Need to job hunt but burntout

[Greenspace81]

After almost 15 years of prolonged pressure, stress and increasing isolation I am finding it difficult to function. I’ve got to the point where I am sometimes not getting out of bed, have almost stopped cooking and cleaning, and answering an email and shopping for food feels like an achievement. I’ve lost interest in things and quieten thoughts with the TV. Bad PMS brings suicidal ideation but I couldn’t leave my teenage son.

After redundancy last month, I have a few hours of teaching but no work besides that. I have some outstanding project work commitments too. I am finding the weight of responsibility of these difficult and struggling to make decisions about what new jobs to apply for and to complete applications for what does interest me.

DS and I could get by for up to two months on what I have put to the side. I’ve built up quite a bit of debt so I don’t feel I can take a break from work to get well again. Working part time for a short time is possible.

What can I realistically do to get myself out of this rut? I am trying to live by the sleep, nutrition and exercise model, am having therapy an begin CBT next week.

Anyone?

Do you have anyone in real life that you could confide in? Sounds like you need emotional and physical support. Do you have mum friends that could be wrangled into helping with food and shopping?

In my experience there's often a brilliant no nonsense organised mum in big enough groups who could whip up a rota for a couple of weeks for good food to be dropped off and food shops organised? I know it's so so hard to ask for help, but you would in sure help another mum and making a spag bol or something wouldn't be a big deal to help a friend out...so trust me, other people like to help

I would see a GP for advice and help. And claim anything you possibly can in benefits while you recover.

Thanks for your replies x

Can only honestly confide in my therapist. My child is 18 so unfortunately passed the mum group stage. No close friends due a prolonged isolated path.

The GP has referred me to gynaecology, provided sick note and has repeatedly offered anti-depressants which I am too frightened to take.

Please take them. I've been on Sertraline for 3 years now, and they've changed my life. I was scared to take them at the start too, but there weren't many side effects - they didn't stop me doing what I normally do. Honestly, please try them. They won't make you 'happy', they'll just level you out, and give you the chance to function.