© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.
Mental Health Struggle
I burnt out during the pandemic at my previous job (mental health therapist in multiple roles at a residential treatment facility). There were a lot of legal and ethical violations on top of poor management of the pandemic, etc. I took some time off after quitting, qualified for unemployment because of how bad the work situation had been, but then got rehired sooner than expected.
I've been at the new place for a month and a half, and what I notice after only a month is concerning. The relevant part of it is I am underpaid and overworked compared to what I was told I would be doing during the interview.
The issue is I'm struggling with my mental health after the whammy at the previous job (I am getting treatment) and originally planned to resign with notice in order to take care of myself and allow them to hire someone with a better mental state. I had a meeting to discuss accommodations without disclosing my "disability" and wasn't really heard.
My therapist suggested I talk to a doctor about going on medical leave, but that is taking a while and my depression is worsening in the meantime due to work and not having much time outside of it. And my other option is to discuss my condition with my team in order to directly answer questions about their expectations and see what response they'd give. (There are really poor boundaries at work so I may as well let them hear from me.) ...Then there's my friends, who advocate for quitting on the spot because I should take care of my mental health instead of obsessing over my job duties.
Any advice or similar experiences?
Jessica Walther
Burnout Survivalist & Coach
13
07/30/20 at 4:21PM UTC
Congratulations on being able to stay so well in tune with your body to recognize something still "isn't right", despite changing jobs. I let my burnout become so debilitating that I chose to take medical leave for three months. It was the best thing I ever did. Taking leave is definitely a helpful option. And please (PLEASE) consider if a work environment with "poor boundaries" is conducive to being able to healthfully share what your experiencing...and consider if you're doing that to gain approval from them (or having them artificially "lift you up" to prevent you from doing the scary thing of leaving). I chose to keep my condition private (no one NEEDS an explanation...) until after my medical leave was completed. Even then, I only started sharing as a way to be an advocate for others (like you!). Bottom line...you MUST put your mental health first. The working world will be there for you when you're in a healthy enough state to contribute to it once again <3
Anonymous
07/28/20 at 10:02PM UTC
As someone who battled PPD after the birth of my first child I can deeply relate with how difficult it can be to balance everything when you struggle with what is going on inside your head. I know that recommendations to add something to your schedule when you are short on time may seem unhelpful but I cannot recommend Yoga enough. I found a 15 minute stress and anxiety routine on YouTube that has been life changing. If taking extended time off without financial support ready to go is something you cannot do, then I would look at whether you will have these same issues at another employer. If you will have similar issues someplace else then it may be worth talking with your coworkers about temporary support until you are in a better place.
Jessie SpressartLeadership Coach and Self-Care Enthusiast
40
07/28/20 at 8:41PM UTC
Here's a question: what would you tell a friend if she came to you with the same dilemma? It's definitely not an easy situation, but you need to take care of yourself if you are going to be able to help others care for themselves - you can't pour from an empty cup! If your new job has such poor boundaries that your private information is not going to stay private, that's a big warning bell that you should pay attention to, too.
Anonymous
07/22/20 at 9:03PM UTC
First, I’m so sorry this is happening. My last job did a number on my mental health so I can empathize with your story. It sounds to me like you may have gone back to work too quickly and ended up in another unhealthy environment. I think if possible you may need to step back, perhaps medical leave could be an option. Alternatively, talk to your boss about reduced hours so you can address your situation? Try to take time for self care. I’ve been seeing a life coach and it’s made a world of difference for me. I’ve been able to unpack my experience at the previous job and set goals and objectives for the next one. There’s no one cure for these things but know that you are cared for and supported at least here. Take care of yourself!
Anonymous
07/23/20 at 5:30AM UTC
Thank you so much for your insight and consideration--it is helpful!
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.