Hi Blue Bird,
The joy of finances hey. I feel you there. It is very difficult to manage work and a mental illness in my experience. Part time work really does allow you the time to be gentle on yourself however sometimes needs must.
So what to do?
These are a few things I have found helpful...
- Book your leave in advance and regularly. Sometimes it helps to know you have a few extra days off coming once a month just to calm down.
- Time for TLC at work. On your lunch break take time to relax. Go outside. Listen to a mindfulness app or meditation or music. Go for a ten minute walk. Make it a regular thing.
- Sleep! Make sure you are getting enough rest. A tired mind and body makes it all harder.
- Manage any issues at work. If there are ongoing problems such as a toxic co-worker address the problem. If you have to be there full time why should you have to put up with unnecessary problems?
- Check out if your work has any health promotions or policies or Employee Assistance Programs. If there is anything there designed to help you take advantage of it.
Apart from that having a good chat with your health professional is a good idea. Just so they know you are worried and can keep an eye on your health too.
Good luck and hopefully you find the worry was unfounded once you're back. Please take care of yourself and talk more if it helps you.
Nat
