I'm completely burnt out

Diagnosis is depression, so get someone to see a psychiatrist ASAP.🙂🙂🙂

It used to be nice—coming home from work, grabbing lunch with my husband, heading out for a walk together. Now? We eat in silence, then I wash the dishes while he stares at the TV. It used to be rewarding to hand out bonuses at the office; lately, I’m just handing out pink slips. It used to be great grabbing coffee with a friend; now, I can’t even stand to listen to her without getting irritated. And yeah, I know the problem is me. She hasn't changed. It's just 😢
. I don't want to be this person. I'm lying awake at night, popping 10 mg of Norvasc and still staring at the ceiling. The dark circles under my eyes are permanent. Last time I actually took a vacation was eighteen months ago

Nicole Wilson6 said:Diagnosis is depression, so get someone to see a psychiatrist ASAP.🙂🙂🙂

I get it. I know this shouldn't be funny, but what can you do when it actually makes you laugh? 🙂

driftingtiger2 said:Thanks for the support. I know plenty of people have dealt with much worse than this, and I’m not some kind of magnet for bad luck—it’s just life happening.
The issue is that I can't control my own fears, and I've become the rock for everyone—my parents, my husband, my colleagues. At work, I'm responsible for other people's livelihoods, and this month's recession has hit us hard. Everyone expects me to have all the answers when I don't, and I'm terrified we're all going to end up on the street. I can't afford to break because so much depends on me, or so it feels, but I can feel myself fading. I'm starting to get numb. Yesterday, I found myself looking for a sturdy spot in my apartment to hang myself. I remembered someone I knew who used a window latch, and I actually wondered how they managed it... I really don't like these thoughts. 😢

...but I need to rest.

I can't list every single thing hitting me right now,
but if it's too much, it's too much.
I can feel myself fraying at the edges, even if I haven't snapped yet.

Watching people around me head off on vacation,
it's obvious that's not just some luxury.

Even if a full trip to Florida isn't an option—whether because of timing or whatever else—
you can still afford a little change of scenery —and some peace.

After everything that's happened, and before the next wave hits, you have to find sanctuary
(even if it's just a walk or something similar),
and give yourself some quiet.
(Personally, I find washing dishes in the silence helps me recharge—just cleaning up and stuff.
At least I see some tangible progress when I feel like nothing else is moving where it should be.)

Resting isn't optional; it's survival.
It comes before therapy or anything else.
And you have to admit to yourself that things are legitimately hard right now.

driftingtiger2 said:I get it. I know this shouldn't be funny, but what can you do when it actually makes you laugh? 🙂

So laugh. Why not? Find something decent, something funny, something lighthearted.
Because despite everything going wrong, we still have the option to laugh.

Let's laugh 😉

Honestly, you’re already heading in the right direction just by reaching out, even if you're doing it from behind a screen.
You know damn well you're redlining right now; the stress has just piled up too high. So many people go through this exact same spiral without ever asking for a hand, and they end up completely breaking under the pressure. Look, you aren't some superhero, and there are things you simply cannot carry on your own.
You were there for your friend when they passed away, being the support system they needed—now, it's your turn to need that same kind of help. Whether it's a close friend, a doctor, or a therapist... it doesn't really matter. Just having a space to vent about what's eating at you will make a difference.

Jumpis isn't exactly subtle about it, but I don't think they mean any harm. Sometimes, getting someone to look at your situation from a different angle can take the edge off that anxiety. And talk to your husband... seriously, that’s the whole point of a marriage, isn't it? To be there for each other when things get heavy.
Hang in there.

Laughter unlocks hidden potential.
It’s as if we’re living inside bubbles these days,
invisible and overlooked,
or perhaps just waiting to be found.
Then laughter bursts them, flooding us with a sudden surge of strength,
leaving weakness behind.
Or maybe laughter creates something entirely new?

