Posted by Dinah on March 27, 2008, at 10:30:10
In reply to Unbelievably stressed out, posted by TherapyGirl on March 27, 2008, at 7:21:34
I hate that powerless feeling. One of my healthier coping techniques is to try to figure out some way to regain some power, or at least the illusion of it.
That may be something as internal as radical acceptance. Or I can decide that as little as I like what's going on, I choose to stay in this position because the alternatives are worse.
So maybe this just isn't the right time for you to quit smoking. Instead of seeing yourself as a failure, maybe you can see it as taking care of yourself however you can at this stressful time? Of making a good decision for you *right now*. However much you might want to change that in the long term?
Or deciding at work that the conditions may be impossible, so all you can do is your best? And any failure comes not from you, but from the untenable position you've been put in?
Is there any viable way to set boundaries at work? To say not what you want them to do, but to clarify what you're able to do? I know it's hard at work, where the conditions can be unreasonable and employee wellbeing is not the foremost concern.
I know it's easier to say than do. I'm struggling with it myself right now.
I'm sorry about the surgery. :( Surgery is quite a stress in itself. You need to make taking care of yourself a priority, however difficult that may be.
(((TherapyGirl)))
I wish I had more to offer. I'm glad you have your therapist on your side.
poster:Dinah
thread:820110
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20080321/msgs/820129.html