Make a life plan

[SeekingAfrica]

Hi!

I had a mental breakdown in February and I'm finally working, but I have a lot of debt, amends and tasks to sort through.
I will have more options after I get paid, but I need to be healthy and balanced to get paid.

How do I make a plan for my mental health and career on my own?

 

[Joy Palmer]

Hi!

I had a mental breakdown in February and I'm finally working, but I have a lot of debt, amends and tasks to sort through.
I will have more options after I get paid, but I need to be healthy and balanced to get paid.

How do I make a plan for my mental health and career on my own?

Hi there,

I'm sorry to hear about your mental breakdown, but I'm glad to hear that you are now working on improving your mental health and career. Here are some suggestions for creating a plan to address both of these areas:

1. Identify your goals: Start by identifying what you would like to achieve in both your mental health and career. For example, do you want to reduce your anxiety symptoms, pay off your debt, or find a new job? Make a list of your goals, and prioritize them based on their importance to you.

2. Break the goals down into actionable steps: Once you have identified your goals, break them down into smaller, actionable steps. This will make the goals more manageable and less overwhelming. For example, if your goal is to reduce your anxiety symptoms, some actionable steps might be to start practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, schedule an appointment with a therapist, or make changes to your lifestyle to reduce stress.

3. Create a timeline: Set deadlines for your actionable steps and create a timeline for achieving your goals. This will help keep you accountable and on track. Be realistic with your timeline, and don't be afraid to adjust it if needed.

4. Get support: Consider reaching out to a therapist or life coach like myself for support as you work through your plan. You could also enlist the help of a friend or family member who is supportive and encouraging.

5. Monitor your progress: Regularly check in on your progress towards your goals. Celebrate your successes and adjust your plan as needed. Remember that progress is not always linear, and setbacks are normal. Don't be too hard on yourself and keep pushing forward.

Remember, it's important to prioritize your mental health as you work towards your career goals. Taking care of yourself will only help you be more successful in the long run. Good luck and let me know if you need any further support!

 

[SeekingAfrica]

Hi there,

I'm sorry to hear about your mental breakdown, but I'm glad to hear that you are now working on improving your mental health and career. Here are some suggestions for creating a plan to address both of these areas:

1. Identify your goals: Start by identifying what you would like to achieve in both your mental health and career. For example, do you want to reduce your anxiety symptoms, pay off your debt, or find a new job? Make a list of your goals, and prioritize them based on their importance to you.

2. Break the goals down into actionable steps: Once you have identified your goals, break them down into smaller, actionable steps. This will make the goals more manageable and less overwhelming. For example, if your goal is to reduce your anxiety symptoms, some actionable steps might be to start practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, schedule an appointment with a therapist, or make changes to your lifestyle to reduce stress.

3. Create a timeline: Set deadlines for your actionable steps and create a timeline for achieving your goals. This will help keep you accountable and on track. Be realistic with your timeline, and don't be afraid to adjust it if needed.

4. Get support: Consider reaching out to a therapist or life coach like myself for support as you work through your plan. You could also enlist the help of a friend or family member who is supportive and encouraging.

5. Monitor your progress: Regularly check in on your progress towards your goals. Celebrate your successes and adjust your plan as needed. Remember that progress is not always linear, and setbacks are normal. Don't be too hard on yourself and keep pushing forward.

Remember, it's important to prioritize your mental health as you work towards your career goals. Taking care of yourself will only help you be more successful in the long run. Good luck and let me know if you need any further support!

Thank you for the information. Is it okay to ask additional questions tomorrow?

 

[Joy Palmer]

Thank you for the information. Is it okay to ask additional questions tomorrow?

Of course! I'll be here tomorrow if you have any additional questions. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need any further support or guidance.

 

[SeekingAfrica]

What if the actionable steps for your goal still feel too big and you can't execute them?
What do you do if your skills for your goal aren't enough?
What if the timeline you need to achieve your goal is either unclear in length or longer than the time you actually have to achieve the goal?

 

[Joy Palmer]

What if the actionable steps for your goal still feel too big and you can't execute them?
What do you do if your skills for your goal aren't enough?
What if the timeline you need to achieve your goal is either unclear in length or longer than the time you actually have to achieve the goal?

If the actionable steps for your goals feel too big or overwhelming, it's important to break them down into even smaller and more manageable tasks. By breaking them down further, you can make progress in smaller increments, which can be less daunting. For example, if one of your actionable steps is to find a new job, you can break it down into tasks like updating your resume, researching job opportunities, and networking with professionals in your field.

