Feeling overwhelmed and making mistakes

Anonymous

January 19,2024 at 10:05PM UTC

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Feeling overwhelmed and making mistakes

Hi,

I have recently passed my professional exams.

However, this week I've been making dumb mistakes. I do the same report every month, but I've become stupidly absent minded.

I am normally on top of everything to the extent I triple check my work . I cross check all deadlines align across all departments.

I have broken down twice at work this week because I feel extremely stupid and embarrassed.

Im not sure what to do and how to bring myself to normalcy.

My manager wants extra information regarding some work which is taking me ages to find.

I normally finish my tasks on time and quickly. However , when some tasks are taking longer I've been getting anxious .

I'm trying to hide my emotions at work but you can see it in my face that I'm panicking .

I feel like I'm so unintelligent despite clearing all professional exams and feel I'm behind.

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AnonymousJanuary 19,2024 at 10:43PM UTC
What you are experiencing is burnout.
Your mind and body are trying desperately to tell you they need a break.
What you need is sometime away from the screens and the responsibilities of work. You need to switch gears.
Burnout is real and it doesn't just get better with a couples of days of rest but requires a concerted effort to disconnect and rest your mind and change the level of stress and stimulation. This requires your serious attention.
AnonymousJanuary 20,2024 at 3:36PM UTC
Talking with a mental health professional should be a priority. They can help you identify causes and treatment, and the insights you gain from these sessions will help you outside work as well. Please take this first step; you’ve got this! Wishing you peace..,
AnonymousJanuary 20,2024 at 4:09PM UTC
Great advice, and I agree. OP should start with an EAP if their company has one.
Cynthia AnnJanuary 20,2024 at 9:10PM UTC
You sound bored and under appreciated
AnonymousJanuary 21,2024 at 1:51PM UTC
Therapy!
Carol23January 21,2024 at 1:55PM UTC
It seems like you literally need a break. You seem to be overwhelmed at the moment.
Personally, I also noticed that I was having more frequent "Brian farts". I found an app that I highly
recommend called "mind pal". It has you play various games that help you increase your brain functions. I feel much better about myself and my mental activities. Good luck. I will be praying for you
Annalise MJanuary 21,2024 at 2:20PM UTC
I would use whatever PTO you have to take a short break, maybe even just a couple days, and when you come back with more energy you can try and put some safety net systems in place for your own personal processes to better support/catch those kinds of annoying mistakes. If you have broken down twice at work, it does sound like you need some time to refill your cup.
Liz MilneJanuary 22,2024 at 3:14AM UTC
It sounds like you're close to burnout, if not there already. Take some sick days (mental health is still health!) and just give yourself some time to decompress and catch up with yourself.
AnonymousJanuary 22,2024 at 3:43PM UTC
I'm glad that people are recommending therapy, but may I suggest that you visit your medical doctor? I think you should make sure that physically everything is okay. You probably are burnt out from your exams, but just check and make sure it isn't something else.
Liz MilneJanuary 22,2024 at 8:57PM UTC
This is a very good point, yes, a low-grade virus, for example, can cause brain fog and similar symptoms to what OP has said they're going through.
Anna Lovell-Nesmith Professional Burnout SpecialistJanuary 22,2024 at 9:47PM UTC
This sounds like it could possibly be burnout. I agree with the other suggestions about making an appointment with a doctor just to check off the box it's not stemming from health conditions. In the meantime though, it might be a good idea to be sure you're drinking enough water every day (as borderline Dehydration can cause these symptoms as well) and take a few moments throughout your day to intentionally breathe deep.
MaribelJanuary 26,2024 at 2:33PM UTC
Take few days off We all make mistakes , we are humans.