#mentalhealth

Just my personal opinion, but leaving Teradata sooner rather than later was a blessing. It gave me back my peace of mind. I felt mentally liberated, physically relaxed, regained my confidence without having to mechanically follow AI-prescribed steps, no longer needed to constantly exchange AI-generated feedback with coworkers, and could finally sleep well, enjoy the sunshine, and appreciate the simple things in life.

I know it’s easy to get online and say whatever you want when you’re hiding behind anonymity.

Centene used to be a company I was genuinely proud to work for. Somewhere along the way, though, the job stopped feeling like work and started feeling like it was draining the life out of me. Every day took a little more than I had left to give.

Walking away is one of the scariest decisions I’ve ever made. I’ll probably never make this kind of money again, at least not anytime soon, and in today’s job market that’s a hard reality to face. But no paycheck is worth sacrificing your peace, your mental health, or waking up dreading every single day.

The hardest part is knowing healthcare just isn’t where I’m supposed to be anymore. These members deserve someone who still has the emotional capacity and compassion to truly show up for them. I don’t want to become the kind of person who stays just because the money is good while giving people less than they deserve.

So I’m choosing myself, even though I have no idea what comes next. It’s terrifying. It’s uncertain. But for the first time in a long time, I can finally breathe.

To everyone whose VRP was accepted, I sincerely wish you the best. I hope this scary leap turns into the fresh start we’ve all been needing.

I left before I was going to be piped out. I tried to move up but there was no hope for me as I was not one of the chosen ones. I was given mediocre projects while the favcs were given the high profile projects. I knew it was not going well for me. The new supervisor was friends with all the others in the group and I was an outcast. I even asked for more meaningful work and asked to work for other groups to support them. I was denied and work was taken from me. I turned in my resignation 4 years ago and left exxon. I found work at another smaller company that allows me to do engineering work. I feel better and more valued now. My pay went down but the health insurance is better and my mental health is better. There is no piping or nsi at my new company. If you do your work you are rated good. My boss knows everything I worked on and compiles the yearly review. I am okay with less money because I left with 2 million in my 401K and I payed everything off. So when you have had enough of exxon s shett leave asap. Lots of others have left because of the injustice at exxon and the terrible treatment. I hated every second at exxon and it was so demeaning.

A protracted quest for justice occurs when a person becomes destructively obsessed with righting a perceived wrong. In organizational psychology, it describes an ex-employee whose pursuit of "fairness" outlasts any practical benefit, ultimately harming their own well-being and reputation.

The Psychology Behind the Quest

• Moral Injury: The termination shatters the person's core belief in fairness, loyalty, and merit.
• Narcissistic Injury: The firing deeply wounds their self-esteem, which they try to heal by publicly "defeating" the company.
• Cognitive Distortion: The individual views themselves strictly as a righteous crusader and leadership as purely malicious.
• Dopamine Loop: Getting likes or validation online for criticizing the company provides temporary emotional relief, reinforcing the behavior.

Key Behavioral Indicators

• Disproportionate Escalation: The legal or public response far outweighs the severity of the original workplace conflict.
• Inability to Reframe: They reject alternative explanations for their firing, such as budget cuts or restructuring.
• Social Isolation: Personal and professional relationships deteriorate because the individual can no longer talk about anything else.
• Self-Sabotage: They willingly damage their own career prospects just to keep attacking their former employer.

How It Differs From Normal Grievances

A healthy grievance resolution is about finding a resolution or moving on, is short-term and bounded, preserves personal well-being, and is handled through official channels.

A protracted quest for justice punishes the ex-employee indefinitely, lasts for months to years or the rest of their lives, causes severe emotional exhaustion, and is dominated by public online venting.

Please get some professional help. Or repeat the same grievances and expect different results - the definition of insanity.

Just made an appointment with a counselor for mental health. Mentally drained over all this nightmare.

Just send the email dang it! This is mental torture.

To keep our mental health intact, our team meetings have turned into stand-up comedy about how broken everything is. The only time people perk up is to trash leadership or joke about organizing. Morale is so low that laughing at the chaos is the only thing keeping us sane.

The hardest part of being ISP'd was genuinely that I wouldn't get to see the people I got to know over a decade. I kept in touch with some that left on their own, pretty much all who I knew that also got ISP'd, and some that are still there. I know how they're doing, but I'm wondering how things turned out more generally. Maybe it'll be cathartic for us all?

