Feeling Lost

[Guest_25177462]

Hi.

I’m new here and feeling lost at the moment. Last week I got terminated from my job of 7 years without warning and not sure what to do next. Just feel so overwhelmed thinking about having to restart my life in my 40s.

Over the last couple of years work has been very stressful, especially coming out of the Pandemic. This resulted in me suffering from burnout and eventual depression as work didn’t seem to care about my situation and let things go even after I made them aware of my struggles. I eventually had a period off work, sought help and was diagnosed with depression and have been working with a therapist and on medication ever since.

Start of August I had another depressive episode that lasted about 2 weeks and when I got back to work I got terminated a week later due to my time off.

Due to the amount of time off over the last year, I used up all my sick and annual leave and most of it was time without pay. I used up a lot of my savings which also added a financial burned and more stress to the situation. To top it off, they used a clause in my termination so I didn’t get a separation payment.

I’m at a complete lost and don’t know if I have the energy to start over.

[indigo22]

Hi,

Welcome to the forums and thank you for reaching out to us.

I am sorry to hear about how lost you are feeling at the moment. I have been dealing with depression for a very long time so I understand how debilitating it is.

It's most unfortunate that so many people still don't understand the effects of mental illnesses, particularly employers. In your case, had your employer cared about their employees, they would have made some changes to ensure their employees were able to cope with the workload and not just ignore it. They sound like so many others who care more about money than the people who work for them.

As a sideline, I am a believer in the idea that when one door closes, another one opens. Perhaps you could keep that in mind at the moment as you never know what opportunities may lie ahead that are better suited to your current circumstances.

Having said that, have you discussed your situation with your therapist? It is part of their role to help you find ways to deal with your circumstances when they change. There is also assistance available through Centrelink and some of the non profit organisations such as Salvation Army.

I would be happy to continue this conversation if you are comfortable doing so.

Take care,

indigo