Realized I've been using work as an escape and it's catching up with me

Mar 61 min read

Been working 50+ hours a week for the past 2 years because home stuff got heavy and honestly being at work felt easier. My boss loves me, paycheck is great, but my kid barely knows me and my wife asked if I even still want to be married. Had a breakdown in my car yesterday and finally admitted to myself that I'm using work to avoid dealing with depression and anxiety about my actual life. Starting antidepressants next week and cutting back to 40 hours. Wish me luck because I'm terrified of what I'm gonna feel when I'm not numbing myself with work emails all day.

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Comments(3)

VVincentRegularMar 7

I hear you on this. Three kids and two dogs here and I definitely use staying busy as a way to not deal with stuff at home sometimes. But it catches up with you like you said. Worth talking to someone about it. Your family needs you present more than they need you working overtime.

VVictor R.New DadMar 6

This is real. The work escape is tempting when things get hard at home but it just makes everything worse. Maybe try blocking off some actual family time and sticking to it. Easier said than done I know.

KKevinRegularMar 7

50+ hours is crushing you and your family. Being honest about needing help is the first step. Consider talking to your manager about cutting back or finding a therapist who gets the dad stuff. You deserve to feel better.