I'll go first: I was in Tech and had been at Jones for coming up on 15 years. I tried really hard to stay and put in dozens of internal apps but at first I wouldn't apply to anything more than 2 pay grades under where I was. I still panicked and applied 3-4 levels down to some roles I actually had before under the same leaders I had when I was there but even then I didn't get any interviews at all. I had stellar reviews, great recommendations, thought I knew people, but got nowhere. I think leaders were instructed not to talk with ISP'ers... I couldn't even get my old leaders to respond to a "hi". I learned later that applications have to pass through HR before they ever see them, so I'm guessing the ones that knew me never actually saw my applications.

I didn't really apply to anything external at all, I was so sure I'd be staying... but it just didn't happen. I called multiple times to confirm if I reach my last day I'd still be able to see my open applications but then after my last day and a few days of mostly just shutting my brain off by sleeping, I logged in and none of the applications were there... I never heard anything about them again and when I called about it they just told me all of them were closed. Everyone on the phone was always really nice, and seemed like they were really upset that I was leaving or at least sad that Jones was doing this at all.

Well... I felt bad about it for a while, but now I realize applying externally earlier probably wouldn't have changed anything and I'm still looking for a new job. I'm applying just about anywhere local remote competitor or even Jones again but no luck. I keep a spreadsheet for my applications (anyone applying to jobs I really recommend it because you can keep track for unemployment benefits and keep notes about the company/role/if you can find the hiring manager's name to reach out to later/if you tried something new with your resume, anything helps! I also just like documentation and data, I mean... it was my job and I liked it lol) and I'm just about to cross the big 1000 applications. That's since August, so I average about 3 applications a day. I've only gotten 13 requests to interview but one cancelled and half of those I got at least a second interview with two of them getting to a fourth... About half of these never actually denied me, they just disappeared. The last one was about a month ago and they actually gave me an offer!! It was at half what I used to make but more than unemployment checks were and those ran out a while ago so I was jumping all over it!! Finally, something!! I accepted and we talked about start dates, then they never sent me any paperwork and after a few weeks I got a generic denial email from them...

I'm still applying like crazy to anything that fits and more thankful than ever for government assistance programs. P.S. is anyone else scared about the Medicaid changes?? I can't get ANY hours of work a month let alone 80! They let you include training and schooling in that so I'm exploring going for a second masters, keeping up the applications, and I'll either drop out if I find a job quickly or finish it really slowly if I manage to get pretty far in... I really don't want and can't afford more student loans though... I've thought about trades but I don't think my body can handle it... if it could I wouldn't be so scared of losing Medicaid. Thank God for Medicaid though!! They were so nice to me helping me sign up, and it's been the best and easiest insurance I've ever had! I've not missed any meds due to "prior authorization" approvals like I did with Anthem and haven't had to argue with anyone over whether something should be covered. By now I'd already have spent my whole deductible with Anthem but they've covered everything!

I always thought with my history I'd be tripping over offers... But I only have a 1% success rate of getting at least to the first interview. Trimester and annual reviews that "exceed expectations" and a reputation for being really good at what you do, don't help you at all externally... And you're not allowed to give direct references either, you can only give the generic line that confirms you worked there and are eligible for rehire... If you guys have any tricks that worked for you please let me know!! I tailor my resume for every application. I've tried removing the year from my degree and certifications, removing old jobs or roles, talking about accomplishments more than duties, I refused to embellish at first but I've come around on that... I've tried using AI a bunch of ways like hitting keywords and hiding instructions (none of the AI touched resumes ever did anything and I felt dirty trying that...) but also just trying to give advice on what to change and then rewriting it myself and I've spent hours with one doing interview prep to get a consistent "S" rating. One of my friends who was ISP'd too started a website business so I asked him to make me a little professional one and a couple interviews mentioned things that were only there so I feel like that helped a lot. I had to buy the domain for that so I registered a professional email address with my name too. I've tried messaging hiring managers and contacts, and trying to follow up on applications. I've tried showing up in person to talk with a manager and apply (It was really embarrassing, it felt like they were laughing at me for trying this) or just follow up on an application. Tried being honest in the little checkbox disclosure about disability, and "lying" by not checking it. I've gone to job fairs and even practiced my handshake (lol)... Maybe I'm invisible or there's a weird quirk in most systems that marks me NULL or something.

Anyway... hoping everyone else has had some better luck than I have. It'd be great if I was an outlier and you all did better, but if I'm not I don't know how anyone's getting by these days...

Had such a hard time working Friday thinking about what will happen. It's Saturday and the only thing I can think of is what's going to happen on Monday. Anyone else feeling anxious?

