A huge leap of faith.

mackenzie said:
My best mate is the same, and I think (with hindsight now) that CBT actually saved her life some years ago.
She cleared up the shite in her life and moved on. Lives in Malaga now and is happy. Was a long mental haul, but she got there
Click to expand...

Every time we hear NHS mental health waiting lists, it kills me wondering how many people are like I was, just one hour session away from a crisis being totally manageable. In the 3 days between going to the GP to tell him I was struggling and getting a private therapy appointment, the doctor gave me beta blockers, sertraline and some benzodiazepines. Probably more than £80 (ie more than the therapist) worth of medication and I used about 3 pills.
 
blueinsa said:
53 and I think I experienced my first panic attack this morning, such is the dread and depression I’m feeling over my work.

I’m sat here now and I literally can’t function. I simply don’t know what I can do.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't know where to start to advise you other than please go to a doctor, your mental health is just as real as a broken leg or a physical medical condition.

We are not big and tough we are people, don't succumb to it my friend fight it!!
 
domalino said:
Every time we hear NHS mental health waiting lists, it kills me wondering how many people are like I was, just one hour session away from a crisis being totally manageable.
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Absolutely.
I see it so many times in the course of my job. So many people, with just a little attention and time, that could be helped.
Just an "intervention" away.
 
mackenzie said:
Absolutely.
I see it so many times in the course of my job. So many people, with just a little attention and time, that could be helped.
Just an "intervention" away.
Click to expand...

And the stuff I covered with my CBT therapist could all have been taught in school in CPSHE or whatever they call it these days and I’d probably have never had a panic attack ever, or been better equipped to deal with one.

You’re 100% right, early treatment or when possible prevention is better in every way.
 
domalino said:
And the stuff I covered with my CBT therapist could all have been taught in school in CPSHE or whatever they call it these days and I’d probably have never had a panic attack ever, or been better equipped to deal with one.

You’re 100% right, early treatment or when possible prevention is better in every way.
Click to expand...
It definitely is.

It's horrendous how some young men, in particular, have few role models or people to turn to. A safe space to go and just speak to someone.
Yet they get labelled so early, when truth is they just need someone to mentor and care for them.

I'm not saying that's the answer per se, just that youngsters need to be cared for and listened to.
And mental health care in the community really needs lots of investment.
 
hilts said:
A lack of imagination, come to think of it that explains the football.
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They’ve both got stellar records, IMHO. Warnock’s managed most matches and won most promotions whilst Hodgson has done it in numerous countries. Thought his Fulham team were great.
 
blueinsa said:
53 and I think I experienced my first panic attack this morning, such is the dread and depression I’m feeling over my work.

I’m sat here now and I literally can’t function. I simply don’t know what I can do.
Click to expand...
This is actually more common than you may think. The first step may be to speak to your doctor/partner/boss/colleague. Offloading how you feel is often the catalyst for the start of your recovery. That may well be leaving your job, but not neccesarily. Sometimes all you need is some time away from work to recharge your batteries, rest your brain and work out the best way forward. Work is extremely stressful at times and it can get on top of you. However the thought of what people may think or how work will react is often much worse than the reality. Fingers crossed you get some space to breathe and clear your head. It can do you the world of good to take a break.
 
blueinsa said:
53 and I think I experienced my first panic attack this morning, such is the dread and depression I’m feeling over my work.

I’m sat here now and I literally can’t function. I simply don’t know what I can do.
Click to expand...
We obviously have had a few ding dongs on here, but what you’re feeling now is far more important than our bickering.

You've made the first step by recognising the issue and had the courage to put it on here.

@domalino and @mackenzie have both suggested a really good approach that you could take, but I’d be ringing your doctor and getting a sick note starting Monday. No job or situation is worth damaging your mental health for.

I know I wouldn’t be your choice of person to chat things through with, but feel I should offer to listen anyway, so the offer is there.

This could be the first step in a positive change where you find a job that’s less stressful and hopefully more rewarding too. You’ve said a few times that work is shit and maybe this is the thing that makes you try something different.

Anyway, take care of yourself.
 
