Totally totally totally stressed!

[AllisonR]

I had a "trigger event" last week. A small problem, but it became big in my mind. I have let it go, but it is like the straw that broke the camels back. I am now totally stressed, 24/7. I now have an extremely short fuse. Little things become huge. And I have lost my memory. I forget my bus card and am fined 600 kr. OK, so next time I remember my bus ticket, but forget my lunch box. I am loosing my clothes (hat, coat...). When I log into the customers machines at work, I can not remember what I am supposed to do next, and if it goes wrong I can't puzzle my way out of it (which is what I am usually very good at and paid for). I really can not remember the most basic things. I am taking sleeping pills (WAY too many) because I am exhausted but when I start to fall asleep my body wakes up.

Has anyone experienced this? I am gong to the Dr. thursday, but it is going to be hell until then. And it is some crap student, not even my Dr, who is not of an age where she can relate to my issues or life experiences. If he/she doesn't offer a concrete solution, I may quit my job. I can't take it any more. My husband says she can write me a sick leave, for several weeks, based on stress. Has anyone done this? Does it help? I am in a horrid spiral. Nothing horrific has happened. No death, we can make house payments.... but I just feel I can not cope.

Work has always been stressful, but when I loved the job the "problems" were exciting, energetic challenges. Now that I hate the job, (and have for the last several years), and have lack of support from colleagues, the "problems" are frustrating, depressing and stressful. And the pay is OK but does not compensate.

My husband was laid off 6 months ago, and has not found anything yet, which is also stressful, but again, we are not having huge financial problems. He is a loving husband, and we rarely fight, but our relationship is not where I want it to be. I have two healthy, happy children, but I still need more time for them. I am developing my art career, which is a rough challenge in any economy, but if feel if I put it on the back burner one more time it will never happen, and I'll end up a bitter, angry old b*tch.

But the combination of everything is putting me over the edge. I can not take care of my kids properly, AND have a good relationship with my husband, AND have time for my art, AND have a full time job which is stressful 4 days out of 5. It's too much.

[Carita]

could you be pregnant? I am sorry - but that sounded just like me when my hormones are arwy. And yes, sounds like stress is really playing the huge role here. Especially when you hate the job that supports your family. ((hugs))

I suggest trying to find a psychologist. I believe they can write you a leave of absence note - I think this may qualify if they feel you need immediate and extended medical/counseling.

[lilypad08]

I am so sorry you are having such a hard time! I have been experiencing some major stressors recently too, and I have become disproportionately stressed about one in particular and am also not concentrating well, not sleeping well, having health problems, etc. Part of the problem is that other major stressors are still there too -- having too much to do in too little time, still adjusting to my recent return to work, etc.

For me, what helps me significantly in these situations is a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) class I took a couple of years ago: http://www.umassmed.edu/Content.aspx...d&itemid=41254 It has been a godsend for me, impacting so many areas of my life, including parenting! It improved a chronic health issue and allowed me to stop taking my prescription sleeping pill. One of the major components of the program involves doing mindful meditation or mindful yoga every day.

Unfortunately I have not been doing the mindfulness practice much lately because I've been so pressed for time (averaging 5 hours of sleep a night trying to get everything done and have a teensy bit of time to myself). My stress levels are once again causing health and sleeping problems for me. SO, I've been realizing I really need to make the mindfulness practice a priority even if that means not getting something else done.

Anyway, I highly recommend this program. If it of any interest to you and you have any questions, please feel free to ask. The program was founded by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts. A lot of universities offer the MBSR courses. Here is a link to find a local course: http://www.umassmed.edu/cfm/mbsr/

For short-term help, yoga can really help with stress. Maybe you can take attend a drop-in yoga class or buy a yoga DVD?

I also highly recommend seeing a counselor or psychologist. It can be really helpful to vent your feelings to an objective person and get some advice on how to cope and reduce your stress levels.

Oh yeah, and exercise!! Vigorous cardiovascular exercise is one of the best stress relievers.

Good luck!!