anyone else battle anxiety and depression in the CM role? I can't be alone.

anyone else battle anxiety and depression in the CM role? I can't be alone. Feel so alone!
What's your cope, directly in the moment?

You are NOT alone. Sometimes it is worse than working in a prison. In the moment you must gain control of what is going on, take deep breaths, and remember it is temporary. If it is escalated remember to end the conversation or interaction as no resolution will come out of it. Revisit when you are not in the moment. Take a walk outside sometimes

1.) You're not alone. 1 in 5 Americans struggle with mental health challenges and there is ZERO SHAME in it. I'm super proud of you for reaching out because i know how hard it can be. For every person who asks for help there are so many who suffer alone needlessly. You're already on the right track.
2)Look at your benefits package. Many companies offer mental health coverage as well as physical health.
If I can be helpful with coping strategies, I'm more than happy to. Hang in there. You're not alone and how you're feeling matters.

you are not alone!

I agree...check with your company’s benefit package and take advantage of the services. There is no shame and it truly might help. The amount of stress on-site property management folks deal with is no joke and does lead to higher levels of anxiety and actual stress of your body. You only have one body and one mind. #takecareofyou

Prayer and lots of rest❤️

Meditation

When I started in this business 20 years ago my doctor put me on anxiety medication. It works. In 90 days I will retire planning on getting off my meds. I take what I call mental days when I feel I'm not going to be able to handle the day.

Definitely not alone. Then I listen to this on the way home.

It is a tough job but you have to figure out how to prioritize. You can't let the job control you. You need to control the job. Make a daily list. Take breaks and eat lunch. If what you are doing isn't working try another path. It can only defeat you if you let it. I have been where you are.

You HAVE to find an outlet! It sounds cheesy but I have an adult coloring book and color to keep my mind busy but off work. Your company may have EAP and you should look into that. It helped me. Yes, most days are very stressful but you have to find an "outlet" and no, not alcohol but that makes things worse. Temporary "fix" but in the long run not a great outlet..my experience.

You are not alone! Thank you to everyone in this group. Reading and sharing on here helps so much since we really get one another.

Toughest job you will ever love. When I managed on site team members, I used to tell them to never schedule more than 20 hours a week because the other 20 hours will be filled by the things you cannot predict when you manage hundreds of people's homes.
Hang in there!

Your not alone... I'm struggling too but with a heavy plate of a parent last year passing away and if my mom just being told she has aggressive cancer....
Our job is not easy on the easiest of days we are the center of people's homes and lives...
Find an outlet.. get a massage (it join a gym that has massage needs like planet fitness)...I do photography... I color... I sing horribly to music in my car and often cry to and from work so those in my life won't see me breaking....
But know your not alone

I think alot of us do it's one of the toughest jobs out there, sure others like myself also battle PTSD I've been through way to many property fires among other things specializing in rough section 8/tax credit properties.

Sometimes I have to close my door for 10 minutes. I may be still returning emails, I may have my head down on the desk but ten minutes and some deep breathing and it’s better!

I’ve done prop MGT for a long time. One thing I’ve learned is if you are at a property for more than 4-5 years it’s time for a change. The anxiety comes more when the everyday isn’t challenging- at least for those I know, this was a problem from them.

Do you like to sing? ☺️⭐️ I found an app I really like...it takes my mind off the stress of work until I can get home to my babies for second full time job!

Life work balance has to be even, too much time spent at work, too many expectations for occupancy, rent, solving problems will take a toll on you. Love your job, do your best everyday but understand one person can't be expected to solve all the problems that pop up every single day in your property. When it's time....go home.

Directly in the moment?....close your door and eyes for 5 minutes and take deep breaths. Know you’re doing the best you can. I’m wishing you the best, it’s a tough job.

Grab the golf cart keys and ride the property...every inch of it.

I quit after 20 years

It was an existing issue, but some struggles are making it worse.

