Hi. I’m new here. I am a workaholic. When I started to notice my mental decline I was working in very important role at one of the largest companies in the world. All I could see was the end prize, financial freedom. A few years in I knew I was going through health issues because sleeping was rough, I always felt on edge. All I wanted to do was make sure my wife would be set up if I died.

One day I could not take it anymore. I went to a different company. Took less than a week and I had the big one. A complete breakdown. I didn’t know what it was until a friend told me it may be panic attacks.

I got let go in about a year. I’ve been bouncing around jobs since. I get back up, I apply myself, I’m determined; or more like super productive due to stress.

Then I heard about a friend’s spouse who died of cancer. They were younger than myself. It just breaks me with a lot of what-if questions. If this happened to me, I didn’t enjoy life. I just worked. I got little progress to show for it except money in what feels like a doomed economy. I worked to make sure my wife can live an enjoyable life when I am gone. I don’t have a clue how to have fun.

I am now stuck with a lot of what-if questions that don’t have answers. I start my new job in about a week. It’s a good company, pays well, allegedly they care a lot about their employees. I just wish life would slow down enough to process things; deal with the anxiety issues. Now that I can breathe a bit again and about to regain my footing I feel more stressed.

Tl;dr I don’t know how not to have my life revolve around work.

Edit: feel free to offer advice. I’m kind of just in my own anxiety right now.

      • @Railing5132
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        14 days ago

        In addition, and I may get jumped for saying this but I don’t care…

        Sometimes meds are the right answer. I’ve been on antidepressant/antianxiety meds for close to 20 years. It took a while to find the right combo/dose, but the meds allow me to experience happiness and allow me to quiet those intrusive thoughts where I was unable before. They don’t alter my mood. They allow me the freedom from cripplingly poor brain chemistry that was preventing me from achieving happiness and calm.

        My experience may not be anyone else’s. Your mileage may vary. But don’t dismiss the idea out of hand.

          • @Railing5132
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            24 days ago

            You’re right; it’s not fun. But the time can come when you find the right provider and combo that works. I sincerely hope you find peace.

      • @moistclump
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        15 days ago

        I think it’s the only way to meaningfully dive into WHY you’re feeling this way, acting this way, figuring out what kind of life you wish you were living, and how you’re going to get there. The rest are tools and advice for surviving and coping meanwhile but aren’t going to create lasting change imo.

          • @moistclump
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            24 days ago

            That’s ok that’s why a therapist is so important. They’re there to guide you on that.