Working from From

[Guest_25220203]

Hi All,

I have been working from home for the last four years and found that this has lead to Alcohol addiction ( I never used to drink prior ) and also a massive decline in my mental health and ability to socialise in general I even hate doing video links now. Has anyone else experienced this and what has helped? 

[Croix]

Dear New Member~

I'd like to welcome you here to the Forum, a good choice on your part as you may hear other's views, which can be very useful, even if not always what one hopes to hear.

Your mental and physical health are the most important things, and it is obvious that  working from home has not been ideal for this, promoting use of alcohol, and making more pronounced a reluctance to be with others.

If you do nothing, do you think things will improve or matters simply get worse? I clung to my job in the hope I could make myslf better, sadly it did not happen and I ended up unable to work.

Altohugh I really wanted that job, and for it to be a lifetime career, I can look back now and see that no job or career is worth ruiining my life.

As you already know the cause what options are open to you. Can you for instance work in the head office on certain days, can you change to a differnet depatment wiht less home work, or even go to the extent of looking for another job?

It may be you are stuck as you are for a while , perhaps until another position is available. In hte meantime is it possible for you to do an additional activity that gets you out and being with people. Probalbly not a very appealing idea at the moment, but socilaising is important, and anytihng that stops you being a recluse may be helpful. One obvious choice is volunteering, everything from school lunches (if you have kisds) to cataloging objects in a museum.

Jobs are not always easy to find, which is why I suggest something in addition.

Whould you like to say what you think of this idea?

Croix

[Fiatlux]

Hi Guest,

Welcome to the forums.

I have been working from home for the past 4 years, with occasionally working from the office for just a day here and there when absolutely needing to.

In the beginning I preferred it. I work in my own business so I mostly work alone anyway. I found being stuck in the office alone quite depressing and mentally exhausting especially when things were very quiet. But in preferring to work from home, my physical and mental health also declined. 
In the beginning I went out for a walk several times a day but I also had my dog with me back then.

Now however, In the morning I come downstairs and sit at my computer waiting for the phone to ring and I answer emails. I rarely have physical contact with anyone except my son and husband. In the afternoon, I switch off and make dinner and watch television until bed time again. Each day is the same. 

I am very motivated to get a pet dog as they always made me happy and gave me a reason to get out of the house. Cost has been restrictive due to the exorbitant price of any pet right now. But I am getting a pet next year for companionship. I feel this will help improve my overall health.

I also cut back on my wine time recently, due to hospitalisation. Although I never had more than a glass a day, I was craving that drink by 4pm every afternoon so yes I was becoming dependent. I don’t drink to get drunk, but I can now bypass a glass of wine without feeling like I am missing something.

Even this past weekend, I went out for a short walk, chatted with some neighbours and did a little shopping in store, but I felt dizzy and overwhelmed and exhausted by this little activity. But I will push myself to do some more physical activity outside the house as it will be good for in the end.

Get a pet if possible and try to connect with others in the same situation. I joined an over 50’s online social group and although some of them meet up for holidays and outings, I have yet to join in. Maybe something I may do in the future.

Good luck with it. Fiatlux 🙏🏼