How to explain a week of achieving precisely fuck all?

[completelystuckonsofa]

That basically - i have had a terrible week of really poor mental health/migraines where I have been going through the motions and not really managing much at all. I am self employed so need to face the music with client deadlines which have gone awry
I hate how shit this makes me look - i have already missed a day's pay for one client that I have
What can I say to the others?
Please be kind?

You were unexpectedly unwell for a week. How would you manage communications about this situation if it had been flu or noro or an arthritis flare?

I would invent having had a physical illness. You shouldn't have to of course, but it goes down a lot better.

Say you've been ill - you don't need to say what kind of illness, that's none of their business, they're clients not your boss.

Make sure you replan the work when you contact them - ie, sorry X, I've been ill and off work all week so haven't been able to do Y, this is now replanned in my diary for Z so I'll get it to you on X.

I’d just say personal issues and then they’ll not ask for more detail , just say you will meet a revised deadline

Agree with PP, hope you get back on track soon 🙏🏻🤞🏼(from someone going through the same)

I’m sorry you’re having a rough week. I’d email your clients to let them know that you have been hit with migraines this week and unfortunately deadlines will slip as a result of not being able to work. It’s better to let them know and set expectations up front. Most people don’t mind moving deadlines to accommodate illness.

Sorry to hear you are going through this too. It's shit

This is prob a good idea. Honestly can't believe how obvious this is and how crap and inadequate I feel

Quite aside from anything else, migraines are complex neurological events that can do a real number on your ability to concentrate, think things through, perform memory tasks, communicate, problem-solve, regulate yourself, etc., and that's not just while the painful part is happening, either. You can't blame yourself for not seeing "obvious" courses of action if you've been getting slammed by migraines all week, even if we don't take into account the fact you've been struggling with your mental health too.

Don't be so hard on yourself - self-employment is difficult! It's hard when you're your own support network.

You've been unwell.

My migraines are mild but turn my brain to mush.

The other thing of course is they don't know each other, so although you feel like there are loads of people to answer to and that it's all hanging up on you, as far as they know they are the only ones.

I’d just say personal issues

I don't think someone should ever say that, as people will assume it's boyfriend trouble and that the person is so immature or unstable that a bloke is effecting their work.