Posted by Fi on October 22, 2004, at 15:22:54
In reply to What happens now?, posted by partlycloudy on October 21, 2004, at 14:27:57
I'm so sorry that things are so tough for you.
I've also had my own experience of getting up one morning not feeling particularly bad but crying endlessly for about an hour. I went to work- but before I did, wrote a note for my boss.
She was in the office, but I needed to do the note so that she would know that if she spoke to me at all (about anything) I would probably burst into tears! And its at those sorts of times you realise what a narrow band of behaviour is acceptable at work. I was off sick after that, but only a couple of weeks.
Then there is the inconvenience of wanting to go out to do some shopping, but needing to wait till your eyes were just a little less red and puffy from all the crying. And being in the middle of a spell and finding you havent any tissues left, and there isnt much toilet roll either (you havent bought much recently), so you end up using rather thick rough kitchen towels...
I suspect you already know the usual true but dull to hear stuff about getting thru weeks off sick (and in general)? You will probably be able to ignore the rest of this message for that reason!
Forgeting/not thinking about work is a v important part of it. You arent well, and have every right to be away from there. And thinking about work means you have to use up some energy on that, which you deserve to keep to yourself.
8 weeks is too long to spend on the couch (however tempting).
Some social contact with supportive/fun people (if possible), or just anyone who isnt a strain, is essential. Its important that you stay away from people who upset you. You really need to prioritise yourself at the moment. Its like someone with a sprained ankle resting it rather than going jogging!
Then the stuff about having some exercise (doesnt have to be anything strenous)
Getting out of the house.
Doing things that give you a sense of achievement, measured against the more modest goals that are achievable at the moment.
Anything that can distract you for a while. Ideally better than that,and actually entertaining.Anything that makes you feel better that doesnt involve harmful things such as alcohol, chain smoking or whatever. I got thru one episode with the help of the video of the 'Jungle Book', which I would usually find rather dull/childish.
Anything that makes you laugh is worth its weight in gold!
Having some sort of structure and routine, eg not getting into going to bed anytime between 3-5am then sleeping till mid-pm. Remembering to eat regularly, and of reasonably healthy things (as well as treats)
Oh, I'm rabbiting on. Just so much want you to have a gentle and restorative time.
Fi
poster:Fi
thread:405522
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20041016/msgs/406013.html