Will a couple of days away help

[MsAnnFrope]

Has anyone with depression and anxiety had good results from going away for a couple of days?
I’m having a big dip in mood, exacerbated by work which I’m currently signed off from. My family have suggested a couple of days away to reset and recharge but I’m not sure if that will help. It has in the past but I find home quite comforting at the moment, DH is really supportive and is working at home due to COVID.

[Findmeonetsy]

I went away when I was signed off from work and did find it helped, however I dipped again when I came back home and knowing my return to work was looming. Only you know the strategies that work for you, but I think a change of scene is good sometimes. And if it is work related, gives you the chance to step back from everything and evaluate what it is you might need.
Are you getting support?

[MsAnnFrope]

Thanks I’ve been having counselling and I’m on ADs - my GP has been great. I’ve had mental health issues on and off for years since I was a teen. Sometimes a change of scene has snapped me out of it in the past. I’d love to work out whether it is this job or the whole field and type of work which I’m not a good fit for. I wish there was a retreat I could go to and sort out my head and life path! My relationships with family and friends are solid and a great joy to me but my professional life, mental health and self esteem not so much

[Findmeonetsy]

In that case I would say go for it! Where were you thinking of going? I think lockdown has made a lot of people re-evaluate areas of their lives (mental ill health or not) so you are not alone in this. I can relate to you about the work thing. It’s a scary place but can also be exciting I think! Is counselling helping you unpick this? Good that you have a strong support system.

[AmICrazyorWhat2]

I think it can help. I have anxiety ( had counseling, on AD’s) and while going away isn’t a magic bullet, it can help to get away from everyday stressors and as PP’s have said, reevaluate your goals. I usually feel mentally refreshed and refocused after a trip. Go for it!

[MsAnnFrope]

I’ve signed up to a programme which supports mental health at work and I’ll be starting that soon - friend of a friend recommended it. Covid makes it harder to get away but not impossible!
I think turning 40 has also made me reevaluate what I am doing but I trained for a long time to do what I do - 5 years postgrad so to throw it all up for something new seems scary!

[BlueBottles84]

You might find tweaks rather than a complete overhaul help improve things. I am similar- career changed now 40 and wondering what next. Focusing on enjoying hobbies which is good for my wellbeing while I figure my pace out.

[MsAnnFrope]

You are right bluebottle- big changes are probably not a good idea in the middle of a depressive dip either!