a home-based business, which has also allowed her to spend more time with her family.
If you find yourself overwhelmed by obligations to work and home, there are other ways to better manage your situation:
Find creative outlets. “The individual who defines him or herself only by their career will have a much harder time than the person who has diverse interests and sees him or herself more connected with a number of different activities,” Thomas suggests. “The person who has a creative outlet aside from the job or the career is going to feel a little differently—there’s a place to go.”
Ease up the load. Delegate—at home as well as in the office. Hire someone if necessary to do your laundry or clean your home. “That sounds perhaps simplistic, but if you’re working around the clock, you shouldn’t be ironing your shirts. That’s just a logistical thing,” says Thomas.
Nurture and make time for yourself. When you neglect yourself, you’re headed for trouble. “You have to try and respect your own capacity,” suggests Thomas. “If you’re getting absolutely exhausted, you need to plan a vacation, even if just a three-day weekend.”
Get help. “We think that people are going to think that there’s something wrong with us,” says Dr. Grace Cornish, psychologist, author, and motivational speaker. “There’s nothing wrong with you. Realize that you’re a modern-day person in this contemporary time and it’s okay to get help.”
Think You’re Having a ‘Nervous Breakdown?’
“The term ‘nervous breakdown’ for many conjures up the images of straight jackets and bed restraints,” offers psychotherapist Boris Thomas, M.S.W., J.D. (www.your-aspirations.com). “The result of a stress-related breakdown, however, can be a broad spectrum of symptoms, lasting for a relatively brief period of time.” Symptoms may include feelings of sadness, tearfulness, and a sense of hopelessness. “It is significant to note tha
t breakdowns associated with work-related stress are also fed by non-work-related stressors (i.e. financial worries or family and relationship difficulties) and can exacerbate other physical and mental health issues already a part of the individual’s life,” he explains.
According to Thomas, states have different standards for regulating mental health clinical practice. “Take some time to learn about your particular state’s relevant licenses and certifications for practice.” He notes there are three general categories of licensed mental health practitioners: clinical social worker (also called licensed clinical social worker, LCSW, in many states); clinical psychologist (includes those with Ph.D. or Psy.D. designations); and licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC). The following are several resources Thomas recommends:
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Access to these free-standing organizations, which are resources for mental health care, is provided at the company’s expense.
Online Help: http://mentalhealth.about.com provides an easy-to-use state directory of mental health organizations. For African American clinicians of differing licensures, visit www.africanamericantherapist.com.
A Call Away: 1-800-THERAPIST offers an opportunity to speak with a live, trained counselor who can refer the individual to an appropriate licensed clinician in the preferred geographic location. For uncontrollable thoughts of injuring yourself or others, call 911 or immediately go to the nearest emergency room.
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