Motivation depleted, sadness exhaustive

[OptimisticQuail]

Hello All.
First time poster.

It's great to see that I'm obviously not alone which I knew.

Over the last month I have felt down and sad for reasons I really can't seem to understand.
At times I sit there and tears are about to flow but I stop myself.
I know it not weak, but I feel lost.

I have a great job (albeit demanding), a great family and other extra-curricula activities (coach of footy and cricket teams).

Recently, as stated above I have no motivation to get up each morning, my productivity at work is rapidly decreasing, I dont seem to care as much for my work.
I also have no general motivation for extra-curricula activities including maintaining my lawn which I used to love doing.

I have seen a psychologist once after a referral from my G.P but it was only a 'meet and greet as such.

I want to lock myself up in my room and keep away from people. I start things but have no desire to complete them (can't believe I am forcing myself to do this).

I know I need to address this concern but I feel ultra guilty to be absent from my workers and my family at times to get myself better.

I sit here, typing this thinking of the next thing I have to do and already this is making me sad.
I'm lost.

I'm not really asking questions as such but I would love to understand what could come next for me with some insight from others who may have been in this situation.
I am not sure I will act on it though. I want to get better but I dont know if I want to act upon it (if that makes sense).

Thanks for reading. Ahhhhh.

[Desedrata]

You are doing well just having organised things this far. It is okay to take a moment between steps. Change even for the better can be very stressful. Take things at your own pace. At varying times of the journey you will need more or less self-reflection and recuperation time, this is normal.

[geoff]

Hi OptimisticQuail, I agree with Desedrata just take your time, it's not something that we only wished would go away with a click of the finger and please don't worry if you take one step forward and two back, that's a process that only strengthens going forward.

You always have our support.

Geoff.

[OptimisticQuail]

Thanks All.
Desedrata - Apologies for the spelling. My auto correct called you something different....

Following on i am looking to formalise some time off to look after myself and rejuvenate hopefully.

Do you have any tips on how to bring this up with a Manager and other team members?
I get extremely anxious about this.

[geoff]

Hi OptimisticQuail, I think that maybe a great idea, having a day off here and there is not going to help you, you need to see your doctor who will give you a certificate for a length of time off while you can get the help you need.

This certificate is something they can not argue with, it's medical issued by a GP.

Can you please let us know.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[OptimisticQuail]

Cheers Geoff.

Do you know of another forum topic or any experience you have gained which would help me prepare to tell my manager and/or team members of the situation i am currently in?

How do i convey how im battling at the moment?

[geoff]

Hi OptimisticQuail, perhaps the doctor's letter would explain the majority of the situation you are in, or you could click on 'All Posts' and chose a section that relates to what you are going through.

If you get involved in a discussion with the manager trying to quizz you why you need to do this, it maybe very upsetting for you, so tell them that you may tell them at a later date or write down and then send it, this all depends on how you feel and what you want to do.

The less stress for you the better.

Take care.

Geoff.

[Desedrata]

It's all good. I knew who you meant.

Whilst your employer will hopefully be understanding s/he does not require any information beyond that of which the doctors certificate states. Simply inform them that it is personal. "Personal" is a very important word to remember as it saves you and others a very long and awkward conversation that neither of you really wants to have with each other. It is also important to let your employer know that you do enjoy your job and like your co-workers it is just that you simply are not able to cope with personal issues at the moment but hope that s/he will be understanding of your need for some time off.

Something along those lines has always been taken respectfully and the door has always remained open for me. So, I would hope that this would be the case for you as well.

[OptimisticQuail]

Thank you so much to the both of you.

I now have a certificate from my Doctor as well as some medication which will hopefully help remove this numb feeling.

My partner is not too keen as she has had a bad experience with addiction and prescriptions with her family but I have tried to assure her these pills are not addictive as the Dr has advised.

I am keen to tell my manager and my team some of the detail but not a lot and have drafted something last night (ad midnight while I couldnt sleep).

Thanks again for your advice.

[OptimisticQuail]

Hello All.

Well this is my third week off work (after initially thinking I'd be off for two).

I am not sure I am ready to return next week as I still struggle to do even the simplest of tasks some days, which i will discuss with my psychologist and Doctor.

I believe i am on track but am not where I think I need to be.

Does anybody have tips on returning to work following time off due to mental health issues?

Thanks in advance!

[smallwolf]

Hi,

I was in a similar position to you having time off work. I was off for 5 weeks. Following the advice of my psychiatrist I started with half day and would build up with half day increments.

Regardless of whether that is possible for you, use all the strategies and tools you have at your disposal - pop-up notifications on your phone or guides meditation or breathing exercises etc.

And just remember the following

1. You are doing the best you can

2. You are awesome

3. It doesn't matter what others at work think.

4. You are strong for the actions you took

Tim