Coping with Life's Pressures: A Journey Through Mental Health Challenges

Q: Coping with Life's Pressures: A Journey Through Mental Health Challenges

Hello Mr. <br>Kuo： It seems that you are a very ambitious person who plans for your future. <br>Many patients actually experience prolonged sleep durations similar to yours; sometimes this is a symptom of the illness itself, and other times it may be a side effect of medication.

High levels of stress in daily life?

Hello, doctor: I have been receiving treatment in psychiatry for 20 years.
My primary physician has diagnosed me with unspecified thought disorder.
I hold a disability certificate (mild).
I used to work as a cleaner.
Since my unit was changed, my commute has lengthened, my working hours have shortened, and I now have to do physically demanding tasks like lawn mowing.
To be honest, I take my job seriously! My boss and the clients are aware of this and have praised me.
However, I have a significant flaw: I am often late for work! There have been instances where I clocked in close to 10 or 11 AM! I know I shouldn't be late, but I manage to do so very rarely.
Especially in the morning when my alarm goes off, I tend to turn it off and want to sleep a little longer, which causes me to oversleep! Sometimes I just linger in bed! I understand the importance of being responsible; at my age, I shouldn't be behaving this way! Unless I become my own boss, being late is just a matter of time! My supervisor has mentioned this to me as well.
This is not the first time this has happened! I know I need to do my job well and not be late.
I have been in this job for almost two years.
I actually don't need to serve in the military due to my disability certificate.
In reality, I was discharged due to this condition! In the past, I have often been late or even absent due to oversleeping, which led to my dismissal! I understand that work is my lifeline; without a job, I have no income, and I cannot sustain my life.
It is essential to do my current job well.
However, I am still quite ambitious and secretly take extra classes to prepare for the national examination for mental health professionals, despite my father's ignorance.
After all, I believe that people should strive for improvement.
But right now, things are a bit chaotic! I have a mental illness, and sometimes I oversleep and want to continue sleeping, which affects my work! After work, I often feel very tired.
Sometimes I also have to do household chores like washing dishes and laundry, leaving me with little time to study; by the time I finish, it's already very late! How can I study? I won't be able to participate in next year's national examination for mental health professionals! Because I haven't finished my reading or completed my classes! I really don't want to be using my physical strength to make a living when I get older; to be honest, sometimes I feel physically exhausted! I envy those civil servants who can earn money easily without doing physically demanding work.
My job is exhausting, while they just need to speak up to get help.
Even when it rains heavily, I am out there working in a raincoat! To be honest, perhaps I don't understand their hardships, so I only see their good side! I also don't know when I will be able to pass the exam and escape the identity of a loser! Since I have the desire to take the national examination, I shouldn't have any excuses! However, sometimes when I drink bubble tea or similar beverages, it makes me restless, and I feel like shouting to release my dissatisfaction and stress.
If I don't drink, I sometimes lack energy and endurance.
There's another issue: I have been single for over 30 years, and during this time, I have had no girlfriend.
Sometimes when I have physical needs, I can only resort to adult films for relief.
I know that I will likely never get married, but I still want to have a partner.
Without a partner, my earnings are just for my own expenses, and whatever is left will likely be spent in the future! So why should I work so hard?

Guo Zhao Ru, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/11/17

Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry

Hello Mr.
Kuo: It seems that you are a very ambitious person who plans for your future.
Many patients actually experience prolonged sleep durations similar to yours; sometimes this is a symptom of the illness itself, and other times it may be a side effect of medication.
Have you discussed this issue with your physician? If it is a side effect of the medication, adjusting the medication may help improve the situation.
I know patients who have successfully passed national exams or obtained certifications after putting in effort, and I believe that with hard work, you can definitely move closer to your dreams! Wanting to have a partner is a natural desire, but it also depends on fate.
In your spare time, you can meet new people, which increases your chances of finding your future partner! Even if you currently do not have a partner, the money you earn through hard work can be used to enhance your quality of life, plan for the future, or help those in need; it should be utilized wisely.
Keep it up!

