#mentalhealth

Random, but is anyone else’s hair falling out? It feels like I’ve been living under constant stress ever since the relocation strategy was introduced with zero details.

I think they're doing this on purpose, since I'm this close to just quitting to avoid having to go through this mental anguish even for a day longer. I wouldn't be surprised if some people already broke and quit. This is all a part of their plan, I have zero doubts about that.

I've been a Team Manager in claims with State Farm for over 30 years. I'm retiring this year after I get my MIP. Honestly feel sooooo sorry for everyone that has to stay. There have always been periods of ups and downs at SF. These last 10 years and especially this year have been an absolute nightmare. When I got promoted to TM in 1997, my boss told me to be sure to leave SF better than I found it. I tried my best but failed. The people running State Farm are absolute parasites, make no mistakes about it. To all employees, leave this place before it drains your soul, and damages your mental and physical health beyond repair. This place is just not worth it. Not saying the grass is greener on the other side but at least see if it is. The Executive leadership you have is exploiting you for only their gain, have destroyed any ounce of decency left at State Farm and are just pure clueless sc-m bags. All they want is conformity, not your opinion. All the Peakon, Voice and View, Skip Level Meetings cr-p are all just the same smoke and mirrors that the politicians use to steal you blind. It's not your TMs fault, but there are TMs that are bad and make it even worse as they drink the Kool Aid. There are still a few decent TMs/SMs that try to do the right thing but if they get caught doing it they get punished. State Farm is a sinking ship, that they crashed, and now the Captain and other officers are stepping over the elderly, women and children to save themselves and kicking people off the life boats. I get you need to pay the bills, but find a way out sooner than later. This get's a lot worse and does every day. I almost feel dirty everyday I have to work at this place, and you know deep down what this company is doing is just wrong at every level. Get out, just get out, Sorry, hope that helps some of you decide.

I left SF about a month ago but stayed in the industry. I learned that SF was 10x more toxic than I thought… They underpay you, trap you in roles that make it harder to be competitive outside the company, and ruin your physical and mental health.
Senior leadership at SF has turned into a complete joke. I no longer feel embarrassed when asked where I work.
I hope you all actually take the leap and rebuild your lives by leaving that he-l hole.

Embrace nihilism and you will feel so much better about life!! Don’t stress yourself self over something you can’t control. One day you’ll will be gone and no one will remember you.

Now I actually feel relieved. I’m not even all that scared about what’s next. There was so much pressure and focus on just keeping the job that I forgot how unhappy I really was at Target. I know the grass may not be greener, and finding another job won’t be easy, like it isn’t for anyone right now, but I still feel better for it. Sometimes change is necessary for your own clarity and sanity. In any case, wishing the best to everyone, both those who were let go and those who stayed.

I keep hearing folks whisper about layoffs like it’s something to hide, and I don’t get it. Most of us end up caught in one at some point and it’s got nothing to do with our worth. I’ve been through it myself and the silence only makes everything heavier. We shouldn’t act like losing a job is some kind of personal flaw.

I can barely drag myself out of bed on workdays, and I dread coming in. Burnt out doesn’t even begin to cover it. I’ve worked at several companies before, and this has been the most toxic, exhausting, and unrewarding experience of them all. At this point, I’m willing to face a brutal job market and even a long stretch of unemployment if it means protecting my mental and physical health.

https://studyfinds.org/saying-um-more-frequently-may-signal-cognitive-decline/

I just found out that the cost for my mental health visits will double in 2026. WTF is the ELT thinking by slashing mental health benefits, especially at a time that employees need this most? MW and the rest of them will have bl00d on their hands if someone who is on the brink is pushed over in desperation, seeing care they desperately need.

I have been having nightmares since the news broke out, Not able to focus, moral is low, zero motivation to do anything. Not willing to put in any effort until I know my fate next week. I mean whatever happens happens but next couple of days are going brutal!

Like there’s nothing till then. I fu--ing hate these people playing with people’s livelihoods and health. Man I should’ve just became a mechanic.

