Why Do I Just Want to Run Away?

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Reader’s Question

My head feels like it is ready to explode. I feel like I just want to walk out on everything — even my husband, whom I still love and who has been nothing but supportive. I just don’t know what’s wrong with me. I am 55 years old, and I work in a job that is very stressful at the minute. But I just don’t know what to do because all I keep thinking about is walking away from it all — my husband, family and everything else. Please help.

Psychologist’s Reply

What you describe has all the earmarks of stress overload and possibly the beginnings of depression.

When stressors mount, it’s natural to become angry and fed-up with things. But when there appears no way out, anger and frustrations can build. Then, some can experience the urge to flee. Eventually, anger can become self-directed and depression can result.

The good news is that you’ve identified a potentially negative vicious cycle early on. Now would be the time to consult with a professional for some help and support. And it’s best to secure that support from a counselor or therapist who won’t just look for the quick fix as far as your current level of happiness is concerned but rather the underlying factors responsible for your stress and a plan of action for dealing with them.

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