YOU ARE NOT ALONE - A companion online community discussion board for The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast with Paul Gilmartin

Hi friends.

Inflation is ruining my life. I can't live like this anymore.

I am exhausted, and I want to give myself some rest late this week. To wit, three ideas:

1. Do what I can to increase my income and reduce (somehow) my expenses.

I say “somehow” because any discretionary spending was cut months ago. Now, frankly, I’m at the stage of pick two of the following: food/electric/gas for commute. Grim!

2. At a certain point in the day, say 6 pm, turn off the computer and phone screen (eg Reddit). As good as the laptop and phone are, it comes a time to turn one's mind off.

I found my TV remote, so I can watch some Hallmark movies. I also have some excellent print books, so I can avoid screens for at least a few hours.

3. Focus on what I need to do, do them at least okay (eg being sad is not reason enough to do an acceptable job at work). Cut out extraneous stuff, much as I might like to enjoy them.

Thanks for listening, friends. I'll post later this week with an update. My life is so gray.

i selfishly want more energy and resources for my friend Oak, so he can post his thoughts more.

please take care, Oak. You are a man with a plan, good things will happen for you. Commit to a positive course of action and burn off some stress hormones.

Rest my dear friend. Unplug and rest.

If you feel like you can’t afford to rest, you need rest. Not a lot, just more than currently. You’ll know when you have had enough.

Hello Oak,

Might it be possible to ask for at least one day of work from home?

Not a lot, but it would be a 20% redux in travel costs...