Taking a break from work to recover, but no recovery plan
So I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 last year. My psychiatrist recommended that I take a month break twice when I went thru really bad depression periods but I didnt take them cause I got scared that I may not have a work to return to if I did.
Now my depression is back and I think its already affecting my work in a bad way. My performance has been sh*tty for the past three months but Im not doing it intentionally. Its just that Im overwhelmed and even though I keep on trying to deliver and improve I just cant get there.
This morning, I was thinking if I should take that break. Maybe once I do that, I can get back to my normal self.
My problem is I dont have a plan during that break. Any tips?
@babymoomah93
I'm sorry you're having such a hard time right now.
The last thing you need to worry about right now is having a specific recovery plan. The fact that you know you need a break is enough. I don't know where you live, but you shouldn't have to worry about not having a job to come back to; many places it's very illegal to fire someone for having taken sick leave.
The fact is that you don't know what it will take to recover, and you need the time off from work in order to figure it out. Not having the stress of work will help, of course. You'll also want to do things like try adjusting medications, and/or different kinds of therapy or other treatments.
That's the kind of plan I've made in the past - stop work, allow myself the space to be sick and not judge myself, and then try new treatments.
Hope that helps.
