I’m 35 years old and in the past year or so I’ve faced some difficult challenges at work – dysfunctional groups, high pressure, loss of confidence, boredom, and even anger and resentment towards my job. It’s affected my performance, my mental health, my physical health, and even cost me a romantic relationship.

This past week, I experienced another setback which is bringing up symptoms similar to those I had when I experienced a nervous breakdown only a 7 months ago and had to take a leave of absence – lack of focus and concentration, tension, poor sleep, obsessive thoughts, anxiety, anger, sadness, self-loathing, guilt, shame, passive aggression,..the list goes on.

Something has got to give. Something needs to change. I can’t continue negatively affecting my life and those around me in this way. All of my practice of Buddhism and meditation – staying in the present moment, letting go, acceptance – along with my healthy lifestyle of eating right and exercising are not helping make things better.

There is a tremendous fear that’s holding me back. The group that I work with is like a family to me and so is the organization for that matter. I don’t want to disappoint them although I’m afraid I already have. I have great benefits, make very good money, and have a very good position. I just don’t feel like I’m doing any good any more and things keep falling through the cracks. People are getting frustrated and upset and it’s taking every ounce of my energy to motivate myself to improve and continue in this current position. SO I ask myself, does life really need to be this much of a struggle?

Hence I’m turning to this community for advice – what can I do? Where do I start? What changes can I bring about to improve my life situation and find some peace and happiness? I’d appreciate any words of wisdom you can share.

Thank you for listening.

• This topic was modified 10 years ago by Little Buddha.