I have been in similar shoes and I just want to send my words of encouragement out to everyone experiencing the potential grief this week. I call it grief because that’s what it is—a loss of a life, job, career, leaders, coworkers you once held dear.

Take at least a day or two to just process. Try not to be solutions oriented immediately. I already see some friends posting on LinkedIn. I know the desperation is seeping in, but please, take time to just grieve and process this first.

Then pick yourself up and reach out to friends who have left COP previously and talk to them about what they did to leave. There is a life after. You will be okay. Sending you strength.

If layoffs happen it’s happening nov 20th or earlier.

Lists aren’t made last minute so your fate was sealed 20-30 days ago.

Initial estimates range from 15-30% depending on org but overall beverage to about 20%.

There’s likely a round 2 of layoffs early 2026.

The crisis manager article says there’s nothing to worry about - you know why?! Cause he’s a crisis manager. He’s probably on a list and has no idea lol

Lastly, these corporations you don’t hold any loyalty too. All that family talk is just bs. All those retirement emails thanking you for your service - bullsh-t. Make your money, make your connects, climb the ladder or hop to another. Do not take it personally.

Losing sleep and checking this board every 2 hours is not good for your mental state. Just get your affairs in order.

A lot of VPs, SVPs, and EVPs were given the notice. Just be thankful you weren’t one of those under heavy scrutiny. You have better odds as an underlying.

Good luck all - love you.

Share if you'd like

Leaving Loudly: Why I’m Gonr After a Decade
The End of a Chapter
Friday marks my last day after ten years of dedication, hard work, and consistently exceeding expectations—90% of my ratings were top-tier. Yet, despite the numbers, the experience left me drained and disillusioned.
Quiet Quitting vs. Loud Leaving
While many choose to “quietly quit,” I’m doing the opposite. I’m leaving loudly—not for drama, but because silence protects systems that harm. Speaking up matters.
The Human Cost
This ISP hasn’t been easy. It’s taken a toll on my aging parents, my spouse, and my kids. The emotional weight is real, and I won’t sugarcoat it: I’ve felt depressed and confused through this process.
One Piece of Advice
If you’re in a similar situation, know your worth and don’t ignore the signs. Blind loyalty can cost you years you’ll never get back.
A Hard Truth About Edward Jones
To my network: take a hard look at Edward Jones. High fees, outdated practices, and a culture that undervalues high performers have left me embarrassed I stayed so long. Tell your friends. Protect your future.
Closing Thoughts
Leaving is hard. Staying in a place that erodes your confidence and well-being is harder. Sometimes the loudest exit is needed.

Company: Pajaro Valley Unified School District
Source: Santa Cruz Local

‘Devastating’ layoffs proposed at PVUSD would cut all mental health counselors
Summary: PVUSD administrators proposed eliminating more than 160 positions, including all 13 mental health clinicians, citing declining enrollment and revenue. Union leaders dispute the need and raise concerns about student safety following recent violent incidents and su----es. ([Santa Cruz Local][6])
City: Watsonville
State: California
https://santacruzlocal.org/2025/11/10/devastating-layoffs-proposed-at-pvusd-would-cut-all-mental-health-counselors/

I've been mandated to return 4 days a week. During the last month of this, I've talked to 3 people (total) in the office and taken meetings from conference rooms where hardly anyone in the office showed up--instead taking the calls from their cube or a focus room or remote. The people I work with are not in the office or even my location. But my life has been disrupted completely to meet some ridiculous ego-driven mandate. I'm using more water, gas and energy--not good for the environment. My stress level has risen--not good for my mental state. And add to this the other things I had to buy to accommodate going into the office (lunch stuff, clothing, shoes, backpack that holds a laptop, etc.) that makes RTO costly to the employee. This is after 5 years of little no pay increase and minimal if any bonus and 5+ years without a promotion. Feeling trapped because the job market is so horrible. But yeah, at least I have a job and didn't get riffed. Looking forward to the tide changing back to favor employees however long that takes.