Reply Date: 2020/11/17

More Info

Coping with life's pressures, especially when dealing with mental health challenges, can be a daunting journey. Your situation reflects a complex interplay of personal struggles, work-related stress, and the overarching impact of mental health issues. It’s commendable that you have been proactive in seeking help from a psychiatrist for the past 20 years, and it’s clear that you are aware of the challenges you face.
Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge that mental health conditions, such as the one you mentioned (thought disorder), can significantly affect various aspects of life, including work performance, punctuality, and personal relationships. The fact that you have a disability certificate indicates that you have been recognized as needing support, which is a crucial step in managing your condition.
Your experience with tardiness at work is not uncommon among individuals dealing with mental health issues. The struggle to get out of bed, especially when faced with the pressure of a demanding job, can be overwhelming. It’s essential to understand that this behavior is often not a reflection of your character or work ethic but rather a symptom of the underlying mental health condition.
To address your punctuality issues, consider implementing a structured routine. Setting multiple alarms, placing your alarm clock across the room, or using apps designed to help with waking up can be beneficial. Additionally, establishing a consistent sleep schedule can improve your overall sleep quality, making it easier to wake up on time. It may also be helpful to evaluate your workload and see if there are ways to adjust your responsibilities to reduce stress.
Your desire to pursue further education and take the national exam is admirable. However, it’s crucial to balance this ambition with your current responsibilities and mental health needs. Perhaps consider breaking down your study goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This way, you can make progress without feeling overwhelmed. It’s also worth discussing your aspirations with your psychiatrist or a counselor, who can provide support and strategies tailored to your situation.

Regarding your feelings of envy towards public servants and your concerns about physical labor, it’s important to recognize that every job has its challenges. While it may seem that their work is less demanding, they also face pressures and responsibilities that can be stressful in their own right. Focusing on your strengths and the value you bring to your current role can help shift your perspective.
Your feelings of loneliness and the desire for companionship are also valid. Building relationships takes time and effort, and it’s never too late to seek connections. Consider engaging in community activities or groups that align with your interests, which can provide opportunities to meet new people. Online platforms can also be a way to connect with others who share similar experiences or interests.

Lastly, it’s crucial to address your feelings of frustration and the urge to release pent-up emotions. Finding healthy outlets for stress, such as physical activity, creative pursuits, or mindfulness practices, can be beneficial. If you find that consuming certain beverages exacerbates your anxiety, it may be worth moderating your intake or exploring alternatives that help you feel more grounded.

In conclusion, navigating life’s pressures while managing mental health challenges is a complex journey that requires patience, self-compassion, and support. Continue to seek help from your healthcare providers, and don’t hesitate to reach out for additional resources or support groups that can provide encouragement and understanding. Remember, it’s okay to take things one step at a time, and every small effort counts towards your overall well-being.

Similar Q&A

Coping with Family Mental Health Issues: Strategies for Your Well-Being

If everyone in the household has mental health issues, with one person suffering from depression and another from anxiety, and you feel overwhelmed to the point of increased irritability, it can be very challenging. It’s important to prioritize your own mental health. Here are so...

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello, having a family member with a mental illness can indeed create significant stress. The first thing to do is to take care of yourself; when you are in a good state, you will be better able to help your family member. When your family member causes you distress, try to under...

Facing Mental Health Challenges: Seeking Help and Understanding Your Journey

Hello, Doctor: Since I became ill at the age of 20, I have been on medication until now. To be honest, being sick has made me realize certain things, while also leaving me confused about others. There is a doctor online who says that treating mental illness requires addressing th...

Dr. Liao Dinglie reply Psychiatry
Hello, dear reader: From your letter, I can sense the immense pressure you are feeling. You are facing a situation where almost all your relatives and friends are not on your side, and your interactions with others are either filled with conflicts or completely disconnected. Inde...

Coping with Mental Health Challenges in a Stressful Work Environment

Hello, Dr. Tang: Recently, I started working in Keelung, but since I am not dealing with business materials, I resigned after just two days. After interacting with many people in business, I realized that my thoughts are completely different from those of adults. In real life, I ...

Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear Xiao Jie, Life is inherently filled with disappointments, as the saying goes, "In life, eight or nine out of ten things do not go as we wish." You may not have been fully prepared when you left Yilan to work in Keelung, or perhaps the job you took on exceeded your...

Coping with Mental Stress: Understanding Anger and Anxiety Issues

Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been feeling a lot of stress at work. I find myself easily angered and wanting to yell at people or even hit someone. I feel down for no apparent reason. I can't seem to get enough sleep every day and constantly feel overwhelmed by a multit...

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
In modern society, stress is inevitable. What we seek is not a life without stress, but a resilient state of mind and body that balances stress. The symptoms described in the inquiry are quite common among individuals with anxiety disorders or stress-related adjustment disorders....