[Starling.]

Hi. I don't know what to say, other than that things aren't great just now.

I mean, they're not awful or anything. I just would like to be able to avoid things slipping downhill.

I started a new job recently (as a care assistant in a care home) and the job is fine, but it's night shift and I'm not adjusting well at all. Obviously I am grateful to have a job and so on, and I'm sure it maybe just takes a while to get used to it.

I've always found that having a good routine is pretty essential for me in maintaining positive mental health and I'm just not able to do that at the moment. It seems to be getting harder rather than easier and I'm starting to feel quite low and really tearful. It's not great. I just don't want to end up in a major low.

Not quite sure how best to avoid that happening. Any advice and/or support would be appreciated, thank you.

[technigal]

I know when I worked nights it was several weeks before I could get into a routine. Also something that might help is using a SAD light, you are sleeping during the day and so not getting any sunlight and that can bring you down.

[lazydog]

I agree with you on the routine Starling, and Technigal the light is a great idea. Making sure I get my vitamins, exercise and eat healthy...oh and not drink to excess is a winning combo for me. When and when I do those things I feel so much more balanced. It's when I am not doing those things that I sink low.

[Starling.]

Thank you both so much.

Getting a SAD light is a great idea, I hadn't thought of that, but I'll definitely look into it!

Having a healthy lifestyle definitely helps - I'm struggling a bit with that at the moment, feels like all I do is work, eat rubbish and sleep! Off to the gym today I think!!

P.S. Thank you for the hugs as well

[atomicc]

I know how awful it is to feel sad and not be able to help it, even if you don't know the reason. Maybe you could think of some things that are good about working the night shift and write them down ?

[Fuzzybear]

[ginaaa22]

have you heard about black light therapy? Basically they aim to reset your limbic system which plays a part in your overall mood so switching from a night to day person could do this. Hopefully you can get adjusted and start to feel better. I sleep all different times on different days and go to bed at different hours and it affects me if I dont sleep enough. Hope you feel better

[Starling.]

Thank you.

At the moment it's difficult to think of anything positive about working nights! It's quieter, but I would rather be busy at work. I will have a think about it!

I've actually never heard of black light therapy, but may do some reading now! I hope I get adjusted too. I think I am sleeping enough, possibly too much, but at all the 'wrong' times, and it seems to be making me miserable!

[Verity81]

Your body clock will take time to adjust, I guess its a bit like jetlag! See how you go and if its not for you could you not ask about moving to day shifts?