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Night Shift

Posted , 5 users are following.

betsy83706
betsy83706

Hey everyone! I’m sorry for posting so much, but it helps to feel like I’m not alone. 

So one thing that I think exacerbates my anxiety is that I work night shift (11pm-7am) at a mental health personal care home. I have since I moved out on my own a few months ago. I love my residents and my coworkers, but on night shift I’m the only staff there and it gets lonely and leaves me with too much time to ruminate. Has anyone else out there dealt with this and how did you handle it? 

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • lucy35376
    lucy35376 betsy83706

    Posted

    Hi

    Does that kind of job not keep you busy most of the time? I find if I'm not sleeping well in the night I start feeling anxious so I come on this site and reply to some messages which strangely helps me feel calmer. You probably couldn't do that if you are working but maybe find jobs to keep you busy in between doing things for the patients. If my mind is busy I don't think about my anxiety.

    It's good you love your job so try and make it work for you.

    • betsy83706
      betsy83706 lucy35376

      Posted

      Thanks Lucy! This latest episode has been so paralyzing it’s hard to even move sometimes cause I just feel so disconnected. I end up with a lot of down time because I have my chore list and prep lunch for the day, but then I end up with 5-6 hours of downtime cause most of my residents are asleep. I’ve been trying to read or do homework for grad school but am finding it difficult. But I’ll keep trying to find something to distract myself as you suggested ☺️
    • lucy35376
      lucy35376 betsy83706

      Posted

      It definitely works for me, if my mind is busy then I'm fine. Even if you get an adult colouring book, you have to concentrate with that.

      Let me know how things go, I know how difficult it can be so I have lots of sympathy for you. It's a struggle x

  • borderriever
    borderriever betsy83706

    Posted

    Betsy

    Generally working or being alone is not a problem. I love my own company.

    If I get bored I either come on here, watch the television, garden or look at my picture books. Sometimes I go for walks with Pax.

    All I can suggest if nights are boring you look for an interest that will divert your thoughts. Diversions help up keep the brain active and help us not dwell on the negativity associated with our conditions

    BOB

  • brittany08768
    brittany08768 betsy83706

    Posted

    Yes, I worked night shift at UPS for 5 years and it was horrible. Not only was it incredibly lonely but the lack of daylight was extremely depressing. Working night shift is most definitely not healthy for anyone's mental health let alone someone with anxiety. I did however make it through, but I also noticed as soon as I switched from  night to days my mental health improved greatly. I would think about talking with your HR rep about your mental health and how night shift is effecting it, they may be able to work with you. I hope this helps, I understand how you feel and I am here for you. With lots of lave and support form me. 

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