Stuck on the "Merry Go Round"

[martin3977]

Hi new to the forum, my first post. "Stuck on the Merry Go Round," unable to get off. Always tired, fatigued, dizzy, head aces, and feeling nausea,

I have no trouble sleeping. I doze off most of the day. At work, while driving my car, in the train. When I finally get home I drop into bed. I only have time for around 4 to 5 hours sleep. each night. (Adds up to only around 20 odd hours a week). Then a little like "Ground Hog Day" I start again for the next day doing the same old. I always look forward to my week ends I hibernate, a marathon sleep from late Friday night, and usually wake up Sunday lunch time. It does not make up for my lack of sleep during the week. However like a real bad hangover, I still feel fatigued and dizzy coming out of it.(not quite refreshed) 😞 Ready to start again Monday morning.

Into my third week. Feeling both very depressed, and anxious at the same time. My health has started to drop ( I worry about my diabetes. insulin dependant and my asthma control ) If I don't manage to crash my car while traveling to work, I am sure I will have a full on break down instead.(Mental), Developing poor self esteem in my self. Feeling worthless.My mind has gone into lock down, procrastinating as to what I can do next. It feels like being in "Shell shock".

You would think the answer would be simple...... Jump off the "Merry Go Round". At my Age being over 60 it may not be easy to find another job?

My sudden spiral into my depression started with my employer moving me. Very suddenly from a work site closer to my home. I live country Victoria - Gippsland. Now to a different work site over 150 Km's away in the Melbourne CBD. The difference. Is time travel, and extra working hours. My previous site I worked 8 hours, with only 1 hour trip (or 2 hours a day, which is just OK) In a Car. With my sudden change. I now do 12 hours Shifts (No lunch or tea breaks allowed) Compulsory over time. I travel from country in my car, catch a suburban train to the city, tram, walk. 3 hours. (or 6 hours each day). Each day I have to get up at 3 am to start my day. Arrive home around 21:40. Why I am in such shock? My employer gave me no notice of my sudden move, or any reason? I was advised I could be sacked if I did not do the move or overtime requested.

I Just cannot believe this is happing to me? My employer shows no empathy to my situation. Has any one else have had this happen to them? With their employer? If so what did they do? Any one have any ideas?

😞

[PamelaR]

Hi Martian and welcome to our community forums

I can see why your are feeling so anxious and depressed. It is debilitating at times isn't it. I find especially when I'm sleep deprived. That's one of my number one triggers for going down hill and fast.

Being treated that way by your employer is also hard to take. I've not been treated in that way, but have had other adverse requests. My solution - changed jobs. This isn't always an option for people though. So I guess you'll need to look for other things you can do.

I'm sure others in our community with similar experiences will add their thoughts in time. While you're waiting, think about whether you're interested in doing a search of our forums. The search field is at the top of the page. Enter some keywords, e.g. work problems. A very good thread to look at is SLEEP. Feel free to join in our discussions.

Just some thoughts for you -

Have you looked at the Victorian and Australian industrial awards for your work? Or are you covered by an individual work contract? Are there any clauses about work location, overtime, lunch and tea breaks etc - from the employees perspective? I know my brother used to work 12 hour shifts, but he did that and then went home for a week. It was his choice (I think). I could never do 12 hour shifts, I'd fall asleep.

Since you're getting overtime, is it feasible to live closer to Melbourne Monday to Friday and return home on weekends? And of course if you want to.

Are you able to get NAPS on public transport? It helps a little to recharge the batteries. I do it all the time. One of these days I'm going to miss my stop.

Hope some of this helps. You're not alone Martin.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[Nibs]

Hi Martin,

My goodness, no wonder you're tired. All that travelling each day. I'd probably crash into bed myself over a weekend. I'm over 60 as well. Unemployed and at times find getting motivated a bit cumbersome.

Yes, I get depressed but what gets me going is my wife and children. They are first for me and motivation to keep going.

I don't know your personal circumstances but you're a hero to me doing what you are doing. Do you get payed holidays? Maybe take some time off, find social contacts or engage in something that takes your interest outside work.

These forums are a start and while I just read through some I get a picture that my life is pretty good compared to what others are going through.

My kind regards to you. Look after your health and mind first.

Nibs