What do you do if you're majorly stressed (to the point of accidental overdose ><)

Greetings all!

I have just recently recovered from serotonin toxicity for the second time this year and this time on a high dosage HTP5/St Johns Wort combo and so it has me thinking that maybe something is just not working or I'm missing something. Prior to this I was trying to figure out the question as to how to maintain my sanity and not get angry/depressed/frustrated while at the job that I despise which led to me going to try a higher dose in the first place.

Problem is, when I'm at work (I'm in customer service...that's right 100's of phone calls a day) I am constantly thinking about how angry I am, how much I hate it, how I'd love to just walk out right now, and I'm having a problem just shutting up and doing what they want me to do (like speak in a positive, upbeat tone, anticipate what people want, take the brunt and spew bs).
I know that as someone who is looking to be a Jedi knight at some point in her life, I have to be able to show discipline and do whatever task is given to me within the best of my abilities. I tried to do some meditations at my desk but getting interrupted with a *beep* sound in your ear every few seconds breaks that and leads to irritation. I have also been trying to equate it to some of the Jedi teachings, and attempting to see it from another mindset, but none of this is working.

So I'm asking, if any of you have experienced stress on a constant 8.5+ hour basis, what have you done to overcome it?

"I shall never seek so much to be consoled as to console" means a lot to me, and I'm really trying to embrace it but I think my road to this is to ask for help first to find the root of the problem so I can go help others.

an African friend of mine (from Burkina Faso) has a technique which always let me stunned, but it seemed to work for him :
he goes where he's alone and quiet and just... cry, with tears and all.
yes, he can do that on purpose ! after that he's calm and smiling again.

In your case, have you considered changing job ?

I'm going to go with the obvious and say that maybe its your job. Being angry and depressed about having to do something you hate is not an unnatural response. If you loved it, wanted to do it all the time, that in itself is cause for concern.

My advice is to find another job, even if it involves a slight pay cut. I don't think your wages are worth the losing your sanity over.

Edit: re read your post, and noticed I didn't answer the question. Yes, there have been perriods of my life when I was under extreme stress almost 24/7, occassionally of the life threatening variety. And I did not overcome it. It overcame me. So from experience, your wages are rarely worth losing your sanity over.

isisinabi wrote: So I'm asking, if any of you have experienced stress on a constant 8.5+ hour basis, what have you done to overcome it?

Yes I have and still do at times. I take a day or two off to let my head clear. When that didn't work I changed jobs. The thought and action of looking for a new job made me feel better.

Self medicating with herbs can be tricky and dangerious. Go talk to your doctor about it.

Maybe that type of customer service isn't your thing? I deal with the public everyday and 100 phone calls would crush me.

Don't beat yourself for feeling this way, you're human and under stress. Get away from the stress. Do fun stuff in your down time. Go watch some funny movies. Get some exercise, you must be sitting a lot. Hang out with friends. Take a nape. Eat some chocolate ice cream. etc

Keep us posted.

Desolous wrote: I'm going to go with the obvious and say that maybe its your job. Being angry and depressed about having to do something you hate is not an unnatural response.

Yep.

I deal with anxiety 24/7, and though it may not be the answer you want to hear, I'm on medication for it. I mean you're already taking St. John's Wort for depression, then like Rickie said, talk to a doctor. You might have a larger problem than just work stress.

Hi Isisinabi,

I work with the public 100% of the time. I don't need to tell you how sick our society has become. People dump all their stress, hatred and frustrations on you. We are a stressed out society. I found a nature spot and I go meditate on my lunch hour. I can't always do that but when I take the time it really helps me out. Some days people pick me up other days it is my job to inspire others. I am getting good at the circle of protection. Not letting others get to me. But I have to say I do love my job and I tend to see the best in people. I admit to a strong ale once in a while, they are the best.

Let nature be your guide and answer,
Yours amoung the sacred oaks,

Jayden

...
III

isisinabi wrote: Greetings all!

I have just recently recovered from serotonin toxicity for the second time this year and this time on a high dosage HTP5/St Johns Wort combo and so it has me thinking that maybe something is just not working or I'm missing something. Prior to this I was trying to figure out the question as to how to maintain my sanity and not get angry/depressed/frustrated while at the job that I despise which led to me going to try a higher dose in the first place.

I take vitamin B Complex at a high dose. I've taken it every day for a year and the ability to deal with stress increased and worry/anxiety dropped away. Also, to vigilantly watch for your personal triggers that sets stress off in your mind helps because you start becoming aware of 'why' rather than 'what', and are able to deal with the actual triggers rather than the environment around you.

Dude, I worked in a call center for 2 years. I totally know what you're going through. I used to do tech support for internet installations and people called me screaming all the time.

First of all, you need to realize that medication is not the answer. Many people have already pointed out the idea of changing jobs. You could also try some relaxation thingies like a chiropractor, massage, meditation, etc. One of the things that helped me last a lot longer was sex. Yeah I said it but never underestimate the power of getting laid. I worked terrible jobs for long periods and sex was what got me through. I mean it DID help that my manager was hot and we were in love but u know that's just my experience.

Peace

Sounds like that sort of job might pull in your energy and focus so I might try developing an external awareness to separate some of your energy. Not so much to appear absent minded.

I use geospatial visualization to project excess energy outwards into a visualized representation of the nearby landscape and any major features. I then imagine it activated as a sensor for other peoples emotions beyond visual range. I guess its a multitasking game so I do not get let all my energy get caught up in another persons drama.

It doesn't sound like a good job/environment to be experimenting with self medication though, and agree perhaps consider a medical opinion if its appropriate.

First

/facepalm Whyte Horse. I laughed, thanks for that. Secondly, I appreciate all of your responses. I think it is time for me to go to another job. Times are hard right now, and even though I'm applying to as many jobs as I can, it's hard for me to believe that I'm not stuck where I am. I actually without even meaning to, cried twice today. Before work I don't remember what I was watching/reading/listening to but I teared up somethin fierce. Then later on during lunch I saw a video of a firefighter saving a kitten and for some reason I cried like a 5 year old. After that I had an actual tolerable day. So maybe for me I just need to do that more often like MDK said.

In addition because of my overdose I was off Monday-Wednesday and during the times when I was not sitting in a waiting room to see an overpaid, lack of caring doctor, I felt so comfortable. I recently moved from Ohio to Virginia and I live near the beach and right in front of a golf course so I sat on my couch, nothing on, windows open, and just sat there. I don't think I've felt that relaxed in ...gods...years probably. If ever. It's like I felt at peace just hearing the trees sway, the sounds of the birds and watching the sky roll by. I have to imagine that it was a type of meditation or something because it was beautiful.

If only I could keep it that way.

Adder what you say I used to be able to do but I seem to have lost this ability. I used to be able to pick up energy, feel my own, conjure it, move it, etc. Now it seems like I've lost it and have to find it again. Any ideas on how to get that ability back after losing it?