What are the Sunday Scaries? it's the phenomenon that so many experience at the end of the week, or perhaps more importantly, the end of the weekend – and the anticipation of entering the following work week. It’s very real, although it’s a little difficult to specifically define. Because it has lots of ways of being handled, or I guess not handled.. Whether you get angry, go to bed, escape thru alcohol or video gaming - or whether you tough it out - what occurs is what may have been your fleeting or even truly good mood evaporates into thin air – almost every Sunday. Like clockwork. You dread its coming – and you dread your dread. I hear things like, “I get paralyzed by around 3:00 on Sunday. And I can feel my mood darkening for what seems like no reason. Except it’s Sunday.”

So today on SelfWork, sponsored by BetterHelp, we’re going to talk about these Sunday Scaries, how the pandemic has changed them (what I decided should be called the Seven Day Steady Scaries) and as always, what you can do about it.

Here are the basic five tangible tips:

• Get back into a schedule of work and time-off. Set boundaries between work time and play time.
• Realize if your actual depression or anxiety is worsening to the point that you need a different mode of treatment.
• Plan – with flexibility. Don't put all your happiness into one scenario happening. Develop a Plan B and even Plan C as well.
• Look for what you can do about a job that’s unsatisfying. You may feel trapped but with some fresh ideas, maybe you're not.
• Focus on what your time-off expectations are and how you and your partner can help one another meet those expectations.

The SpeakPipe listener recording today is from a woman who’s scared to transition from the job she’s had for years as a clinical supervisor into private practice – and is asking me for any help I might give. She has to balance out her fear of leaving with the reality of burnout. So, what would you say? 

Important Links:

BetterHelp, the #1 online therapy provider has a special offer for you now!

Vice article on the origins of the term "Sunday Scaries"

Article on how displacement of time a factor in weekend blues

 RealSimple article on Sunday Blues

Monster.com's ideas on eliminating Sunday Scaries

You can hear more about mental health and many other topics by listening to my podcast, SelfWork with Dr. Margaret Rutherford. Subscribe to my website and receive one weekly newsletter including my weekly blog post and podcast! If you’d like to join my FaceBook closed group, then click here and answer the membership questions! Welcome!

My book entitled Perfectly Hidden Depression has arrived and you can order here! Its message is specifically for those with a struggle with strong perfectionism or need for control which acts to mask underlying emotional pain. But the many self-help techniques described can be used by everyone who chooses to begin to address emotions, long hidden away, that are clouding and sabotaging your current life.

And there’s a new way to send me a message! You can record by clicking below and ask your question or make a comment. You’ll have 90 seconds to do so and that time goes quickly. By recording, you’re giving SelfWork (and me) permission to use your voice on the podcast. I’ll look forward to hearing from you!

 

 

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