Executive Function Failure

Post Reply New Topic

I am losing it and have been for several weeks. Work has been overwhelming. End of the month. End of the fiscal year. New documentation system being implemented. State audit scheduled in two weeks. I am working 6 days a week and crashing on day 7. Crises abounding. My phone rings so often it is backed up 2-3 calls. And everything needs to be done now. And then the budget program freezes and I have to go through three levels of tech support to get that fixed. Well, you get the picture. I know I need rest, but can't find time to do it and when I do try to rest the brain just keeps on twirling. I sometimes think this time I am really going to lose my grip and become unable to do anything. Words of encouragement, wisdom, help welcomed.

{{{blazingstar}}}

I wish I had words of wisdom but please know you're in my thoughts. You can go to my Burn-Out thread from April and borrow all the spoons you'd like, because they're meant for everyone to share!! I empathise with your overload. I've been there myself when I worked full-time, and I know the stress can take a huge toll on your health. I want to say "Quit", "Take a leave", "Go on disability", and all those pat replies but I don't know how easy that would be for you. I know you're very dedicated to your work, but I also know your mental and physical health are even more important.

Huge hugs. Please wave your flag at anyone who can help, including your doctors, your family and your friends.

I'm so sorry you're having a difficult time, BlazingStar.

I wish I had the solution.

One solution, I believe, would be to do your priority stuff first----but I know that's obvious. Put off all unessential work until the audit is over. Make sure you focus on what's required for the audit.

You should also take a least a couple of hours' break every day, doing what you want to do. Like maybe play your instrument.

That is a lot going on at once, Blazingstar! Hugs to you.

You sound like a trooper to be dealing with all that work. I feel exhausted just reading post and everything you are going through, can't imagine how tired and stressed you must feel. I hope you get a break soon. I think most people would struggle with the workload you have, executive functioning issues or not.

Thank you so much for your replies. Each one has been helpful. I remember my mother's mantra was "in 100 years, no one will even know or care about what is happening now." And I think, in retrospect, she was an aspie. So, this too shall pass. Thank you.

I know I should prioritize. My problem is that everything seems to be a priority and they are all squooshing into my brain at the same time. When it gets bad like this, I will drop one item, pick up another, then another and then the phone rings and then there is an urgent email for whatever and I get totally overwhelmed.

There are some tasks that if I don't do by a certain date, I don't get paid. On the other hand, I pay staff who work with me and yesterday I forgot to pay them. So I figure that out this morning and get on the computer and lo and behold, my bank has changed the bill pay software and I can't figure out where anything goes or how to do it, plus it is more complicated with more windows open at the same time, so I can't see everything like I used to.

So I managed to pay one person out of my personal account - had to to back and fix that . Rest out of the business account. But because I am busy, I am not copying the invoices into the invoice folders and months down the line it will be a real problem to find those invoices, but I don't feel like I can do it now with so many other pressing things.

I don't take the time to write all this out because I need to go to work. (some sort of plaintive cry sounding in the woods.) Thanks again.

You should hire people to do those invoices for you....if you are able.

I know this is obvious. If you have time, get in contact with technical support about the new software.

Thanks, Kraftie,

I have long thought I need an accountant. And I do need to call tech support about the various new software in the bank and at the agency. But I don't have the pattern. It takes me so long to get a new pattern and it messes up my mind when things change.

Maybe you could take a little time at the end of the day to meditate on the last awesome river you visited and forget your troubles for a moment and collect some peace of mind? Take care blazingstar.

^^^good idea. especially if I put it in place daily. When I get so wound up, I can't unwind, even though I try. I usually just go to bed and take a nap. If I could get the practice in daily, that might help a lot. Thank you blackicmenace.