Struggling with Job Changes and Sleep Issues: Seeking Psychiatric Guidance

Q: Struggling with Job Changes and Sleep Issues: Seeking Psychiatric Guidance

Hello Jason： With each setback, try to extract lessons from it. <br>For instance, this time the alarm clock was taken away, causing you to oversleep; perhaps you need an additional alarm clock or to activate the alarm function on your phone. <br>Based on your description, you are

My question?

Hello, Doctor: I have previously communicated with Dr.
Ding Shuo-Yan, and I’m not sure why he has disappeared from the list.
May I consult you? After all, you are also one of the popular doctors! My question is: I have changed jobs again, having worked in over 30 to 40 different positions since high school.
I know that frequently changing jobs is detrimental to myself! However, I cannot help it! Every job has its unsatisfactory aspects, depending on how one adjusts.
I have been fired from more than ten jobs! Currently, I am working as a dishwasher, and I was let go from my previous job due to frequent tardiness and absenteeism from oversleeping.
I have a mental health disability certificate.
I have been suffering since I was 20 due to a traumatic experience! Sometimes I sleep for an entire day, waking up the next day, and at times I even sleep for two days.
I don’t understand why this happens, especially after drinking black sesame and coix seed beverage, it seems to worsen! This job is really demanding! There’s no such thing as a job with pay for doing nothing! The boss and the boss’s wife have been complaining about my tardiness and absenteeism when I’m not around, saying it disrupts their calculations (in Taiwanese)! Later, the boss took my attendance card, and I don’t know what that means? Perhaps it means I won’t be allowed to work anymore (I guess)? After I informed the boss about my situation, he said my wages would be calculated daily, while the boss’s wife warned that if I was late again, I would be fired! This means I am always prepared to leave! But I truly don’t want to be that way! The psychiatric medication I take, the doctor said has a minimal impact, but I don’t know why I sleep so well? Why do I sleep so much!? Reflecting on the time when my mother passed away and the miserable situation of scavenging, if it weren’t for the kind people who helped me back then, I would have gone down the wrong path! Back then, even my former classmates looked down on me and avoided me! Now that I have a job, I am truly not being lazy! I have set alarms, but I can’t always get up, especially in the cold winter, it’s a test of willpower! Sometimes (rarely) I want to sleep a little longer, which leads to me being late or absent! At home, my father doesn’t manage me! He says he wants to train me and my brother, so I have to wash my own dishes and clean the house...
Until the 10th of this month, my father took my alarm clock and I don’t know where he put it? The next day, I was late by half an hour! So I was fired again! I know, as Dr.
Ding used to say: every business is not a charity! But if my situation doesn’t improve, I will forever be in a cycle of finding a job - oversleeping (being late or absent) - getting fired! It will continue like this forever----!! If my friends and family find out about my work attitude, I----, I have already lost face! To be honest, I am almost 40 years old, being unemployed or anything else is detrimental to myself! I also don’t know why I have become like this? I have never had a sense of time, and later I was made to be the person who is always late by those who disliked me! After that------ as described above! What should I do? How can I change this bad habit? How can I get up on time in the cold weather?

Jason, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/08/13

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry

Hello Jason: With each setback, try to extract lessons from it.
For instance, this time the alarm clock was taken away, causing you to oversleep; perhaps you need an additional alarm clock or to activate the alarm function on your phone.
Based on your description, you are determined to improve, and your willingness to try again after multiple failures is your strength.
Every night before bed, remind yourself what time you need to wake up the next morning, set your alarm, and then go to sleep; this usually helps.
Let the past be the past, learn from it, and focus on your current and future efforts.
It’s summer now, so there are no issues with cold weather, making it the perfect time to try again and rise anew.
Wishing you all the best.

Reply Date: 2018/08/13

More Info

It sounds like you are facing significant challenges related to your mental health, work stability, and sleep patterns. Your experiences of frequently changing jobs, being late, and struggling with sleep are all interconnected and can be quite distressing. Let's break down the issues and explore some potential strategies for improvement.

Understanding Your Situation
1. Mental Health: You mentioned that you have a mental health condition and are on medication. It's important to recognize that mental health issues can significantly impact various aspects of life, including sleep and job performance. Conditions like anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric disorders can lead to difficulties in maintaining a consistent work schedule and can affect your sleep patterns.

2. Sleep Patterns: Your description of sleeping for long periods or even days at a time can be indicative of several issues, including depression or a side effect of medication. It's not uncommon for individuals with mental health challenges to experience irregular sleep patterns. The fact that you sometimes sleep through alarms suggests that your body may be trying to cope with stress or fatigue in a way that is not conducive to a healthy work-life balance.

3. Job Stability: The cycle of being late, missing work, and subsequently being fired can create a negative feedback loop. Each job change can increase anxiety about future employment, making it harder to maintain a stable job. It’s crucial to address the underlying issues that lead to this cycle.

Strategies for Improvement
1. Seek Professional Help: If you haven't already, consider reaching out to a mental health professional who can provide tailored support. Therapy can help you develop coping strategies for managing anxiety and improving your sleep. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for addressing anxiety and sleep issues.

2. Sleep Hygiene: Establishing a regular sleep routine can help improve your sleep quality. This includes:
- Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends.

- Creating a relaxing bedtime routine (e.g., reading, meditating).

- Limiting screen time before bed and ensuring your sleeping environment is comfortable and conducive to rest.

3. Alarm Strategies: Since you mentioned issues with waking up, consider using multiple alarms placed at different locations in your room. This can force you to get out of bed to turn them off. Additionally, using an alarm clock that simulates sunrise can help wake you up more gently.

4. Communication with Employers: When starting a new job, it may be beneficial to communicate your situation to your employer, especially if you have a supportive work environment. They may be able to provide accommodations that can help you succeed.

5. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises, can help reduce anxiety and improve your overall mental well-being. Apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you through these practices.

6. Physical Activity: Regular exercise can significantly improve mood and sleep quality. Even a daily walk can help reduce anxiety and improve your overall health.

7. Nutrition and Hydration: Pay attention to your diet, as certain foods and drinks can impact your sleep and energy levels. Avoid caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime. Staying hydrated throughout the day can also help maintain your energy levels.

Conclusion
It's clear that you're facing a complex situation that requires a multifaceted approach. By seeking professional help, establishing a consistent routine, and implementing strategies to manage your sleep and anxiety, you can begin to break the cycle of job instability and improve your overall quality of life. Remember, change takes time, and it's important to be patient with yourself as you work through these challenges. You are not alone in this journey, and there are resources available to support you.

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