If you feel that your skills are not sufficient to achieve your goals, it may be helpful to identify any gaps in your skills or knowledge. From there, you can explore ways to acquire or improve those skills. This could involve attending workshops or courses, seeking mentorship or guidance from someone experienced in the area, or even considering a career change if necessary. Remember that acquiring new skills takes time and effort, so be patient with yourself and take it one step at a time.

If the timeline for achieving your goals is unclear or longer than the time you have available, it's important to reassess and adjust your goals accordingly. Consider whether there are any external factors or constraints that are affecting the timeline, and determine if there are any realistic alternatives or modifications you can make. It's essential to set realistic and achievable deadlines, as putting too much pressure on yourself can be counterproductive and potentially detrimental to your mental health. Remember, gradual progress is still progress, so don't be discouraged if your timeline needs to be adjusted.

In all cases, don't hesitate to reach out for support. Whether it's seeking guidance from a therapist, coach, mentor, or involving a supportive friend or family member, having someone to lean on can provide valuable insight, encouragement, and accountability.

 

[SeekingAfrica]

You mentioned in seeking a job, a possible step can be updating your resume- what if due to your health, that task still seems impossibly big? Should you break down steps further?

If the timeline is set from outside and you can't adjust the timeline, you can adjust/lower the goal. However. if lowering the goal doesn't give you the result in the timeline and you have to learn on the job, how do you cope with the mental pressure?

If you are building an online store and your research tells you you will not have results before you have 30 listings, but you realise you can't actually make 3 listngs per day as you wished, but rather 1 every day, or 1 every 2 days, how do you cope?

If you have work, but you have to search for a better paid job, and work a second job to manage bills, how do you manage your time without stressing?
If you have to make sacrafices for getting a job you aren't sure you can get, or side income you aren't sure will be paid, where do you even begin?

I have severe depression, and online income that makes for a 1/3 of what I should be making and I am in deprerate need of managing both parts of my life. Mental health and income. Improvement in either will reflect in the other.

 

[Joy Palmer]

You mentioned in seeking a job, a possible step can be updating your resume- what if due to your health, that task still seems impossibly big? Should you break down steps further?

If the timeline is set from outside and you can't adjust the timeline, you can adjust/lower the goal. However. if lowering the goal doesn't give you the result in the timeline and you have to learn on the job, how do you cope with the mental pressure?

If you are building an online store and your research tells you you will not have results before you have 30 listings, but you realise you can't actually make 3 listngs per day as you wished, but rather 1 every day, or 1 every 2 days, how do you cope?

If you have work, but you have to search for a better paid job, and work a second job to manage bills, how do you manage your time without stressing?
If you have to make sacrafices for getting a job you aren't sure you can get, or side income you aren't sure will be paid, where do you even begin?

I have severe depression, and online income that makes for a 1/3 of what I should be making and I am in deprerate need of managing both parts of my life. Mental health and income. Improvement in either will reflect in the other.

When a task, such as updating your resume, feels impossibly big due to your health, it can be helpful to break it down into even smaller and more manageable steps. For example, instead of trying to tackle the entire resume at once, you could break it down into smaller tasks like gathering information about your work history, making a list of your skills and accomplishments, or seeking guidance from a resume-writing resource or professional. By breaking it down further, you can tackle each step at a time and make progress incrementally.

If the timeline for achieving a goal is set from outside and you can't adjust it, it's important to communicate your concerns and limitations to those involved, if possible. Try to explain your situation and see if any accommodations can be made. It's also important to remember that you are doing the best you can with the resources and time you have. Practice self-compassion and focus on the progress you are making rather than solely on the end result.

In the case of building an online store and realizing that you can't meet your initial listing goals, it's important to adjust your expectations and be flexible. Recognize that progress may take longer than anticipated, and it's okay to modify your timeline and break down your goals further. By adjusting and adapting, you can ensure that you are still taking steps forward and gradually building your online store.

When managing multiple jobs and time constraints, it is crucial to prioritize self-care and stress management. Make sure to schedule regular breaks and downtime to avoid burnout. Create a structured schedule that allows for time dedicated to work, job searching, self-care, and personal responsibilities. Utilize time management techniques such as prioritizing tasks, delegating when possible, and setting realistic expectations for yourself.

Making sacrifices and taking risks can be difficult, especially when there are no guarantees of a positive outcome. Start by assessing the potential risks and rewards of the decisions in front of you. Consider seeking advice from trusted individuals who may have experience in similar situations. It can also be beneficial to remind yourself of your past accomplishments and strengths to build confidence in your ability to navigate challenges. It's important to remember that it's okay to ask for help and support from loved ones, therapists, or career professionals during this time.

