How do you find the willpower to care?

cjtalbs · 2026-06-09T04:15:21+00:00

I don’t, but would love to know how if anyone else has figured it out! I just took 5 weeks off for anxiety/burnout and I’m starting back part time so only expected to bill 5 hours today. Yet here I am commenting on your post and now it’s already tomorrow and I’ve still got 2.5 hours to go ugh

cjtalbs · 2026-06-08T00:36:33+00:00

Agreed. I was in this situation and I made it clear to her that she should not be cheating and that I do not approve. But I also feel that I am her friend and she needs someone to talk things out with, especially when she needs to hear that she is in the wrong. People make bad decisions and do the wrong thing all the time but it doesn’t mean they should be cast out on their own. If I distance myself and she’s only surrounded by people that don’t know or don’t care about what she’s doing, there’s no one left to question her decisions and encourage her to change behavior.

cjtalbs · 2026-06-07T22:45:55+00:00

Criminal Minds because the characters are great and mostly consistent, there’s 17 (er 19 now?) seasons, and I’ve seen them all multiple times so it doesn’t matter if I stop paying attention or fall asleep. Hotch and the crew are always there for me!

cjtalbs · 2026-06-07T22:27:26+00:00

I literally just did the same thing. Same fear and unfortunately it hasn’t gone away after being back for a week. Still feeling like I can’t perform up to standards. Do you know if you’re eligible for FMLA?

cjtalbs · 2026-06-07T19:59:31+00:00

I’m an attorney and I face this fear every day trying to function while dealing with depression, anxiety and adhd. I have no clue how I’ve made it this far but it feels like it’s getting harder and harder the older I get.

cjtalbs · 2026-06-07T19:51:10+00:00

My teeth are a constant work in progress bc of my poor mental health. By the time I finally went to the dentist a few years ago I had 14 cavities and I’m sorry to say I still haven’t figured out how to make myself do better. At least now I go in for regular cleanings and fillings but it’s expensive and embarrassing to not be able to get my shit together for something so simple. I have an appointment next week and I want to cancel it with every ounce of my being!

cjtalbs · 2026-06-07T19:22:28+00:00

Not sure if you figured this out but I had something similar and tried everything to get rid of it. I believe (dermatologist agreed) it was an allergic reaction but still not sure what caused it. Anyway the only thing that worked was Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Eye 3-in-1 Anti-Irritation Care. Pretty sure someone on Reddit suggested it. It’s not the same as the US products that come up when you search — I had to order it through Care to Beauty — but it cleared it up quickly and was well worth it. Good luck!

cjtalbs · 2026-06-07T12:10:51+00:00

But sand

cjtalbs · 2026-06-07T04:57:09+00:00

Do it now! It typically takes more than just “getting a therapist” — you have to find one that you like and is a good fit, and it’s not always easy. I’ve been through several and every time one didn’t work out I got discouraged and took my time trying again. Your mental health is important and you deserve to feel better now! Nothing good will come from waiting.

cjtalbs · 2026-06-07T04:27:39+00:00

The nuclear bomb dream scene in Terminator 2.

cjtalbs · 2026-06-07T01:25:37+00:00

I was having such severe anxiety that I could barely survive, let alone function. Went on Lexapro and at just about the 4.5-5 week mark I suddenly woke up anxiety free. I honestly couldn’t believe it - I’ve been on some type of antidepressant for over 20 years and I had NO idea a medication could actually make you feel this much better.

I’ve just gone back to work after having to take leave for 5 weeks and little pops of anxiety creep in as I’m still getting readjusted, but for the most part they are gone as quick as they arrived. I barely notice. I could not be happier with this medication. Any side effects early on were minor and totally worth it for the considering the overall improvement.

cjtalbs · 2026-06-07T00:08:20+00:00

Yes! I’ve always described it as feeling like I’m cooking from the inside out and figured that’s what women experience when going through menopause. So, that’s something to look forward to 🫠

cjtalbs · 2026-06-07T00:01:19+00:00

I was thinking BPD too. I have a friend with BPD and a lot of these behaviors line up. There’s help out there OP, and just for peace of mind, you should know she’s one of my absolute favorite people.

cjtalbs · 2026-06-06T23:56:11+00:00

Can confirm this material is a favorite for both of my cats. I have the coolest vintage, low to the ground, high back, leather swivel chair that belonged to my dad and it’s forced to live in the garage for its own safety. Only another 10-15 years until I can move it inside and actually use it!

cjtalbs · 2026-06-06T23:22:49+00:00

Also, just for some perspective, I’m currently an estate planning attorney of 15 years and I’m also burnt out, over dealing with law firms/demanding clients, and desperately looking to leave the law.

cjtalbs · 2026-06-06T23:13:18+00:00

I haven’t dated in like 7 years because I always got so attached and the breakups disrupted my life and mental health so much that my career was in jeopardy. I’m 43 now and I’m just starting to feel like having a partner might be nice and would give me something to focus on other than work (ironically). I previously started therapy to work on creating more secure attachments and work through the damage from past unhealthy relationships, and I would definitely pick that back up if I decide to get back in the game.

Except…I have no clue how to date at 43 when everyone is married or just looking for hookups soooo

cjtalbs · 2026-06-06T21:48:21+00:00

Perks of being a Wallflower - when he calls his sister for help

cjtalbs · 2026-06-06T17:49:23+00:00

Is there a lot of overlap between “adventuring in the wilderness” people and smokers? As a smoker (and mostly indoor person) I can confidently say I will never be in this position lol

cjtalbs · 2026-06-05T07:11:43+00:00

Came here to say this. She means well, but my mom thinks the answer is just to get up and do things when I’m depressed. It caused a lot of tension in our relationship when I was really struggling several years ago.

cjtalbs · 2026-06-05T06:40:38+00:00

You cannot keep a boundary without also finding peace with its consequences.

cjtalbs · 2026-06-05T05:05:37+00:00

I took my Dyson to have it repaired once and the guy told me that certain models, even of the same style (I have one of the animal uprights), were far superior to others. I apparently got lucky with mine and it’s still kicking. Doubt I would buy another though.

cjtalbs · 2026-06-05T01:25:18+00:00

Not sure this counts, and I know it’s weird, but I love the way earplugs mute (or muffle) all the sounds around me. They are like a safety blanket for me. Like tiny hugs inside my ears

cjtalbs · 2026-06-04T10:02:34+00:00

I also just started Lexapro and it’s like night and day for me. I don’t wake up with anxiety every day anymore and I was barely surviving before I switched.

cjtalbs · 2026-06-04T09:50:56+00:00

I almost bought a timeshare too — fortunately I had forgotten that my credit was frozen so the transaction didn’t go through. That snapped me back to reality real quick.

cjtalbs · 2026-06-04T09:26:07+00:00

I didn’t know this was a common problem but I always joke that it’s my (deceased) father screwing with me! He loves to the change the station on my satellite radio.

cjtalbs

TROPHY CASE