The forum won't let me log in to share a link to some jokes, though I'm sure there are plenty here already.👍

driftingtiger2 said:Thanks for the support. I know plenty of people have dealt with much worse than this, and I’m not some kind of magnet for bad luck—it’s just life happening.
The issue is that I can't control my own fears, and I've become the rock for everyone—my parents, my husband, my colleagues. At work, I'm responsible for other people's livelihoods, and this month's recession has hit us hard. Everyone expects me to have all the answers when I don't, and I'm terrified we're all going to end up on the street. I can't afford to break because so much depends on me, or so it feels, but I can feel myself fading. I'm starting to get numb. Yesterday, I found myself looking for a sturdy spot in my apartment to hang myself. I remembered someone I knew who used a window latch, and I actually wondered how they managed it... I really don't like these thoughts. 😢

Hey drag Ivy, I guess you just have way too much on your plate right now. You're carrying everything and feeling responsible for everything. I get that losing a friend or a dog is devastating, but you can't carry the weight of the entire recession on your shoulders too. Trying to single-handedly save everyone's jobs is honestly asking too much of one person, and I think you're pretty strong. Maybe try to let go of some of it. The world isn't going to end. 😉 Instead of spiraling over these things, maybe just take a walk, listen to an album, or try whatever else people here have suggested.

Just remember, this slump isn't going to last forever. Since you're an animal lover, maybe consider getting a new dog? It might help take your mind off things—just grab one and go for long walks to clear your head.
It’s completely natural to worry about your brother and your parents, but try not to spiral over things that are fundamentally out of your control.
That said, I don't think any advice from us is going to move the needle much; the shift has to come from within you. Taking Normabel won't fix the underlying issue, and honestly, if you aren't even sleeping, you probably shouldn't be taking it right now. Let it be a fallback option for when things truly hit the fan.
So many people go through exactly what you're experiencing—this heavy, depressive stretch. I really hope you're through the worst of it soon, but you have to be the one to initiate that change. Leave the psychiatrists to their business; they'll just refill your prescriptions and we'll see you again in a month...
Just take it one day at a time, and eventually, you'll realize things are finally starting to look up.

driftingtiger2 said:Look, analogdriver52, you clearly missed the point of what I wrote. If you’re just here to judge me, then there's really no reason for us to be talking on this thread.

Honestly, you've been through way too much. You wouldn't be in this headspace if you weren't a decent person. My advice? Go see a therapist, not a psychiatrist for a pill prescription. You need actual professional guidance.

Hang in there.

Feeling a bit better today. Got some breathing room at work yesterday—they pushed my deadline to December 31st. So, until then, nobody’s getting fired and I’m not handing in my notice... at least, hopefully.
My philosophy? Things can always get worse, so just keep moving. Don't mope. Whatever happens, the world keeps spinning. And when things truly become unbearable? Well, you can always die. I try not to be overly dramatic, but when everything hits at once... it's hard. I'm so exhausted I almost wish I could just get sick, end up in a hospital bed, and have everyone leave me alone for two weeks without asking for a single thing. 😢What kind of luck would that be? Even in a hospital, I'd probably still be stuck with my work phone and laptop...
Got some new pets, but a dog isn't an option. Living in an apartment means I don't want one sitting there alone all day...

Matthew Hayes14 is right. Sometimes I need that peace you get from cleaning or ironing—just doing chores around the house... putting on some music and working through it. It's funny, I can't actually sit still, otherwise I just start overthinking everything.

Anyway, I've lost 15 pounds in the last six months. I had quite a bit to lose, so I wouldn't say I'm thin now, but I just don't have much of an appetite lately...

driftingtiger2 said:Feeling a bit better today. Got some breathing room at work yesterday—they pushed my deadline to December 31st. So, until then, nobody’s getting fired and I’m not handing in my notice... at least, hopefully.
My philosophy? Things can always get worse, so just keep moving. Don't mope. Whatever happens, the world keeps spinning. And when things truly become unbearable? Well, you can always die. I try not to be overly dramatic, but when everything hits at once... it's hard. I'm so exhausted I almost wish I could just get sick, end up in a hospital bed, and have everyone leave me alone for two weeks without asking for a single thing. 😢What kind of luck would that be? Even in a hospital, I'd probably still be stuck with my work phone and laptop...
Got some new pets, but a dog isn't an option. Living in an apartment means I don't want one sitting there alone all day...

