Annual leave brings out the worst in me

[Callmepale]

I work full time and save a lot of leave for odd days mainly in case my DS is too unwell for nursery or for other childcare emergencies.

Having just been off for an unusual full week after a few months of barely stopping, my mood has taken a real slump. I hate how I can't seem to enjoy a big chunk of time off from work. It's like it gives me a chance to think about all that is wrong with me.

I just want to go back to bed. Anyone else ever feel like this?

Yes yes yes! I seem to need the structure of work to manage my mental health.

when I have to much time on my hands to think my mood drops.

things get a bit better when I actively structure my day but being at home I just get irritated about everything that needs doing. In a total perfectionist way that is mad really. Forgetting that everyone has a messy cupboard

Yes, by the time I have adapted to the new routine it's time to go back. I get cross with myself as I count down the days to the annual leave then I am totally deflated and lost when I am there. I did use lots of leave last year booking Fridays and/or Mondays off which worked better for me but I have moved to a new role and my new manager is not keen on this.

Yes me too, I take one full week off a year and the rest of my leave I use for Mondays! Like today!
I like the structure of work.

Yes ! Routine is what I need, I feel better for it.

Same for me

I turn into a real lazy goblin on annual leave. Lie ins until nearly lunchtime, and spend most of it faffing at home and procrastinating. Travelling really sets off my anxiety (airports, crowds etc) but having nothing to do can be just as bad as I feel bad for "wasting" my time off.

I’ve recently left my job (for very good reasons), and from September will be doing a couple of casual, zero hours type jobs. I’m really panicking about how my mental health will cope, I’m not good without structure, and I need social contact. My mood can plummet quickly at home on my own.

Wow was fully expecting people to tell me to stop complaining and enjoy the time off! Glad I have found my people 😃 maybe it's ok just to book the odd days and only book longer off when theres the actual intention of going away!

Aw @MissyB1 that might be challenging. Do you think you could maybe slot some volunteering around shifts to give a bit more structure?

Same here, I use my annual leave in dribs and drabs. Ive tried using a week or two weeks at a time and my mental health was all over the place. It's so frustrating as I don't seem to be able to have a complete break and truly relax but it is what it is so for now I just tag a day or two on to my weekends or I take a day off mid week to break up the monotony of setting my alarm 5 days a week.