Integrating a period of sickness

Hi Coaches,

I have noticed I am getting stuck on a similar line of thought which is “I have been sick for a long time” and “I have been unemployed for a long time”. The period is 2 years.
It’s coming up because it has been two years in which I haven’t worked due to depression.
The first year i was really unwell and it took the time to find the right support and to even acknowledge and realise that I was sick. The second year has been recovery and trying to finding the right job to return to.
The job search is the thing that is most weighing on me because in my head its connected with the “end” of my period of sickness and the end of this chapter of my life, and the end of financial worries, which I am desperately seeking.

I think there might be some thought errors here.

How do I integrate this period in my life or maybe accept it? Sitting in the void / not knowing when there will be a change for all this period has been immensely challenging and I have been doing it well, considering.

What are some thoughts I can offer instead of – a job will mark the end of this period?

Thank you

 

 

Answer:

Perhaps some ladder thoughts would help. Be very gentle with yourself in this transition time. Even though finding financial security is something you desperately want, it sounds like parts of you are very afraid of what it might take to get there. Why do you think it seems so scary to end this period of your life?

Try on some thoughts like:

I have been sick for a long time, and that’s ok.

I notice myself often thinking I’ve been sick for a long time.

I have been unemployed for a long time and that’s ok.

My life is supposed to be made up of different seasons.

You could even question the thought that you haven’t worked for two years. Yes, factually you may not have been employed, but what work have you done that has brought you to where you are today. Take time to thank yourself for all of it.