ugh - i know what you mean about not being able to step back. that can be so frustrating.

also, when i was a disaster worker after hurricane katrina, my T told me to leave the children home. I had told her they were scared to go because the scary news reports and she couldn't believe i would take them. so... i told them all they could go to their make believe land (for 3 weeks). that was a disaster. 1. *I* had to deal with things i've never before dealt with, having no one to take my place in times of stress, and now have PSTD from that. 2. I had a terrible time getting them to return to me and to trust me.
Sadly, that was the worst advice i've ever been given. anyway, point being, it is terrible to not be able to switch out when one is used to it.