How do you deal with stress?

[theviewfromhalfwaydown]

I work in a very high stress job where I’m at risk of injury everyday. I have also been through a lot in my personal life and it’s all starting to take it’s toll on me. On the outside I seem fine but inside I’m a mess. I have been put on anti depressants and still seem to be struggling. The worst effect all of this has on me is being sick. It’s so embarrassing and I don’t know how to relax.

So how do you all deal with it?

I'm keen to see advice on this too OP. I dealt with my stressful job by quitting but, of course, have replaced it with other things I am incredibly stressed about!

Sorry to hear you’ve experienced the same @onedaysoonish I love my job but it’s pushing me to the edge and I’m worried I’m going to completely lose it one day. I’ve been physically sick at work a few times now and it’s humiliating. The drs said it was like a panic attack and I hate it.

Distraction. Having other things in your life that make you happy and relax you. Walks outside, gardening, doing jigsaws, playing the piano, listening to interesting/funny podcasts in the bath, playing board games with my children, reading, volunteer work, online zoom pub quizzes with friends etc. Whatever works for you. Talking or thinking constantly about what is stressing you not only takes a toll on your mental health but your physical health too. Change what you can and accept what you cannot change.

I've been in this position and I e had to take sick leave on a number of occasions. You feel guilty but it got to the point I couldn't move last time and I swore I'd never let it get that bad again.
Do something now to address this before it gets worse, do you have anyone at work you can talk to?

I struggle a lot. For normal times, routine helps along with healthy eating,forcing myself to be in the moment and getting outside. Yoga is good for me too. When I had a very stressful job it was breaking things up in to smaller tasks so as not to feel overwhelmed but eventually I quit and joined somewhere with better work life balance.

I'm in a similar work environment, I'm now on anti depressants, and I'm signed off sick. I am concentrating on my dcs, reconnecting with my friends, time outside and crafting

I find it really helps to have something else absorbing or all-consuming as a hobby. Whether it's being obsessive about running, lifting kettlebells, learning something like Russian or whatever. It helps de-focus off your job and that really helps.

Thanks everyone. I’m just feeling really fragile at the moment. I get hurt everyday and it’s getting to me. I also had an awful time during lockdown as one of my children became very ill so I think it’s all just hit me recently. I’ve been through loads in my life and never felt this way before.

I'm going to resubscribe to the calm app. Don't know why I stopped it. It's very good

OP sounds like you need to step away from your job until you feel better it's not worth the risk

I sometimes wish I could but I need the money as I’m a single mum of three with no one else around to help.

Does your work offer any sick leave? What if you spoke to your GP? You can't keep on if this is how you are feeling

Can you talk to occupational health?