How does can I relate to life?

[_Dee_]

I find it difficult to relate to life and people and things in general. I quit my job about 5 months ago and I don't feel like working again. I had a bad brush with the dark side of 'corporate life' before I left my job. I lost many friends and my sanity to some people's greed for control. I don't want to earn money though I'm well aware that people bend before the power that money can buy. I feel as if everything is unreal and I'm in a dream. I'm not suicidal, yet. I haven't got myself evaluated by a psychiatrist till now - so I don't know if I'm 'depressed'. But yes, I don't know what to do or where to begin now. How does one force them self to get into the rat race once again. Am I crazy for thinking this way?

[_Dee_]

Typo: How Can I Relate to Life?

Thanks FidgetheMidge. My writings loopy for sure. I just don't know what to focus on. Most people have their goals set in life, I don't have a goal. People want to earn money, they want a career - I just want to know what it is that I can do that'll make me feel like I have a reason I want to live for. I feel lost and unable to desire the things people normally want out of life.

[askyourgran]

It seems as though you have reached burn-out with the 'corporate' life you were leading, and I wouldn't be surprised to hear that there are more people suffering the same as you. It is a rat-race nowadays, hard uncompromising money orientated work, where there is no time for a social life of your own.
This is the time you need expert help. Someone to help you focus on what you want to do with your life, to put you in the right frame of mind to work and earn your living again. Waking up each morning happy or contented with your lot. Have you considered doing voluntary work abroad? Start thinking positively.

[wolf63]

Having hit 'meltdown' point a few years ago all I can say is to take one step at a time.

I have had mental health problems since my teens but struggled on with a job that was too stressful for me. At the age of 40 I went off sick from work and never went back. Between Bipolar disorder and the drugs that are supposed to help control it I am a walking zombie who just keeps getting fatter.

I am now 46 and get by financially and do voluntary work in a charity shop. Life is okay.

What do you want to do? How much do you need to keep you in a lifestyle that you enjoy? Maybe start with voluntary work - after a period away from paid employment the thought of going back can be overwhelmingly terrifying. Consider part-time work or even work for yourself.

Put your health first - do things that make you feel good. Don't care what your friends and family say (if they are critical of you going for 'lesser jobs/careers' ).

I am not a people person and would much rather talk to a room of screaming rodents than deal with people - but my cats keep me on an even keel.

It will be an uphill struggle but I am sure that at the end there will be some satisfaction that you have got your life back.

[_Dee_]

@askyourgran: You're right about the burn-out bit gran but it came to soon. The last 5 years I've given so much to my work life that I hardly have a personal life to talk of now. I've been thinking about taking up some voluntary work and visiting a shrink before that...

@wolf63: Thanks for sharing your experience with me, I feel I'm not the only one now. Yes the friends/family do comment about my 'laziness' but I don't know how to tell them I'm not being lazy, just finding it very difficult to cope with life. Even the thought of giving another interview gives me the creeps. I feel unsociable and disoriented.

[rowanwitch]

_dee_ burn out, and sounds very much like clinical depression...get professional help and give yourself a bit of thinking time when you have started to feel better...you won't make good decisions right now.... When your thoughts are less muddied have a really good think about what you really want to do be it more training for something different or just doing something similar for a better organisation... Just don't rush...anyone who doubts you ignore for now.... it will all come together again with time....

Good luck

Rowan

[Veebird]

First of all you are not crazy.The first step is to see your GP and get anti depressants. They work but not immediately, it takes several weeks for them to kick in. They are not tranquilisers, they lift your mood so you don't feel so hopeless. You are NOT alone and you WILL get better, So many people go through this for many different reasons. You have to take small steps and not look too far ahead. Yes, I have been there but my story won't help you except to say I came through and I'm fine. Do you have any support? Family and real friends are what you need. Also others who have been through it too, they understand but untimately YOU are the only person who can get yourself back on track. It isn't easy, it won't happen overnight but you will get better. Take that first step. When you are feeling better then you can make decisions about your life.