My job is stressing me out.  I work with adults and kids with mental illnesses. How do I stay sane?
441616
Anyone who has worked in the mental health field knows what you are going through is very "normal".  No matter how many years you've been in the field (13 years for me) you can never get too much PEER SUPERVISION.  Talking to other counselors about client cases is the only way to stay sane and of course we always have to have a little behind the scenes humor as well!
393789
It is very hard for a woman to juggle a career and home.  I would hope that your husband is supportive in that he helps out with the chores at home.  You say you are overwhelmed at work.  Learn to delegate some of your responsibilities if that is an option.  REMEMBER, you child is probably sensing your stress and therefore not sleeping.  Take time to smell the roses.  We are only on this earth for a short time and work is just a small part of it.  I understand that in this day and age it takes 2 incomes but why not re-evaluate what is important to you.  Your child will grow up so fast.  Are you missing out on her firsts.  Sometimes it is better to scale back on your possessions and concentrate on your personal relations.  I feel that therapy is over-rated.  Find yourself a support group.  Talk to your friends.  They know you better than anybody.  Listen to what they say and take their advise.  Call in sick and play hooky once in a while.  Listen to calming music.  I lost two very good friends last year to cancer and it has made me wake up to what is important in life.  It definitely isn't work!  Light a candle and relax.
774631
Keep your brain active.  Do Sudoku puzzles and things that are challenging.  Also, keep things in balance.  If you work hard one day, play hard on another.  Try to keep things in perspective.  That should keep you sane....if not, enjoy the ride!
603017
It is best to leave family and personal stuff out of the work environment. People at work will use that against you when you least expect it and they will use it when you are least expecting them to.\n\nWomen tend to go through up's and down every month. Give them space, it is natural. Be respectful and kind and let them know that no matter what, your here for them. \n\nWhatever they are going through will soon end and then they will think about you and what you said, and respond. Then you can open up and ask what was wrong. They will usually explain or tell all then.
601674
think about your favorite song and hum. go to a silent place where you can let your mind relax. dont take it personally its just a part of your job.
517280
It's good you recognize a problem.  Call your local health department and see if you can get a referral for a parenting class.  A parenting class can teach you stress reduction techniques and give you better tools for managing yourself and your child.  If your job offers health benefits, you might get a referral through your health care provider.  Make that phone call first thing tomorrow morning, okay?
195361
Figure out the sources of you stress...like when you realize that you are not relaxed, think about what you are doing at that exact moment...are you worried about your career, boyfriend/girlfriend etc. Finding the source will allow you to focus on your breathing and allow you to control your bipolar disorder.\n\nAdditionally, exercise is also beneficial to your journey.
202003
Yeah you see relief in the future, so your current high stress job seems even more stressful than normal.  Just keep focusing on your future plans knowing how good they are.
162752
Find a doctor/therapist. They can prescribe SSRI's that can help alleviate some of the anxieties. This is something that may or may not completely go away. It depends on you, your therapist, and your therapy. Honestly how long you are off depends on your doctor. Your anxiety problems can fall under FMLA and your doctor can write you off for however long he/she thinks you need. In all honesty your workplace may cause your anxieties to be heightened. If possible try finding another job that you feel you can handle leaving your home and staying there for the time required.
287012
I would take a hard look at all factors that keep you from holding a job.  Anxiety can be easily treated with medication and relaxation techniques, depending on how advanced the condition is.  Before you decide to take the "easy way out" and apply for ss disability, be aware this takes months.  They are looking for proof that other avenues have been tried and the anxiety you experience is a life-altering condition that may be terminal.  I know, because it has been over a year trying to get my husband disability for his bipolar--part of which is the manic state (anxiety at its best).  There are a lot of factors to consider.  And other jobs to explore.
235433
That is tough on you, I'm sure!  Take it slow.  Introduce new people in a place where is is comfortable, like the home.  Perhaps you know someone who works in a place you can take him?  Say a girlfriend works at Denny's.  Have her come over to your house, in her uniform, and get to know him.  Then take him to Denny's when she is working.  It's a MUST that he learn to be okay in public situations.  Ask a counselor at school for more tips.  They run into things like this all the time.  Join an online discussion group for moms with disabled kids.  They will support you and help you so much!  It's really a true must-have for you.  So you don't feel alone or so overwhelmed.  Look around for one that is all you need it to be!  Lastly, do talk to his doctor.  Just to be sure it's not medication that helps this problem etc.  Always best to talk to your doctor.  Hang in there, it's an adjustment for both of you.
350123
I have the same problem when I am way to tired of the stress and I need what we all women love to have a PERSONAL DAY. Yes that is right a job cant fire you cause of this its one of those things we get to have 2 times a year and I used mine. If your sick and need a day off then take it don't feel like you shouldn't at all being sick is being HUMAN. If family needs you then its a family emergency and that is what all people Will have some point in life. There is so many ways to have a sick day that cant be put on paper from a doctor. Your not a child going to school you are a person who needs a day off to lock yourself in your place and not answer the phone or door. If your not a person who calls in sick all the time then just tell your boss you need to take a personal day and you will be at work tomorrow and your boss will give you the guilt trip like they all do but tell him/her that this need to take this personal day. You cant get fired over this.
923067
If you are feeling that overwhelmed, right now, I suggest taking some OVER THE COUNTER sleep medicine; then, first thing in the morning, you need to try to make an appointment to talk to a professional!  Don't Wait!  If it was a major body part not working, you wouldn't wait, so don't wait for your mental health either.  Peace.  Good Luck!
782578
Long hot showers, meditation, exercise, screaming into my pillow, just about anything. I have a lot of trouble with patience too. If there are certain people that drive you crazy the first thing is to remember your being upset doesn't do anything to them. Sometimes you just have to let go of things. (Easier said than done!!)\n\nI also find it helpful to talk with someone. Let someone else know how you are feeling. Talk about what is stressing you out. Chances are someone else has gone through a similar event. While they may not be able to help you now, knowing that they survived will help relieve some of your stress.
947578
First thing first. Consult the doctor. If its psychosomatic, conscious relaxation will help. Keeping one self bussy and cheerful is better start to work towards mental health.
69233
I have several suggestions. 1) Go to the doctor and explain how you are feeling and see if they will prescribe an anti-depressant to help you get through this. Being on anti-depressants does not mean you are crazy.  It means there is a chemical imbalance in your brain and the medication will even out the imbalance allowing you to function normally again. 2) Seek out a counselor.  If you have insurance start there.  If you do not, contact the local mental health clinic and request reduced fees.  There are multiple agencies that offer counsling and are willing to base your fee on your income.  3) Pretend that you are not depressed. This one is the hardest as far as I am concerned but it really does work.  Been there, done that!  I'd also like to add that I have a Master's degree in Social Work and deal with these issues everyday for many people. So my advice comes from years of practice.  Good Luck and please try one or all of these.  Your children need you!!!
884936
I understand the stress you are under and as i work at a school with many children like the ones you describe it is easy to see how this can happen.\n  That said however,the fact that you used this language more than once will be hard to defend.\n  If you haven't had sufficient training you may have mitigation but the panel may feel that such stressful situations are part of the job and your ability to control yourself and set an example to the children is a prerequisite for being employed.\n\nI would advise you get some legal advice as soon as possible.\nThis is a serious situation and this is perhaps not the best place to look for advice.\nI wish you all the best.