancy.

[Amerilove1 in reply to Fancy1959]

Thanks for sharing your story, Fancy! I know I need a job with more routine and less multitasking, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that I can find something soon. I love that I can reach out to other MS Warriors; it makes me realize that I am not alone.

[twooldcrows]

if you know of any suggestions that you can offer the boss to help with your part of your job or ask for any suggestions on doing it or for another job within the company and let them know if not you will be leaving to find one not as stressful as this one for you have MS and it is to much for you but love the job just need more structure with the job and they really like your suggestions ...good luck hope you have someone there that will help you ....

[Amerilove1 in reply to twooldcrows]

Thanks so much!

[Fancy1959 in reply to twooldcrows]

twooldçrows, I would advise everyone think carefully about letting your supervisor or the powers to be in your corporation know you have MS. I know in my case I couldn't afford to lose the job because I carried the insurance for the family but I'm certain if they knew that I have had MS, they would have found a way to I have gotten rid of me. Even with the opportunity for the disabled and the laws that are passed there are still lots of companies that refuse follow the disability laws. when it comes to certain restrictions like place on there employee in certain positions. If you feel that you can afford to lose the position to a lesser position then by all means think about telling them you have that MS. I don't want to be gloom and doom and mean that all corporations would do this but I know that the corporation I worked for would have done so without blinking an eye. So weigh your options carefully before you commit to a verbal announcement that you cannot retract.Fancy..

[twooldcrows]

i hope i didn't make it worse but that is what my old work would do if we needed a change good luck ...

[goatgal]

I seek a calm and quiet spot (or pull off the road), decompress/de-stress, think things through, and return to the fray.

[Hidden]

I needed to step down from my Nursery Supervisor position, down to a staff member who just followed a schedule and did what I knew how to do well and take pride in without letting myself get frustrated with other people’s lack of work ethic. Dealing w with all the staff who called in sick at last minute, or couldn’t work, or didn’t want to work, and filling in for them at last minute got too frustrating, mentally and physically. I can not afford to walk around stressed all the time. I don’t deal with multitasking well these days! I have a life outside of work that also needs my time and energy with family and other responsibilities was suffering. I wish you well! I gave 30 days notice and explained in general terms without complaining that I needed to step down. Good luck; I’ll say a prayer for you. <3

[ahrogers]

I would suggest keeping your general health at its best through eating well and exercising so you start out feeling your best. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and take short breaks away from your work to clear your head.

As mentioned before take some time to think about different ways of doing your job that might make it easier or asking for help or a slightly lighter workload.

I was super stressed at work and it was causing me to loose hair. I spoke with my supervisor and found out I was worrying about keeping track of something that wasn't really my responsibility but the person who did the piece that comes before mine was disorganized so I worried. He said he would keep her accountable for her part. I decided to let it go and have him deal with what happens when she drops the ball. Since then my hair loss is back to the normal amount 😁

Maybe go get a nice massage to help you relax a little. I know I could use one!!

Good luck!

[mrsmike9]

My job is a lot of paperwork and some phone calls. As to paperwork I stack it in one pile with what I feel is quickest to longest time taking, keeping in mind if there is something in there that has an urgent feel to it. Then I start with the top thing and work my way down. If the phone rings I set the paper aside, deal with the phone, then go back to my stack. People can only do so much...

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador]

I felt most comfortable when I could develop a routine. When a new situation occurred, I would take notes as to how I handled it and put those notes in a place to refer to when that snafu happened again.