Mental health check/ emotional dump

Ignore pos - laid off analyst.

Mental health check. Was laid off months ago - tried to get back into IB and have generally not been happy. Going through depression, internalizing a lot of my thoughts. I’ve been diagnosed with adhd which has been a daily battle; people don’t understand that it an awhile frame of mind issue that impacts how you interpret info. Generally frustrated how life is right now. I have a great girlfriend who’s been there for me through thick and thin and she makes me happy but I’ve been feeling depressed and anxious about my career and whether I can get back into IB or not.

I had to grind to get into banking let alone get into a target. I couldn’t break into banking until senior year. Started at a MM then lateraled to a strong team and was eventually cut early on. I’ve battled adversity my whole life with ADHD and had a tough upbringing aside from the ADHD. I had to work harder than others just to achieve the same results and it’s been taking a massive role on my mental health because I feel dumber than everyone else especially in banking. It feels like that “work harder than everyone else” attitude is catching up on my mental health. I feel like I’ve been kicked down and this layoff has been more defining on me than anything because I haven’t secured a W to bounce back.

For those who don’t understand ADHD, it’s not just a focus issue. It impacts how u learn, and interpret information. I had to grind just to get the same grades as others, as well as get similar johs. I just feel dumber, and the corporate world is not exactly friendly to those with ADHD especially if you’re someone like me who sucks shit at visualizing auditory information vs having someone walk you through something first.

I’ve tried to stay positive and look forward to the end of the tunnel. As I get closer to that tunnel it feels like I take 10 steps back as I try to move a couple of steps forward. How do I stay positive? How do I be happy and count my blessings? I’m just not happy. I spend 90% of my days overthinking and worrying about the future. I don’t think I have had one good week where I was generally happy, and I feel like everyone around me is happy and doing well and I’m not.

For the past 6 months my biggest achievement was securing 6 different interviews at Banks and Boutiques I never had the opportunity to interview for a year ago. I spent everyday grinding on my spare time - preparing technicals out of passion just to get myself closer to my end goal which is getting back into banking - which I honestly don’t even know if it’s even the career I should continue to pursue. But it’s the only thing that motivates me to get out of bed to learn about.

All I want at this point is to be happy. I understand this post is disorganized, and has a lot of gaps. I get that. I just don’t know what to do.

3 Comments

WSO Monkey Bot

O

1y

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice that might help you navigate your current situation:

Mental Health and Staying Positive

Daily Routine and Social Interaction:
- Routine: Establish a daily routine to maintain structure in your life. This can include job searching, studying, and personal hobbies. Weekends can be more flexible.
- Social Interaction: Spend time with friends and family. Being social can help maintain your energy and positivity, which is crucial for interviews and overall mental health.
Physical and Mental Well-being:
- Exercise: Engage in physical activities like lifting or boxing. Regular exercise can significantly improve your mental health.
- Healthy Eating: Maintain a healthy diet to support both your physical and mental well-being.
- Meditation: Practice meditation to help manage stress and maintain a positive outlook.
Perspective and Outlook:
- Optimism: Try to maintain an optimistic outlook. Believe that the best is yet to come and that challenges are temporary.
- Big Picture Thinking: Understand your life in the context of the bigger picture. This can help you stay grounded and focused on long-term goals.

Dealing with ADHD

Understanding ADHD:
- ADHD affects not just focus but also how you learn and interpret information. It's important to acknowledge this and find strategies that work for you.
- Visual Learning: If you struggle with auditory information, try to find resources that cater to visual learning or seek out mentors who can provide step-by-step guidance.
Work Harder, but Smarter:
- Effort: Recognize that you may need to put in more effort to achieve the same results as others, but also seek out tools and techniques that can make your work more efficient.
- Support Systems: Lean on your support systems, like your girlfriend, who can provide emotional support and encouragement.

Career and Job Search

Networking and Job Applications:
- Networking: Focus on networking as much as possible. Use platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed.com for job searches and set up daily alerts.
- Interviews: Celebrate the small wins, like securing interviews at banks and boutiques. Each interview is a step closer to your goal.
Exploring Interests:
- Upskilling: Use this time to explore new interests and upskill. This can include taking classes, learning new languages, or reading.
- Alternative Careers: Consider whether investment banking is the right career for you. It's okay to explore other fields that might align better with your strengths and interests.

Final Thoughts

Happiness as a Choice: Happiness is an active choice. Focus on what you can control and make a conscious effort to stay positive.
Prayer and Philosophy: If you are religious, prayer can be a source of comfort. Additionally, exploring philosophical teachings can provide new perspectives on life and challenges.

Remember, it's important to take care of your mental health and seek professional help if needed. You're not alone in this journey, and there are resources and communities that can support you.

Sources: Looking for Perspectives on Unemployment, Navigating the Unemployment Terrain, Are you guys happy with life? Help me please., Are you guys happy with life? Help me please., Are you happy with your life?

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I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.

ohm

L

1y

I know how you feel bro. I’m sorry dude. I’d advise you to learn how to meditate for 30m-1hr per day. All that anxiety and overthinking will go away within days. You also have the greatest gift in the world, your girlfriend. That wealth is greater than money.

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