What to do about complete mental burnout?

[madcatladyforever]

I am completely and utterly mentally burnt out after 30 years in the health service.
I left my job and will be scraping a salary doing medical agency work in April.
I had a month off and haven't left the house not even to go into the garden, I'm living off my savings. I don't want to see anyone, I don't want to speak to anyone.
I've organised to do the minimum work I need to do to pay my bills. My GP just gave me anti depressants which I've been taking for a year, they don't help at all.
i basically don't want to work for anyone or talk to or look at anyone or deal with meetings, work do's or anything else.
I recently had a cancer scare that turned out to be benign and actually felt thrilled at the thought of dying instead of having to go back to work.
I have to work for another 10 years to pay off my mortgage and don't know where to go from here.
I don't know how I can bear to go on. Are there any groups for work burnout. I really don't know how to move forward.

Ah, this is hard to read. 💐 for you, it sounds like you're having such a difficult time.

Could you try to treat yourself like you'd treat a good friend? So, make sure that you're eating well, getting enough sleep, and getting some fresh air and exercise as a start.

you will get through this, you will feel better. As Elven said, treat yourself kindly. I was where you are 10 years ago. Life can be good again, just give yourself time to recover.

Each day at a time.each step at a time.

Exercise and having things I can do in my holidays that are just for me keeps me going. Do you know what those things would be for you?

Thanks guys, it gives me hope that this can get better, at the moment it feels like it's forever and I've lost interest in absolutely everything.

Awwww I really feel for you. You sound worn out and utterly fed up.

Slowing right down sounds like a good idea.

Sometimes going for quiet walks in nature can help. Meditation?

Please have a look at Paul David 'At last a life' - it has helped me. Worth a shot.

Two years ago I was just like you OP, incapable of stringing two words together, just existing.
I made myself walk to the end of the road every day, eat simple meals (soup, loads of fruit, yogurts and drinking water) and get dressed as soon as I got out of bed or I wouldn't dress at all.
It took several months before I felt vaguely human but I did get there. Be very kind to yourself, indulge in simple things. The only legacy I have is an inability to concentrate on a book, it's getting better but I really have to focus.
You will be fine op, just give yourself time and kindness.

I was going to suggest MBSR mindfulness based stress reduction, there may be classes or a course in your area. Also, give yourself time

Oh, OP, I've been where you are, and it's absolutely awful.

My tips would be to be as kind to yourself as possible. Go as easy as you can on stuff you 'have' to do. Make as much time as you can for doing things that are pleasurable, or usually pleasurable, even if you can't feel that pleasure right now. It will come back.

Try to step back from any feelings that you must be 'productive' at all times. The more time you can engage in pleasure, for pleasure's sake, and no other reason, the better. Make time for new and enriching experiences. If you like art, try and find new, interesting exhibitions to visit. If you like country walks, check out some new ones and/or revisit old favourites. Get out into nature as much as you can.

Eat well. Sleep like a king.

The MBSR suggestion is a good one. I would suggest also to consider trying hypnosis. You could see a hypnotherapist, or you might find listening to some downloads would help. Look for downloads targeted at relaxation or joy/pleasure. It can be very powerful.

Lastly, if you have any spiritual leanings, now is the time to explore them.

Burnout is a sign we have been doing something wrong. Often, that we have been ploughing the wrong furrow, too hard. It can be an opportunity to re-orient life for the better.

Hope you're feeling better very soon. But give yourself time.