I take random moments to go walk property and practice a breathing routine. Two birds one stone.

PTO and trips just to get away.

You have to really find something that works for you. I love music, so I close my door sometimes and just really sing till I'm relaxed again. Taking an afternoon off or a few days is super helpful. I like to reorganize my office too. I feel refreshed when I do that. I think in today's society with so many different personalities, property staff are having to be hyper aware. The love we get from residents, the sad ones, the ones that are always angry, the ones you read about on the news that have been injured or worse killed. Property damage, grounds, staff that need direction, corporate not being satisfied with something, etc... PM is just about an everyday roller coaster of emotions depending on the hat you have to wear. It can take a toll quick. Find that thing that helps reset your mind. None of us are perfect. It's nice to hear your doing great- thank you...

Yes! It means you care! Thanks for reaching out because there are so many that know exactly where you are and we aren’t alone! It’s so hard to step away from it all sometimes and I had some really bad days BUT there are plenty of us out there. If you need a break take PTO and go on a cruise where you can’t get calls and detach if you can. I use to do that because I couldn’t turn it off~ I’m on the supplier side now and there are many days I miss it but I know where you are and that’s why I try and help as much as I can. Self care and remember you are definitely not alone!

Jenna,

You are not alone! What we do is both a business and very personal to all people we house in our communities. Balancing both business objectives and serving hundreds of residents (needs, wants, concerns) is a challenge, and if we don't take care of ourselves it can take a toll on our health.
Coping Strategies (from adaa.org/tips )
Try these when you're feeling anxious or stressed:

Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.

Eat well-balanced meals. Do not skip any meals. Do keep healthful, energy-boosting snacks on hand.

Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.

Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.

Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health. Check out the fitness tips below.

Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.

Count to 10 slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.

Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn't possible, be proud of however close you get.

Accept that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective: Is it really as bad as you think?

Welcome humor. A good laugh goes a long way.

Maintain a positive attitude. Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.

Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.

Learn what triggers your anxiety. Is it work, family, school, or something else you can identify? Write in a journal when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, and look for a pattern.

Talk to someone. Tell friends and family you’re feeling overwhelmed, and let them know how they can help you. Talk to a physician or therapist for professional help.

You are definitely not alone!! There are times that my anxiety goes thru the roof! I am already medicated for depression due to severe post partum. I normally try to not take my anxiety medicine at work, but there are times where I have no choice because I feel like my heart is going to beat out of my chest!

My boss is very understanding and always tells me to take a walk around the property, get some fresh air, take deep breaths, remember it's just a moment in time, it's not a permanent problem that can't be resolved in some way. But, yes, there are times where it really gets bad. Keep a good support system around you! Even if it is this forum!

Remember, there are thousands of other CM's out there who know what you're feeling!

We've just started counseling for my daughter for anxiety, here are 3 tools he gave us to use in the moment:

1. Take deep breaths, exhale for 6 seconds
2. Use essential oils - I found a great rub on essential oil at the dollar store she can carry with her and just rub on her wrists to smell
3. Use a rice sock - I found some on amazon and we just heat it up quick in the microwave and she has found this very soothing as well.

We've just started counseling for my daughter for anxiety, here are 3 tools he gave us to use in the moment:

1. Take deep breaths, exhale for 6 seconds
2. Use essential oils - I found a great rub on essential oil at the dollar store she can carry with her and just rub on her wrists to smell
3. Use a rice sock - I found some on amazon and we just heat it up quick in the microwave and she has found this very soothing as well.

I use a lot of guided sleep meditations on youtube each night to help fall asleep, Jason Stephenson is my favorite, and they carry you through the next day as well as short 10-15 minute ones when you are in a pinch. They help relax the tension you are carries and clear your mind.

Anxiety sometimes. Yoga is good for stress and anxiety and it helps to quiet the mind.
Also, I go to a gym and do cardio 3-4 times a week. Praying you will find some peace.