What are the chances of encountering a psychological breakdown very soon?

Question

2 years ago i started at my present job and had to adjust to the graveyard shift. It took me a couple months, but I got to like it and I was doing very well once I blacked out my windows so I could sleep in the mornings.

Now I'm living in a different place, my schedule changed from 8 hours 5 nights a week to 12 hours fri-sat-sun and I've recently taken on working the swing shift for 10 hours the remaining 4 days a week...76 hours a week total.

I'm sleeping when it's light out and I haven't blocked out the light that comes in through my big bedroom window. I'm drinking at least one energy drink a day, though I'm drinking a lot more vitamin water and green tea than I ever have before. I don't eat a whole lot, and it's been fast food lately, however I've eaten much better when I've found time to cook something healthy.

At work, I'm beginning to have coordination issues, I cut my finger open with a pair of scissors by accident, and I just can't seem to focus like I could before.

I tried getting plenty of sleep, but all the caffiene seems to pop my eyes open after about 6 hours of sleep.

My back is starting to ache, I'm nauseous for most of the day, and I'm smoking about twice as much as I did before.

I'm committed to working both shifts because I'm the best guy they have for my position in the company, but I'm afraid it won't be long and I'll just go flat out dumb...

Is it possible to become stupid and uncoordinated from not sleeping enough, working 45% of the time, living on energy drinks and hardly eating?

Please don't tell me I'm stupid right now... this is only going to last a few more weeks... maybe a month.

Answer 1

veryy soon, get a new job or you could really hurt yourself!

Answer 2

I don't think you'll have a psychological breakdown, but you will however wear your body out and make yourself very ill. The body can't keep going under that much pressure. You need to talk to your employer and sort out a better work plan or alternatively, look for a new job.

Answer 3

Matey, its reality check time - lessen those hours of work or they are going to kill you!  You have already cut your finger open because you cant focus and this will eventually effect your performance.  Feeling nauseous, smoking, back ache... your body is trying to tell you to quit while youre ahead.  Youre not going to be the best guy in your position for much longer... so youd better drop down to one shift and make do with just being the best guy on one shift who is still alive this time next year.

Answer 4

Hey bud-i feel your pain-working 2 12 hour shifts and 2 8 hour shifts throught the night, then another 30 during the days here.  It's not easy, but i can tell you right now, if your not taking care of your body, it will take care of itself..meaning--if you don't starting getting sleep and eating properly, you will get sick, and your body will just shut down.  The lack of coordination is a tell tale sign that your body isn't getting the rest it needs.  

Long and the short of it-if you keep up this pace and don't do something drastic to help your body recover-you will have a breakdown/shutdown.  

Answer 5

Yes a breakdown or heart attack will come. Please stop smoking and get enough sleep. You will have a new outlook.