Matthew Hayes14 is right. Sometimes I need that peace you get from cleaning or ironing—just doing chores around the house... putting on some music and working through it. It's funny, I can't actually sit still, otherwise I just start overthinking everything.

Anyway, I've lost 15 pounds in the last six months. I had quite a bit to lose, so I wouldn't say I'm thin now, but I just don't have much of an appetite lately...

Just get a cat; they’re amazing doctors, and you can find plenty of them over at Blue Paw.
And honestly, taking a trip for at least four days would do wonders too..

driftingtiger2 said:Feeling a bit better today. Got some breathing room at work yesterday—they pushed my deadline to December 31st. So, until then, nobody’s getting fired and I’m not handing in my notice... at least, hopefully.
My philosophy? Things can always get worse, so just keep moving. Don't mope. Whatever happens, the world keeps spinning. And when things truly become unbearable? Well, you can always die. I try not to be overly dramatic, but when everything hits at once... it's hard. I'm so exhausted I almost wish I could just get sick, end up in a hospital bed, and have everyone leave me alone for two weeks without asking for a single thing. 😢What kind of luck would that be? Even in a hospital, I'd probably still be stuck with my work phone and laptop...
Got some new pets, but a dog isn't an option. Living in an apartment means I don't want one sitting there alone all day...

Matthew Hayes14 is right. Sometimes I need that peace you get from cleaning or ironing—just doing chores around the house... putting on some music and working through it. It's funny, I can't actually sit still, otherwise I just start overthinking everything.

Anyway, I've lost 15 pounds in the last six months. I had quite a bit to lose, so I wouldn't say I'm thin now, but I just don't have much of an appetite lately...

Of course you wouldn't have an appetite in a situation like this...

driftingtiger2 said:Feeling a bit better today. Got some breathing room at work yesterday—they pushed my deadline to December 31st. So, until then, nobody’s getting fired and I’m not handing in my notice... at least, hopefully.
My philosophy? Things can always get worse, so just keep moving. Don't mope. Whatever happens, the world keeps spinning. And when things truly become unbearable? Well, you can always die. I try not to be overly dramatic, but when everything hits at once... it's hard. I'm so exhausted I almost wish I could just get sick, end up in a hospital bed, and have everyone leave me alone for two weeks without asking for a single thing. 😢What kind of luck would that be? Even in a hospital, I'd probably still be stuck with my work phone and laptop...
Got some new pets, but a dog isn't an option. Living in an apartment means I don't want one sitting there alone all day...

Matthew Hayes14 is right. Sometimes I need that peace you get from cleaning or ironing—just doing chores around the house... putting on some music and working through it. It's funny, I can't actually sit still, otherwise I just start overthinking everything.

Anyway, I've lost 15 pounds in the last six months. I had quite a bit to lose, so I wouldn't say I'm thin now, but I just don't have much of an appetite lately...

Matthew Hayes14 is speaking from experience here. 😂
If you haven't been in those shoes, you won't believe it.
But you survive everything. You pull through, sometimes without a scratch.
The hardest part, though, is the pressure—that weight right before you make the call.
It's the awareness that you actually have the power to impact lives, for better or worse.
A decent manager steps up; they look out for the people under their wing.
But drawing the line on where your responsibility ends? That’s the tricky part.
Knowing when to say, "I've done all I can here."

