Ending a Chapter
I have recently been diagnosed with OCD and GAD although I've known of the presence for many years. I have been in a high stress industry for 30 years. Was furloughed in March of 2020 due to Covid and was called back 16 months later and outsourced to a new and more stressful facet of the industry. After three months of thinking "If I could just get through another week of this all will start to smooth out", I ended up in the ER with a near break down. Took two weeks medical leave and went back. No good, the episodes only became more frequent. Two months later I am now on short term disability with no intention of returning. It will be a huge impact financially. Sooo...now I am battling the guilty, low self esteem and I'm a failure syndrome. Everyday I have to talk myself out of going back to the job. This love / hate relationship with this industry has to end. It looks like I may end up mixing paint or bagging groceries which may likely be a good thing as far as my mental health and happiness is concerned. Has anyone else had to make an occupational or financial sacrifice for the sake of their sanity? Would love to hear of any similar experiences.