Monday Morning. We can all do this.

[WingsofNylon]

I find the anticipation of the coming week hard on my mental health. I'm going to guess that others do too.

Whatever you are facing, you do have the strength. Even if you don't feel it yet.

I can do it, you can do it, we can all do it!

Come and share words of encouragement and your Monday aims.

I'm going imagine I have a team of enthusiastic cheerleaders behind me all day. Backing up every positive decision I make.

Welcome to all the new MN-ers to the thread! Sending lots of good wishes for Monday. I managed to do Plenty of self-care this weekend - feeling virtuous about that as well as echarged but next week is still going to be busy.

waves to the new people

Sorry for not being about for the last few days. I'm back. Really worried about how this week is going to go. I also smashed my phone screen so may be without a phone depending on how it is fixed.

Well done for the progress you have each made. Small acts of self care can make big differences. I'm focusing on giving myself enough water. I always under hydrate.

Anything specific you need to cheer you on for today?

cricket I'm cheering for you. Get to work and talk to your manager or HR. It's important that they understand.

I missed some days last week and I have promised myself I'd make it through this one in full.

I am more than an hour early for work today as I have to do a lift. Much more anxious and haven't had space to calm myself / think through what's going on fir me which I usually do in the car on the way in. Going to try to have five minutes sleep and five minutes mindful thinking then go in.

Thanks @WingsofNylon. We can do this. I catastrophise everything but then stop and think surely I can do a full week at work?? I'm so jealous of those people that JUST work. People who don't start to get panicky and dizzy after lunch and literally count down the minutes until they can escape to home.

On the plus side I only have 3 weeks to work and then I'm on holiday for 2 whole weeks in Spain!

Can I join in?

I am cheating because I am signed off. But I got up, have had a shower and called at the bakery after dropping DS1 so have had lovely fresh bread for breakfast.

First Monday of not being at work so trying not to dwell

Can someone give me a virtual slap please?? I've still not set off. Making excuses and can see myself not going in today!

cricketmum84 I will give you a virtual boost. YOU CAN DO THIS!

YoureAllABunchOfBastards Welcome. Try not to see it as cheating. See it as a very important part of self care. Having a GP acknowledge that you need time off is a really strong thing to do.

I was off for a month earlier in the year and made a habit of always referring to it as 'my GP has declared me sick' or 'my sick leave' rather than 'off' or 'not working' as it reminded me and other people of why. Some of my family started to slip into seeing it as holiday time rather than recovery from illness time and the change in my language soon put a stop to that sort of thinking.

Yumm to fresh bread!!

haverhill Lois and True welcome. Im being naughty using this at work so cant write a huge amount but good for you for joining us. I am doing a celebratory jiggle in my head for you.

I really hope I didn't miss anyone else joining. I will check again later.

How is everyone's Monday going so far?

Exhausting! Work is intense right now. I enjoy it a lot - it’s very motivating - but struggle not to take on too much and then fall over. Trying to keep an eye on that.

How was everyone else’s Monday?

My Monday was frustrating but productive. Work that should have been straight forward took all day but it is done now which is great.

Then things went bad late last night. My anxiety was building all evening sandals I had a panic attack late last night. All to do with work today. I have to deliver some training that I'm not ready for. Logically I know it will be fine but such a big part of me want to cancel it and hide in bed all day. And this morning I feel awful. Head and back ache and so anxious.

@WingsofNylon have you time to do some breathing exercises before you set off. I find they help sometimes when anxiety is building.
I've got pain across my shoulders today and very anxious, have almost thrown up twice already. I really wish I could just hide in my living room all day but I will lose my job if I take any more time off.

Thanks cricket I did do some calming breathing and actually the day went well and I had feedback from two people that it was good and that they really enjoyed it.

How was everyone's day?

I'm feeling on edge tonight. I'm home alone and that always makes me feel a bit funny. Going to get an early night but wanted to check-in with you all first.

Thinking of you all.

Hey wings hope you got an early night.

I’m hoping that the worst of the crazy work stuff is over for now. I’ve got the rest of this week and then another week in the office and then I’ve got a week off, hurrah!

I’ve done much resting this weekend. I must have really needed it, think I was exhausted after a crazy fortnight. Looking forward to being back in the office next week - I worked from home for a couple of days at the end of last week, and this saves on commuting time and energy but I do end up terribly lonely.

well done erin catching up on rest can make the world of difference.

I had an enjoyable and fairly productive weekend but last night was anxiety ridden. I kept waking up and feeling awful. But on the good side I woke up early enough to wash my hair this morning so it is a plus on the self care side.

The things I will be cheering myself on with today are eating well and making progress with a particular work project.

Monday doesn't own us, we own it.

Can I join please? This is exactly what I need today. I start a new job after 3 years as a Sahm. Im scared but just going through the motions to get me there for 9am. Im hoping it'll go ok.

Welcome @Hopskipjumping We had at least one person on this thread going back to work or starting a new job (? I forget which ) We're all here cheering you on for this big step.

I just remember I've a MH-related appointment this afternoon that my healthy self says I really should go to but part of me just can't face it. I will be meeting new professionals after a house move and change of GP. I am not looking forward to that bit when they either won't have read my notes and will need me to tell them everything (it's a long story), or will have read my notes and drawn some really weird conclusions about me before meeting me. I am really tempted to cancel. I won't but I do feel as if I want to.

Hopskip welcome. Reading your post put a big smile on my face. That's an important milestone and you have reached out for some support. Two big actions worthy of a cheer from us all. I'm mentally doing a little victory over dance for you. Not physically because no one wants to see that!

I'm also doing a communal cheer for every one else on the thread.

I really don't want to do this today but know that I have to. :(

Hoping 4.30 rolls around pretty quickly today!

cricketmum84 I was doing remarkably well until just now
3 hours to go, but I've convinced myself I can't do it. I hope you are having better luck.

No, I called in sick and chickened out. I couldn't cope with the anxiety. Tomorrow is a whole new day so hoping my mood has lifted by then. In the meantime I've applied for another 5 new jobs so fingers crossed!!