You either realize it or you decide there are limits to what you owe.

driftingtiger2 said:Hey everyone,
I’m just completely drained. Spent the whole night crying without even knowing why... These last two years have absolutely gutted me. For months now, I’ve been dealing with constant migraines, stomach issues, and this sharp pain in my left chest. I have zero motivation. My palms are constantly sweating—I actually have a tissue on my desk right now because I can't stop wiping them.
My mom is seriously ill, my dad lost his job, and my brother is caught up in some legal trouble that has me terrified for him. At work, we're going through a massive reorganization; ten of my closest colleagues were already laid off, and I feel like I'm next in line. On top of that, I recently watched someone I love die from lung cancer. Then my dog of 14 years passed away. Even with my husband, it feels like we're just roommates. We don't talk about anything because he's so closed off, and intimacy is basically non-existent... just a formality once a month.
Lately, I catch myself thinking about how much easier it would be if I just wasn't here. I just don't have any strength left...

Are you a believer?

I'm not here to preach, but some kind of spiritual renewal might actually provide some relief...🤷

Most people in my circle aren't religious, yet they found their solace and answers through faith.

I’m not a believer. I respect those who are and can hold my own in a conversation about faith, but it’s just not my thing. So, a spiritual retreat? Not sure how much that would actually do for me.

driftingtiger2 said:I’m not a believer. I respect those who are and can hold my own in a conversation about faith, but it’s just not my thing. So, a spiritual retreat? Not sure how much that would actually do for me.

This isn't about believing in God. It's about believing in yourself and your own strength.😉

But that's your call. Just a suggestion...🙂

I appreciate any good advice, and I know you mean well with your 🙂, but I’m pretty much allergic to church and the people running it... maybe I could try turning to God (though, unfortunately, I don't believe in Him), but I just can't stomach listening to someone who supposedly delivers His word...

Who knows? Maybe one day I'll become a believer and actually take your advice

driftingtiger2 said:Feeling a bit better today. Got some breathing room at work yesterday—they pushed my deadline to December 31st. So, until then, nobody’s getting fired and I’m not handing in my notice... at least, hopefully.
My philosophy? Things can always get worse, so just keep moving. Don't mope. Whatever happens, the world keeps spinning. And when things truly become unbearable? Well, you can always die. I try not to be overly dramatic, but when everything hits at once... it's hard. I'm so exhausted I almost wish I could just get sick, end up in a hospital bed, and have everyone leave me alone for two weeks without asking for a single thing. 😢What kind of luck would that be? Even in a hospital, I'd probably still be stuck with my work phone and laptop...
Got some new pets, but a dog isn't an option. Living in an apartment means I don't want one sitting there alone all day...

Matthew Hayes14 is right. Sometimes I need that peace you get from cleaning or ironing—just doing chores around the house... putting on some music and working through it. It's funny, I can't actually sit still, otherwise I just start overthinking everything.

Anyway, I've lost 15 pounds in the last six months. I had quite a bit to lose, so I wouldn't say I'm thin now, but I just don't have much of an appetite lately...

👍 👍 🙏

Haha, that’s a mindset, though you really have to learn to frame it with a bit of humor. I actually think it's great that you still have that satirical edge left in you; to me, that feels like a sign that things are heading in a better direction... or at least, that's how it looks from where I'm sitting.

Hey. We’re in the same boat. I lost my job and the debt is hitting me from every angle. I've been on 20 mg of Paxil; it helps a little, but I'm losing weight fast. Every time I think about my situation, my stomach knots up and I get this lump in my throat. I have zero appetite. My sex drive is basically non-existent, too—people say that's the Paxil, if you believe them. You aren't alone in this. There are plenty of us. People tell me to "just stop thinking about it," but that’s not how I work. I can't just let someone else foot my bills. Let's try to tackle these problems together with some good people. I take my Paxil in the morning and definitely hit the Lexapro 3 mg in the afternoon. Especially when the weather turns bad, I get this internal restlessness that's impossible to describe. When I vent to friends, it feels like they aren't even listening because they don't live it. That's all for now. Wishing you and everyone else on here facing this the same struggle a speedy recovery.