I find it hard to be happy nowadays. Work is stressing myself out and I can't even think properly

Hi there,

I am replying to your question that you have posted and the words I'm picking up on are "things are hard",  "lacking motivation" "stressed" "I cant think properly" and these are all negative emotions which you are feeling right now. It sounds overwhelming to feel this way and, incredibly stressful. 

I'm hearing that you are finding it hard to be happy nowadays and work is playing a fundamental part in this. 

Your bosses breathing down your neck sounds frustrating and, I imagine the lack of motivation to do things you love is coming from the lack of praise and the constant possible put downs.

If you are messing up at work this could be linked with not feeling enough for them. I wonder if there's a way you could practice answering your boss and feeling empowered from being prepared in what and how you wish to answer.

By being prepared in the answer you may want to look at writing an imaginary letter to your boss about how you feel and whilst writing this you could think of responses that would be polite but also enable you to feel that you are in control of your own situation. 

You mention you are not able to find an outlet to release your stress, I wonder if you have tried anything in the past or if theres anything that could potentially bring you happiness that used to?  Sometimes a walk or a bath, or mindfulness can help with calming ourselves, for instance what do you do yourself for self care? What brings you joy in your life outside of work, so that you have something to look forward to. 

I'm wondering also if you did write an imaginary letter, could you possibly think of ways at work that you can release your stress in your break times, if you get them? For instance could you take deep breaths in your break or go for a walk? 

Also journalling is a good way of writing down your feelings. I hope this helps in some way. 

Take care and best wishes

Lorraine