Hey there! First-time poster (to this sub), so forgive me if I sound a little awkward. I've always struggled with working and holding down a job like I assume other people can; I was unemployed until September of this year, when I got my current retail position. I've been coping with it pretty well until now, but with the holidays closing in &amp; my hours being increased, I'm really struggling. To be completely honest, I've been dissociating through half of my shifts. During the other half, I'm expending all my mental energy into not breaking down from panic or anger.

They have me scheduled for six days next week. All of them are fairly long (7-8 hours), and all of them are closing shifts. I genuinely don't know how I'm going to handle this without shutting down completely, and since I'm in a specialty position, I can't just call out sick. I'm going to spend more time at work than I am at home (while awake, at least). The thought literally makes me feel nauseous.

You know what's even worse? I'm wracked with guilt for even having these thoughts to begin with. I know that I have it easy compared to a lot of people, and I keep hearing my mother's voice in my head calling me "weak" or "pathetic." Maybe I should cut myself a break, but it's hard to do that.

Do you all have any advice on how to get through this week? How do you stay sane at work? Thanks to anyone who read this, by the way. It's nice to talk about how I'm feeling.