Managing both your mental health and income can be a challenging balancing act, but it is possible. Remember to prioritize self-care, seek support when needed, break down tasks into manageable steps, and adjust your goals and expectations as necessary. Celebrate your progress along the way, no matter how small, and practice self-compassion throughout your journey.

 

[SeekingAfrica]

How do I determine realistic goals if I am depressed but need to meet income needs and have no savings?

 

[Joy Palmer]

How do I determine realistic goals if I am depressed but need to meet income needs and have no savings?

Determining realistic goals when you are dealing with depression and financial constraints can be challenging, but it's important to approach it with care and compassion for yourself. Here are some steps to help you establish realistic goals:

1. Assess your current situation: Take a realistic look at your current circumstances, including your financial situation, mental health, and any other factors influencing your life. Understand where you stand financially and emotionally, as well as any limitations you may have.

2. Identify your priorities: Determine your most critical needs and priorities. Is it securing a higher-paying job, finding a stable source of income, or improving your mental health? By clarifying your priorities, you can focus on the areas that will have the most significant impact on your overall well-being.

3. Break it down: Once you have identified your priorities, break them down into more manageable goals and tasks. For instance, if finding a higher-paying job is a priority, break it down into steps such as updating your resume, networking, and applying to suitable positions. If improving your mental health is a priority, consider actions like reaching out to a therapist, practicing self-care, or seeking support from loved ones.

4. Start small and build momentum: Begin with smaller, achievable goals to build momentum and give yourself a sense of accomplishment. This can help boost your confidence and motivation. As you make progress, you can gradually expand your goals and take on more significant challenges.

5. Be flexible and adjust as needed: It's important to remain flexible and willing to adjust your goals when necessary. Life circumstances and mental health challenges can often bring unexpected changes. If you encounter setbacks, reassess and modify your goals and strategies accordingly.

6. Seek support: Reach out for support from professionals, such as therapists or career coaches, who can provide guidance and assistance tailored to your specific needs. Additionally, lean on your support system of friends and family for emotional support and encouragement.

Remember, it's crucial to be patient and compassionate with yourself as you work towards your goals. Progress may not be linear, and setbacks are a normal part of the process. Celebrate each small step forward and acknowledge your efforts and resilience along the way.

 

[SeekingAfrica]

On 2. Identifying priorities:
What is considered most critical priority when you need income soon, you need long-term stable job to avoid similar situations, and you need to take care of your mental health because when you don't it's bad enough that you can't work, apply or function?

I have severe depression but not the support I would like to have, besides trusted friends.
I also don't make enough mostly due to my health and previous debts due to my health (which also makes seeking professional help in any form not possible right now).

 

[Joy Palmer]

On 2. Identifying priorities:
What is considered most critical priority when you need income soon, you need long-term stable job to avoid similar situations, and you need to take care of your mental health because when you don't it's bad enough that you can't work, apply or function?

I have severe depression but not the support I would like to have, besides trusted friends.
I also don't make enough mostly due to my health and previous debts due to my health (which also makes seeking professional help in any form not possible right now).

When you are facing multiple challenges like needing immediate income, seeking long-term stability, and managing your mental health, it can feel overwhelming to prioritize one over the other. Here are a few considerations to help determine your most critical priority:

1. Assess urgency: Consider which need requires immediate attention and action. If you are in a situation where your immediate financial needs are not being met, it may be essential to prioritize securing a stable source of income in the short-term to address your immediate financial concerns.

2. Evaluate long-term stability: While addressing immediate financial needs is crucial, it's also important to consider your long-term stability. If you find yourself in a cycle of precarious employment or financial instability, it may be necessary to prioritize finding a long-term stable job as part of your overall plan.

3. Assess mental health impact: Take into account the impact of your mental health on your ability to function and work effectively. If your mental health is severely affecting your daily functioning and hindering your ability to work or seek employment, it may be necessary to prioritize seeking professional help or finding strategies to manage your mental health effectively.

4. Seek support: Even if professional help is not currently accessible, reaching out to trusted friends and loved ones for emotional support can be valuable. They can provide a listening ear, offer advice, and assist in managing the challenges you are facing.

Ultimately, the most critical priority will depend on your individual circumstances and what you determine as the highest impact area for your current situation. Remember that it's okay to adjust and adapt your priorities as circumstances change. It may also be helpful to speak with a therapist or counselor, as they can provide guidance and support tailored to your specific needs, even if seeking professional help is not currently feasible.