Please don't be stressed out on layoff, it may be rumour or actual layoff. Don’t worry for things, did't happen yet, be a man and face situation when it comes. Laugh, smile and enjoy your life. Work is work, you are living in USA the most resilient job market in the entire WORLD. Where job openings are available every few mins. Enjoy your life!

After another sleepless night, I realize that this job has cost me so much mental health that being shown the door with severance is now sounding much better to me than staying here and going through the same thing again and again. So bring it on, I say.

There were so, so, so many better ways do do this. Ways that wouldn't have half of us on Xanax just to get through this with our mental health intact. Who decided to do it this way should be fired immediately.

I’m taking about the obvious ones (Veeva Systems, IQVIA, etc). Are they currently hiring Medidata employees? Any no-compete clauses for your standard IC/middle management personnel? Are they also going through the same layoff and cultural struggles as Medidata right now? For anyone working for Medidata competitors (either of equal size or smaller) has it been an improvement for your mental health?

For all of you here who are still waters employees enjoy the ride.
I was recently made redundant.
It is one of the worst feelings in terms of life change, people say no one died it's just a job,but it's not, to loose your job in these circumstances is devastating, I cannot put into words the mental effect this has had, yes no one has died but all your hard work and effort you put into the company are all wiped out in one moment, when you are told your role is been made redundant and you are no longer part of the corporation.
The hardest part in all this of this is why, when the corporation are still activley hiring and you ask the question what did making my role redundant really achieve, did it create synergy reduce reporting lines what did this really achieve in terms of delivering benefit, or living my legend.

Or is that just me?

I've been working long enough to know that every job comes with pressure. What I've never experienced before is feeling this mentally exhausted all the time. The workload just keeps growing, the expectations never ease up, and it feels like everyone is running on empty. I've reached the point where I'm looking for something else because I can't imagine doing this much longer.

If you care about your mental health, stay far away. They'll tell you they care about employees, but it's all talk. You're just a number to them and they treat you as such.

What’s the name of the latest layoff initiative?
How healthy for mental health is it to run an initiative to crop 12 staff every 4 years?

Yet the management is barely affected or penalized! The only balanced thing is that their children will face a darker and harder future…

So I completely understand the need to serve members, the huge queues, the need to work work work. But we are losing the human touch that case management is supposed to represent. Based on the current direction it is - treat them like cattle - find small things and peace out at 90 days. Something comes up, member has real needs welp too bad we don’t care cause other people waiting too. A case needs to stay open longer - bring it to rounds so they can tell you to keep up the good work. Plus we will ask for you input about what is working, what is not but no one cares at all in reality. Just sit there, shut up and get it done…. How we don’t care…. Mental health yeah we don’t care….
As someone who loved this job and this workplace when she started, the cracks in the wall are showing and frankly there isn’t enough stucco in the world. The rot in this place start with mismanagement and lack of direction at the top and goes down to mid and lower tier management for the most part. There are exceptions and I am grateful for having experienced the other side. Honestly if you think you can hold this place together with duct tape, baling wire and AI go for it. Just approve the VSP and let us go now. So we have the same luxury to leave you with sorry bout your luck get it done.
All I know is between anxiety and extra meeting’s to micromanage further servicing the members I am here for gets harder by the day. I can only assume this tactic is to attempt to not pay severance because it’s definitely not helping morale!
Oh but Thank freaking goodness it’s Friday!

I know of someone who has been out for many months due to mental issues. Isn’t there a limit to how long you can be out or can you be paid indefinitely for this? As a woman, I am fine with maternity leave but this seems subjective.

There's a bit of some odd astroturfing or something going on right before/after the layoffs? Not going to call on anyone here. Mental heath issues? Trolls?

I applied for VSP and I can honestly say that after 15 yrs with company I am ok if they offer an earlier separation date than 09/04. I’m truly exhausted with all the changes within the company over that past few years. I don’t know what the future holds for me but I’m gonna step out on faith. My mental can’t survive this place much longer. Anyone else feeling like this?

The only thing that’s cycling more rapidly than our MREs now is my bipolar disorder.

Is anyone else struggling to find any drive to keep going here?

North Carolina school districts face significant budget constraints. These financial pressures are leading to layoffs of school counselors. Student needs for mental health and academic support are currently growing. The state's student-to-counselor ratio already exceeds national recommendations. School leaders must prioritize and better utilize these essential professionals.

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

https://journalnow.com/opinion/column/article_06dfad94-b519-5c01-a7b0-dc71ff8f0851.html

A few days off used to be enough to reset, but now it's not even close. I don't think any amount of time away would make me actually want to come back here.