Went contracting ten years ago in my mid-forties. It’s great not having all that office politics to worry about and the pay is much better. I have considered finishing completely but I get work quite easily (didn’t even have an interview for my current gig) and have only had one long break between contracts of 3 months. Usually I’m out for 1 or 2 months max. It’s a bit erratic not knowing when you’ll get time off though. The only issue is if I end up out for more than 12 months I’ll probably struggle to get back in, so will just accept retirement at that point.
 
kaz7 said:
I believe we all should take a risk in life , always have a plan b made though , i left a well paid job with computer, car , phone etc and set up my own business , best thing i ever did

Not working when you are healthy is a great thing to do , especially if your mental health is suffering , good luck to him
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What business did you set up ?
 
Alan Harper's Tash said:
We obviously have had a few ding dongs on here, but what you’re feeling now is far more important than our bickering.

You've made the first step by recognising the issue and had the courage to put it on here.

@domalino and @mackenzie have both suggested a really good approach that you could take, but I’d be ringing your doctor and getting a sick note starting Monday. No job or situation is worth damaging your mental health for.

I know I wouldn’t be your choice of person to chat things through with, but feel I should offer to listen anyway, so the offer is there.

This could be the first step in a positive change where you find a job that’s less stressful and hopefully more rewarding too. You’ve said a few times that work is shit and maybe this is the thing that makes you try something different.

Anyway, take care of yourself.
Click to expand...

Great advice. See you can be nice......lol!
 
Something else I'd like to add which I mentioned in a similar thread on here about retirement, is this.
I saw quite a number of people working extra shifts, pushing themselves, compromising their principles etcetera for this retirement utopia they were going to live at the end. Many didn't make it, or their partner died before they did, so it was all for nothing. Seize the day as the saying goes.
 
I got out in my early fifties.
My mental health was such that I got early retirement. Long story, won’t bore you with it.
Wondered at the time how the hell we’d manage but it wasn’t as hard as feared. No daily commute, getting rid of the second car etc. saved a fortune.
Looking back it’s the best thing I ever did.
Never feel bored. Not enough hours in the day for what we want to do and now we have no mortgage, the kids have left home and we get workplace and state pensions we probably have more disposable income than we ever had before.
 
blueinsa said:
53 and I think I experienced my first panic attack this morning, such is the dread and depression I’m feeling over my work.

I’m sat here now and I literally can’t function. I simply don’t know what I can do.
Click to expand...
For those thinking of jacking it in for something completely different.

careers.ukaht.org

Current job openings - UK Antarctic Heritage Trust

Job openings at UK Antarctic Heritage Trust
careers.ukaht.org careers.ukaht.org
 
Citizen of Legoland said:
Went contracting ten years ago in my mid-forties. It’s great not having all that office politics to worry about and the pay is much better. I have considered finishing completely but I get work quite easily (didn’t even have an interview for my current gig) and have only had one long break between contracts of 3 months. Usually I’m out for 1 or 2 months max. It’s a bit erratic not knowing when you’ll get time off though. The only issue is if I end up out for more than 12 months I’ll probably struggle to get back in, so will just accept retirement at that point.
Click to expand...
Worked contract for 33 years, never out more than a week in that time and had some contracts that ran for 7+ years, no idea why everyone doesn't do it, the extra pay helped me retire (or become economically inactive as HMG like to group me) 9 years early. As you say, leaving office politics behind is a massive bonus
 
denislawsbackheel said:
I got out in my early fifties.
My mental health was such that I got early retirement. Long story, won’t bore you with it.
Wondered at the time how the hell we’d manage but it wasn’t as hard as feared. No daily commute, getting rid of the second car etc. saved a fortune.
Looking back it’s the best thing I ever did.
Never feel bored. Not enough hours in the day for what we want to do and now we have no mortgage, the kids have left home and we get workplace and state pensions we probably have more disposable income than we ever had before.
Click to expand...

Yes it was a breeze for me but I guess I'd prepared for it by paying off the mortgage and boosting my savings. It was still a deep breath moment when I handed my three months notice in though.
 
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