Getting pummelled by major negative life events at same time

Therefore, I think that one therapist session once a month is not enough. So if you are able to increase the number of sessions that would be much better. I see mine 5-6 times a month.

I'm not sure that I'm the best to give you any advice regarding your work situation and telling your employer, because I live in Denmark and I'm not familar with the system where you're at, but I can definately tell you how it felt to level with my boss about my situation.

I went to her and asked for a reduce working schedule, which ment that I would be on a part-time leave of absence to due to illness. The reason why I wanted to work part time was that I didn't want to let my co-workers down, while two of my male co-workers already are away from work due to depressions. And also, I didn't want to end up being a cave woman hiding in bed under my cover all day. I told her everything, and she was very understanding and it felt good afterwards. But still, to work part time was not the answer - my throwing up when I had to leave my apartment in the morning, my panic attacks in the parking lot continued. So not I'm on a full time leave of absence.

My therapists says that my desire to hide is my body telling me that I'm filled up mentally, and that it needs rest, and I think the same goes for you. I have experience that I think more clearly when I'm not panicking because of the pressure of leaving my home.

I'm divorced myself, and I have two kids, and when I'm with them I manage to be there for them, but I don't think I could continue being there for them, if I didn't allow myself to just be me alone under the cover!

I don't know if this was at any help. I hope to hear how you're doing from time to time.

My thoughts are with you, and I wish you all the best,'

Sus

Hi stix, Welcome to healing well, we are happy to have you but so sorry it is under these circumstances. 

First, you could take advantage of FMLA (family medical leave act) for depression with your job but they are under no obligation to hold your position when you do return to work.  http://www.rgl.net/pdfs/Reed10-2002_FMLA_and_%20MentalHealth_PPLU.pdf  Here is a link on FMLA rules and regs to read up on if your interested in this.  Perhaps, you may want to try first taking some vacation time and getting into your doctor and seeing about a medication adjustment as it seems that your Effexor isnt doing the job effectively for you...granted your going through a lot of stuff right now and it is stressful.  I too would also recommend bumping up your counseling sessions maybe once a week or once every two...whatever you can manage.  We are always here so please do feel free to keep posting. Take care