I have a problem.
I’ve agreed to overtime - so my work week is just short of 60 hours. In addition to that, I have an assigment which will take at least 2-3 hours of my day with a short deadline.
I’m so exhausted. I don’t know how to say no or to cut down on time, and we need the money, so I feel a pressure to continue.
I can’t feel my limbs and feel like I’m sleepwalking. I think a breakdown is imminent.
I’m really stressed out.
How do I manage this?
How do I tell those around me I can’t do it?
How do I keep myself from getting psychosis or completely dissociating due to stress?
You have to tell your employer that the overtime is stressing you and you need to cut your hours back to 40. They don’t know you’re stressed if you don’t tell them. You need to stick up for yourself. It’s part of taking care of yourself. Working 40 hours is hard enough as it is. 10 hour days are too much.
Then make sure you are getting enough sleep, at least 8 hours. Try eating 3 balanced meals a day. Get some exercise in each day, like a 20 minute walk. Drink 8 8oz glasses of water, And try to do something relaxing like yoga, or just stretching or listening to music, meditating, bird watching, whatever you love. This will help reduce your stress.
I don’t feel I can afford to cut back, and I don’t have time for exercise or relaxation techniques
I can barely get 6 and a half hours of sleep, and that includes “stealing” half an hour for myself to wind down with netflix
It seems like one of your biggest problems is boundaries and the capacity to say no (for your own good). One tip a shrink once gave me is to ask a question like ‘what do you propose?’ when someone asks you to do something. Then when they give additional information say you will have to think about it. This is rather than saying yes or no immediately - it buys you time to respond and the person asking can see you considered the request carefully (irrespective of your answer). Saying no is hard but sometimes it’s for your own good (even if it means less income). Anyway, just some random thoughts
For gods sakes don’t do anything to bring them on, you won’t be able to do anything let alone 60 hours a week. Take the pressure off now and tell someone
Who cares! Try and explain it as best you can to them but if they don’t take it on and open their mind there’s nothing you can do. You have to look after yourself with this illness no ones gonna go through it for you including those people
The most I ever worked in a week was 55 hours and I was 19. It really wore me out. I made a bad life decision which involved going off my meds for a while and never had a full time job again. I have not worked a job since 1998. I have been haunted by a strong work ethic for my whole life even though I couldn’t do it anymore. You work and find the time to get on this forum, good for you! Keep it up. I think your request is not unreasonable and your boss might understand.