I like my job, but work definitely makes my condition worse. What do I do?

Thanks for sharing and reaching out to the community about your work @Jlol .

I hear you like your job, but you can see it is affecting your MH.

Seeing it is an office job, do you have an option of a hybrid working environment so some days you work from home? Or is this something you can speak to management about in that it will help with your mental health?

Also, I hear that you took a week off and realised the difference.

I've had extended time off, and usually, the first week is to recuperate from all the stressors that come with work. Then week 2, you start to do other things... however, long term, I got really really board, depressed, had no reason to get out of bed. Do you think a lack of routine would affect you?

I'm interested to hear your thoughts 🙂

Thanks for the reply @tyme

Yes, my workplace does offer hybrid work. However, I've found working at home really doesn't suit me - it makes it worse being around all the much more interesting and fun things I'd like to do but not being able to do them. So I opt to go into the office so I am isolated from that stuff.

I don't think I could take significant time off - I need an income. But, no I don't think lack of routine would be an issue for me. I would be "free" to do what I wanted with my time.

When COVID first hit I was working in the travel industry and got stood down. I was out of work for about 6 weeks. It was a challenging time in its own ways, but ultimately it was the best I'd felt mentally in a long, long time. I was lucky in that I had some savings and was receiving Job Keeper so money wasn't a great worry for me at the time. I kind of loved the isolation, quietness, slower pace and self reliance that came out of it. I had the time and energy to concentrate on things that really mattered to me. I also really liked the lack of responsibilities: Wasn't my fault I didn't have a job, it was COVID - out of my control. Wasn't my fault I wasn't socialising, it was COVID. It felt relieving.

But then I got a new job and all that work became undone.

Hi @Jlol,

I can definitely relate to what you're describing - knowing that your current way of working impacts you but, because technically you are able to do it, it feels like you should. Sometimes pushing through while making smaller changes might be the choice that best serves us, but sometimes making bigger changes is necessary for our wellbeing.

I do want to encourage you to keep an eye on your mental health, as you've mentioned that you can feel it's being impacted currently. If it gets to a point where things feels unsustainable, then options such as getting a new job or reducing your hours (even temporarily) could be considered if that might help keep you safe and well. But of course if you do think you're at a point where continuing your current role/hours while maybe putting some smaller supports in place is manageable and what is best, then I want you to feel supported in doing that.

When I've been in situations like this before, I found it beneficial to use my annual leave to take somewhat regular days off. The priority for me was attending therapy on these days, but with my time before and after sessions I took the opportunity to do things I enjoyed and just have a bit of a break from work. At another time when I was experiencing something similar, I was able to move into a part-time role at my job and then take on casual work to supplement it, which allowed me to still have full time pay and hours all up but with shorter shifts spread across more days (which was a better balance for me!) and more variety between roles. However, I understand that everyone's circumstances are different and things that worked for me might not be realistic for everyone. Hopefully with the support of the community you'll find some useful ideas 🙂

@Jlol .

One thing I will say is that if your work has an EAP (Employee Assistance Program), I would jump at it with both hands. They are counsellors who deal with people with work-related mental health issues all the time.

Thanks @florencefifty I already have. In my experience most EAPs are not worth it, this one included. 10 mins phone support and that's it. I know they're not mean to be like that but, but that's the way they are.