Hustled a bit too much

[Kate_P]

So, after pushing myself over my limit to balance uni and work, it impacted my mental health badly (Increased anxiety, negative thoughts, constantly stressed and tired, everything took more effort than usual, felt lonely). Now, I‘ve returned back to work and finished my degree, but speaking up in front of everyone is still a challenge (confidence took a really big hit) and I feel like it’s hard to keep up with everything at work (public relations agency life is fast-paced). I’m also on a development plan at work now (they broke of the news on my first week back after taking two weeks off but I got sick for those two weeks) and am feeling the pressure of it as well since I have six weeks to improve my performance otherwise I lose my job (I’ve agreed to this plan because it should help me but the stress is still there). Recently, I’ve been feeling constantly stressed and overwhelmed. The happy and positive side of me feels like it’s lessened and getting it back is taking a lot of effort. 

[nskye]

Hi Kate_P, 

Thank you for sharing your story with us, and welcome to the community  ༶ ⋆˙⊹

I am so sorry to hear about your situation. I hope you know that it is impressive of you to finish your degree despite your struggles, and even though we have never met, I am proud of you for achieving that. I could relate to your story because there was a time when I was juggling between a full-time job and uni. All my commitments started getting to me and affected my mental health and well-being. One thing that helped me lift the weight of the stresses was to be more organised with my timetable, make better plans to balance work and study, and still have time to socialise with friends/family. I understand the impact of stress on our mental health when our schedule can be so packed and overwhelmed, so it is essential to have time for yourself to rewind and connect with other people. Perhaps you can set an hour per week to join an activity you enjoy doing or meet up with a friend for lunch. This could help you relieve stress and loneliness, which will help you build your confidence and improve your work performance and general wellbeing.

Have you also considered talking to a therapist for professional advice on finding a better way to cope with your stress and build work confidence?

Even though it feels like it would take much effort to work on these struggles, your happy and positive side is still there, and I believe you will be able to get that back just as you complete your degree in no time.

Please take care and take it easy, one step at a time. You are doing your best with what you have, and the little things always make significant changes later ◡̎ ♡̷

Good luck,

n 

[Sophie_M]

Dear Kate P

Welcome to the Beyond Blue forums we are so glad that you have made you way here and had the bravery to post. We want you to know that this is a safe space to discuss your thoughts, feelings and experiences and receive honest responses and suggestions from fellow forum users.
 
We are also here 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or via our Webchat.  Our team who answer the phones are ready to have a supportive and non-judgmental chat whenever you need it.
 
As you can see from nskye's response, the community are really amazing, and have understanding, advice and kind words for you.  Thanks again for sharing. It’s a powerful and brave first step towards feeling better.

Regards 

Sophie M

[geoff]

Hello Kate, I am really sorry this is how you are feeling, because with feeling stressed, especially at work, it's about what you are actually feeling with complications affecting you or whether it's your work mates/bosses that creating all of this trouble, you can only do as best as you can, that's very important for you.

Geoff.

Life Member.

[Kate_P]

Hi nskye, thanks for the positive support! Seriously, your comment has really helped me. Its just been a lot and really feels like I’m jumping from one stressful situation to another. But you are right when you say to take care of myself and it’s the little things that make significant changes. This is something I’ve forgotten and am trying to get back now 🙂 

[Kate_P]

Hi Geoff, thanks for the support! It really does make a difference. My co-workers are lovely people and this development plan is them trying to get me back to work like before, but the stress and pressure to do it right is still there, you know? But you’re right, I’ll do the best I can - thanks for the reminder 🙂