I think I'm close to burnout or a bit of a breakdown or something. My anxiety is getting worse and worse, I'm finding myself starting to detach from things, which is usually a sign it's getting really bad. I'm permanently exhausted and easily overwhelmed. My performance at work is suffering.
This has happened before, and I just kept going and going until eventually one morning in work I just couldn't function. I went to see my manager, burst in to tears, and ended up going off sick for 2 months.
I've had a block of therapy with a psychologist, which was really helpful. I've reflected and considered what triggers my anxiety, what I need to stay healthy etc. But it's very hard with young kids and a job (albeit part time) to actually do those things. My anxiety has been up and down a lot since I went off (1.5yrs ago now), and I've tried to keep working on it and putting strategies in place and things. But it's not working now, and I feel like I'm heading for the point of going off again.
I feel like a need a complete break to reset a bit, reflect a bit more on why I keep getting to this point, do some of the things I know will help (organise life, exercise, healthy eating and good routines), and mainly just rest. Rest my mind and body.
How do you get that break? I can't afford to use annual leave coz I need it all for the kids holidays. But I'm not sick, so is sick leave completely unethical?
I know we could all do with a break like this. But I really feel like I'm going to not be able to keep going without ending up sick anyway, and in worse shape mentally.