For those of you who have stopped working because of your illnesses...

[Brooke89]

How do you spend your days? Do you have a pattern of peaks/troughs each day? Do you struggle to leave the house? I have been off work close to a year now and am interested to from people in a similar situation. Thank you 🙂

[Carmen_Lisa]

I'm still managing to get to work. I dread going to work. It is so exhausting and I feel like I have to pretend that I am okay. But then on my way home, I dread being home alone. I dread days off. Too tired to do anything that might help my mood. Too hard to talk to anyone. I have to keep getting to work or I know that I'll keep getting worse and worse and things will be harder and harder. 

[Lu]

Hi all, I too struggle with depression and holding down/finding a job. I haven't had a permanent jobs for years now, have ruined opportunities because I can't manage them, and am now stuck in limbo. I went back to study last year and I should have completed work experience by now to head towards my new 'career'. I just can't manage to do it, and haven't done anything all year.

I spend my days sleeping, overeating, watching tv or running errands. I feel disgusting and am awake all night. 

Each night I think 'I can do it tomorrow', and plan something productive or good for me. But when I wake, I just think how better it was being asleep, and everything goes out the window. 

[NewGirl01]

Hi Carmen Lisa,

Like you,I am still managing to drag myself to work,although im now part time instead of full time,as i just can't be at work all the time anymore. I stress myself into a frenzy the day before i work and on my way to work,and if i get called in unexpectedly,i nearly throw up. But i find the structure of work is helpful (despite having to fake that im okay while im there,which totally drains me),and having gone part time,ive had the time to find an online course i can do to see if i can manage online tertiary study. If i do okay in that course,i'll consider doing a degree. Having goals makes me feel a little bit more hopeful. Even the little goals are a helpful thing.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Brooke89,

Great question by the way - I struggle with this on and off as I've been out of work for a few years.

When I stopped working I always intended to start working again so I've got myself in a little bit of a routine so I don't get too out of whack.  It also helps me stay as well as possible as I tend to get a bit more depressed when I do less during the day.

I make sure that I have a good sleep routine and I spend the morning on the computer; either studying or volunteering.  In the afternoons I usually get some exercise, read a bit, try and get out of the house (walk to Coles or go to an appointment), listen to podcasts/music and do a bit of cleaning.  I also try and connect with a few people through LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook so that I don't feel as isolated.

Hope that helps 🙂 

[lozb12]

Your post sounds exactly like my day , everyday for the last 2 years. It's a hole now that I don't know how to get out of. Being isolated and unhealthy definitely doesn't help me but I don't want to or know how to function now. Least I know I'm not the only one 

[lozb12]

I feel like what you posted is me to a tee. Sux so much hey 

[MisterM]

Well I was fired but my mood isn't the best to get me motivated to apply for jobs, I don't even know what to apply for. Anyways, it's quite sad, I wake up 9-10am, spend a while on my phone on facebook, then I eat, then I turn my pc on around 11am and sit on the pc for most of the day and night. Nothing else to do. If I can be motivated I will read a book or play guitar and try write songs. I barely go outside unless I need to, like to the supermarket.