stuck

[fred2018]

Hi guys, having a tough time of late. I think my mood has been unstable for a few months now and had had the goal with my psychiatrist to get a job as a way to possibly help my depression etc. I did get a job but its been a real struggle doing the training for it. My brain doesn't feel clear, brain fog has been a problem for me and probably many others, along with that reduced motivation and fatigue of late. Whilst it is good to be doing something more useful, the work training is quite dull so that aint helping my motivation feelings so yeah its all a bit of a mess. I sort of think the job may have to wait or something needs to be changed, I have considered another treatment option but that needs to be talked over with my doctor.

[white knight]

Hi Fred,

What I found once when working or training that was boring, is that my personal time wasn't fulfilled enough. This meant I put more emphasis on my work contentment.

So, I took the attitude that regardless of how boring it was, my time at work fulfilled one major need- earn money. My out of working hours was changed to include more hobbies, sports and clubs.

I took the view- better to be bored than unemployed.

I hope that helps.
TonyWK

[Rarra]

Hi Fred,

I understand that brain fog! It really makes it very tough to identify how you feel about a situation or what decision to make, and can be really overwhelming for me at times. Same with motivation, mine comes and goes. I'm typing to you now to escape for 10 mins from a job that is incredibly boring and dry, and not at all where I want to be. I do agree with Tony though, It is better to be bored than unemployed, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to focus on something other than my thoughts, even if it is soul-crushing data entry. Perhaps in the long term you could seek out and apply for jobs that you might get more satisfaction out of....something that aligns with your interests.

What other treatment options are you looking at, out of curiosity?

[Emmen]

Hello Fred,

I had a similar experience to TonyWK. The job was unstimulating, my colleagues weren't very nice, possibly one of the unhappiest workplaces I worked in. I told myself that I stayed there to earn some money for the things that really make me happy - my hobbies. And then I spent all those out of office hours doing those hobbies, watching movies, going the theatre etc. Work became much more tolerable when I knew I had something to look forward to at the end of the day.

Perhaps that's the change you need to make -finding something that you can look forward to every day?

Kindly,
M

[fred2018]

Useful words cheers white knight.

[yggdrasil]

Hi mate,

Thanks for sharing this. I know what you mean about brain fog. My dad uses that phrase. Often I feel like I've been hit in the head or something. I've routinely fallen out of degrees and jobs because of depression and the associated brain fog. One strategy I've tried when things fall apart is to pursue some simple volunteering work, or simple paid physical work that doesn't require as much training or concentration. For example, I've done fruitpicking, UberEats deliveries on my bike, and worked in a concrete factory at various times. I also volunteered as a facilitator for a depression/anxiety support group for 4 years. This was a great thing to do, because in this context my experiences with depression were a clear asset for the organisation I volunteered for, and helped me see these horrible experiences in a more positive light - i.e. they can actually be an asset to you in some contexts.

[fred2018]

Hi guys, I'm interested to know how many people hear have tried or heard of people using cold showers to help with low mood and or anxiety . I had heard it could be helpful but havn't tried it enough times to know it really benefits thanks.