A world of worry

I have always been a worrier. If worrying was an Olympic event, I would win every single medal. Mr Worry was also my favourite book in the Little Misses and the Mr Men series, obviously because I identifed with the character! I have just spent the last four days worrying about something that won’t happen. …

My Coronavirus diary 12

It's March 2021. At time of writing we are still in level 5 restrictions and Easter is fast approaching. The Taoiseach seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth and the HSE message is #holdfirm. Hold firm. That's what I've been doing for the last 12 months. I am beyond fed up of …

Bullying….and beyond

I never thought that I'd write this post. I was being naive. I have recently been informed that none of my allegations of bullying against my supervisor have been substantiated. To say I was shocked is a massive understatement. (Read My experience of workplace bullying here) It really made me question myself. I know 100 …

Letting go…

I am not good at this. If I've invested myself in something whether it is a job or a relationship, I really really struggle to let go and move on. The logical part of me knows that staying in my toxic workplace is not an option. It has trashed my confidence and mental health. I …

My Coronavirus diary 11

I'll start this by saying that I am totally fed up. The level 5 restrictions have been extended until March 5th. Numbers are very slowly coming down here. I know it needs to be done and my anxiety level over Coronavirus has been really high since before Christmas, especially knowing that there are several more …

My Coronavirus diary 10

It’s January 2021. We’re in lockdown. Again. I say lockdown but listening to the amount of traffic outside people have obviously decided to ignore it. There is no way in hell they are all “essential workers.” That road was silent when we were first in lockdown. I could hear silence and birdsong. Numbers here are …

Insomnia

My sleep has been crap for months despite being on medication. I wake several times during the night and struggle to get back to sleep. My mind is going ninety - mainly about work. Recently this has progressed to being unable to sleep at all. Tonight/ this morning is one of these nights. At 5:20am, …

Anxiety 2020 – an update

My anxiety comes and goes but when it’s here, it is bad. Today, it is very much making it’s presence felt. I know why I’m feeling anxious, but it doesn’t make it easier. The sick feeling in my stomach and constant feeling of impending doom. My mood is also very low today. I have low …

My experience of workplace bullying

After the report into bullying allegations against Priti Patel being delayed/ buried for months and the revelations this evening that her bullying behaviour was “unintentional” and so she likely won’t face any consequences, I feel compelled to share my feelings and experience. I am incandescent with rage. She knew exactly what she was doing and …

Overwhelmed

I’m struggling. My anxiety is through the roof. My sleep is disturbed. I just want to withdraw from the world. I know that I need to take action to resolve my work situation but I just can’t face it. I had a difficult conversation with my family at the weekend. Don’t get me wrong, they …

My Coronavirus diary 9

We're currently 18 days into lockdown 2 here in Ireland. The difference is that this time the schools are open and when shopping we're limited to 'essential items' which means that the clothes sections in supermarkets are closed off. This wasn't true in our original lockdown. I find myself feeling hugely relieved. Had the government …

My Coronavirus diary 8

We went to level 3 restrictions here on Wednesday. I wish I was optimistic that it will reduce the prevalence of Coronavirus cases but I'm not. I can see us heading for another total lockdown. To be fair, I think it will be the wake up call that we need. I have spent all week …

‘Rent free’…no more!

I had an epiphany in the shower this morning. (This is where I do my best thinking.) I realised that my tormentor has been living inside my head 'rent free' zapping my confidence for years. I say tormentor but I now think of her as a dementor, who not only sucks the joy from life …

Little victories

I'm feeling quite stuck in my anxiety and my situation. I know that there is action I need to take and some loose ends that need tied up and I will get there. I’m not strong enough to face it just yet. (Truth be told, the thought of it makes me feel physically sick.) I’m …

My Coronavirus Diary 7

It’s late August 2020. The weather has definitely turned cooler recently and we’ve just had Storm Ellen. The first of many no doubt. Coronavirus is still very much with us. Numbers of cases over the past few weeks have increased alarmingly. This day last week there were 200 new cases. The highest since May! I …