Really struggling today and feeling very low and upset. The anxiety heightens on Mondays (I think work makes me feel more anxious) and I don't know what techniques or things to do to try to reduce this. Does anyone have any tips please? I feel miserable
Really struggling with Monday anxiety (health ... - OCD Support
OCD Support
Really struggling with Monday anxiety (health anxiety focused)
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It's quite common to have your heart sink at the thought of another week at work after a couple of days off! But OCD can make it worse.
For me, the journey to work with my OCD was such an ordeal that I would arrive feeling as exhausted as if I'd already done a day's work. Then a job of such mind-numbing boredom would give ample room for my OCD to have free play in.
I know people have to do grotty jobs they don't enjoy for the money, but if it's the job itself that is making your OCD worse, then perhaps consider doing something else.
A job should have some enjoyment or satisfaction in it. It doesn't have to be a top job or a high level position, just something that you enjoy and are good at.
Getting a new job at the moment is a bit of a problem, but if you could start considering what you'd really enjoy doing then you might start to feel better.
Perhaps plan some enjoyable activities during the week, so the week doesn't consist just of work. It can be something as simply as meeting up with a friend or staying in with a curry and a favourite film, or whatever floats your boat.
I know how difficult it is to keep down a job while dealing with OCD. So give yourself some credit for doing it!
Hi Sallyskins, thank you for your reply and for sharing! I think part of the issue is most certainly the sector I am in, although I really do like the role and do feel I am good at it. I struggle with the nature of my work though (palliative care). Perhaps I'd have dealt with it better if we weren't in a pandemic but I the OCD & health anxiety has been triggered into overdrive.
Ive also been exploring the idea of "hyper empathy" as this seems to pop up a lot with my reactions to things. I take on other people's grief and personalise situations to myself, which of course causes great distress.
Love the idea of planning nice things to do during the week, thanks I've got a few nice things planned plus some down time as well. Its SO nice to be able to get out and about more now too.
Thank you