Life put on pause ✋

[Dozzi_D]

My life at the moment is just everywhere. I feel that there is no stability right now. I just finished rehab recently and it's too late to start school because everyone's doing exams and graduating etc. I wanted to do this alternative program which would have allowed me to finish year 10. But they were full just as I applied to attend. The next program is in March, which would mean I'd have to feel bored and isolated for the next 4 months. I feel like I'm behind all my friends and that life is going slow motion for me. 😔 I had part time work at a bakery but got asked to leave because I used to always arrive 'out of it'. With my anxiety I'm worried I wouldn't work fast enough if I got another job. I literally drive myself crazy just counting down the hours. Any advice would be heaps appreciated.

[TheSteve]

Hi Dozzi,

Thanks for sharing. I'm sorry to hear that you've had a rough trot. Congratulations on finishing rehab, that is a big achievement in itself.

I agree with you that, provided you are feeling up to it, keeping yourself busy is the way to go to getting back on a more sustainable, long term track. I will suggest keeping an eye on the course you recently applied for that was "full" - perhaps an opening will appear either now or sometime soon. Are there courses elsewhere that you could apply for, to accomplish the same or a similar objective? Perhaps look into this.

If you have to wait it out until March, then a part-time job is a good idea. Not too stressful, not overly burdensome on your time nor with the heaviest of responsibilities, a nice way to get back out there, put a few dollars in your pocket, and get some confidence and normalcy back. Then, hit your course in March. Working part-time also allows you to spend time on yourself - exercise, diet changes, downtime with friends/family/yourself, time to take up a hobby or learn about topics you've always wished to learn about (I love downtime as it allows me to read my real-life adventure novels, one of my personal passions. What is yours?).

Either way, if you are now pointing in the right direction post rehab, then there is much you can do to make the most of your time and to benefit from what can really be a terrific 4/5 months in your life. It may seem daunting, but this is an opportunity many people would really like to have. It is yours.

Come back and chat anytime. We can all try to help you through this as much as you need. We are here for you. All the best.

Steve