The anxiety is keeping me awake. There are too many questions and not enough answers. I just want this whole thing to be over.

With constant reorgs, reshuffling of managers every 1-2 years, people moving out of the company, and now asking to RTO 5 days in a different state, my mental health has taken a toll. Unless I was in Dallas this whole time, there was no certainty what my office location will be and where to buy a home. It kept changing every 1-2 years. Now after 20 years, I have decided to relocate to Dallas, as I couldn’t land any other offer. WTF I am doing? I have no clue, but just trying to save the job for now.

I really wish they would have a counselor or someone to help us navigate through this because some of us are so unsure what to do. We got some people who are like "what's the big deal" 🙄 Then we got some people who are like "what just happened" 😳
Then we have some people who are awake and feeling like "what's about to happen!" 🫪
Wishing everyone out there peace and happiness and guidance for what's best for them and their family.
The ⏱️

Sad thing is, even knowing this round is over I can't truly relax or be happy I survived, since we all know there'll be more before the end of the year. Working with the constant threat of layoffs is not good for our health, mental or physical. Layoffs always happened, but they were occasional, not like now.

These senior leaders do not realize or care that they are messing with people mental health. My anxiety is past my threshold. I can not focus and to top it off can’t enjoy my PTO from all this stress!

what do you think would happen if our VSP application was denied, then we made it through the August cuts and then decided to take medical leave?

if they were to terminate your employment during that point, do you think there would be a case if there’s proof of denying the VSP?

I have a feeling I’m going to be held back and blocked from moving internally. I’d like to buy myself some time and I need a mental break.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2026/06/29/remote-work-from-home-loneliness-epidemic-americans/90651835007/

My mental heath is struggling. It was struggling before the VSP because we just couldn’t met production as the numbers weren’t there. We have just been hearing for months do more!
Now we hear it really doesn’t matter what you do, it may not be enough.
How do we even function at this point when our lives are in limbo. My future, my goals, my life is up in the air. People don’t get it. Your a nurse you will get a job.. will I really.. so many people looking for jobs. Who is going to hire a nurse who has been away from the beside for 15 years, who is going to hire a nurse closer to retirement than not. How does a person who is planning for retirement deal with starting over.
Dont tell me it will be ok.. it wont be. I am more lucky than some, I wont be homeless my husband can keep a roof over our heads, I wont go hungry, we can afford food. But I cant contribute to my family, I cant live the life I have planned. My goals and dreams. All because working my a-s off for years to a company that just doesn’t give a sh-t about us has got me in a tailspin.
Sorry just had to vent to people who will get.. people who are going through the same thing as me.

what are y’all getting? and are there any good deals by other retailers right now?

I’m thinking about getting an adult coloring book and some markers to focus on something and calm my nerves. maybe some puzzles and word finds too.

So I was part of the group on March 22 that was RIF’d but then forced to stay working until end of June and then quickly extended until end of August. It seems like the people RIF’d today are done as of today. I want that deal! Trying to stay working on the titanic is brutal and not good for mental health. Who the he-l is making these decisions?

It was a difficult decision to retire but I new it was the decision I needed to make for my health. BNY was attributing to my stress and unhappiness. Longer hours, more responsibility and less pay had become the norm and i no longer "enjoyed" my job as a didbin the past. It has been 6 months since I retired and I am a new person. I am relaxed, easy to be around and learned how to laugh and smile again. I cannot explain it, it is just freeing. People told me I am a changed person in a good way, too.
If you can retire and afraid to pull the trigger, don't be. You will not regret saving yourself. The firm will not blink an eye when you are gone. Some inexperienced person will take over and life goes on.

This has got to be one of the most mentally traumatizing experiences I have ever endured!
I feel anxiety in every section of my body.
VSP or No VSP.
Apply for VSP or Risk being laid off
Apply for VSP and wait another 23 days for the answer.
Maybe get the VSP or maybe not.
Keep working while you wait for a VSP answer OR while you wait to see if you’re laid off.
Meet your metrics.
Do your job as if nothing is happening in the background.
Something, Something #OneCenTeam

We all know more cuts are coming. But I'm looking at other companies and they're all in the same shape. I'd leave if I could find somewhere better, but I can't. And the stress of all this is really taking a toll on me physically. I honest to goodness don't know what to do.

I'm so over feeling overwhelming dread every Sunday. Give me severance and I'll happily leave. Even being unemployed would be better for my mental health than this constant torture.