An on point post from @cf+1k9p3cq31.

Do you act like you are going to get RIF'd? The upside is you are mentally ready if you do get RIF'd. The downside is you caused yourself weeks of stress and worry if you end up not getting RIF'd. Like the saying says, "worrying does not change tomorrow, but ruins today".

Or do you act like you're going to be just fine? The upside of this is no stress and worry. The downside is that it hurts even more if it does happen.

What is your mental state during this time?

Like most I am worried about being laid off.
What advice can you think of for those who may not be in the best headspace of the worst happens.

Trying to ask a somewhat positive and practical question. I have many issues with the logic of some choices I’m aware of but they may end up being a different thread sometime.

that's my experience with paramount. and yet, i am still here. my sanity did suffer, often i ask myself was it worth it. i do like my job, the team is awesome but still, it's way too much of a burden from the psychological standpoint. when i look back i do not even know how i managed this inside, it's a blow after blow.

I keep swinging between “please, just lay me off and end this misery” and “please don’t lay me off, this job market is brutal.” It’s like an hourly cycle at this point. They’re really wrecking people’s sanity by dragging this out when there’s absolutely no reason to.

I’m only a few days out from Wells Fargo, and the feeling is nothing short of liberation. After years of toxic management, mind games, tricks, and the constant drain of unhealthy dynamics, I finally feel like I can breathe again.

What I’m curious about—and what I’d love to hear from this community—is how others have experienced life after Wells. Have you noticed your mental health or physical health improve once you left? Do you feel lighter, healthier, or more yourself in a new company compared to the environment we endured here?

I’m also wondering about comparisons. For those of you who’ve worked at other money-center banks or big financial firms: is Wells Fargo’s toxicity truly on another level, or is it just a variation of the same culture across the industry? What feels different about Wells compared to other firms?

For me, asking these questions is part of healing, curiosity, and looking forward. Understanding how others have rebuilt after leaving helps me realize what’s possible—and reminds me that liberation isn’t just about escape, it’s about growth.

Would love to hear your thoughts, stories, and comparisons.

Life lessons from someone who was laid off from another oil and gas company years ago—and learned it’s not the end of life, but the start of a new chapter.

1. Identity tied to work

Often we invest so much time and energy into a job that we end up confusing what we do with who we are. If the company lets us go, it feels like they’re rejecting our identity, not just our role.

1. External recognition

Work is often a source of validation: bosses, colleagues, achievements, promotions. When that disappears, it creates a void that can make us doubt our own value.

1. Security and belonging

A job also represents economic stability and a place in a community (team, corporate culture). Being fired can feel like losing a “family” or security, which hits beyond just the professional level.

1. Social narrative

Society often measures success through work. This makes us unconsciously internalize the idea that being fired equals “failure,” even though in reality it’s just a change in circumstances.

1. Emotional factor

Even though rationally we know human value doesn’t depend on an employer, emotionally it’s hard to separate self-esteem from this experience, especially in vulnerable moments.

The key is to rebuild your narrative: being fired is not a judgment on your value—it’s just the end of a cycle in a place that no longer fits you. Your experience, character, talents, and ability to learn remain intact.

Practical Strategies to Reconnect with Your Value After Being Fired

🔹 1. Redefine the narrative

Instead of thinking “I was fired”, reframe it as:

• “That place was no longer right for me.”

• “A door closed, but it opens others that may fit me better.”

The words we use shape how we feel.

🔹 2. Separate “role” from “identity”

Make a list of who you are outside of work: parent, friend, creative, good listener, curious, resilient.

This helps remind you that your essence doesn’t depend on a contract.

🔹 3. Take stock of personal and professional achievements

Write down your accomplishments, not just at work, but also personal ones (e.g., learned a language, supported a friend, overcame a challenge).

Whenever you feel your value is in question, review this list.

🔹 4. Seek internal, not external validation

A company validates results; you can validate your effort, learning, and integrity.

Ask yourself: Am I proud of how I worked? Of how I grew?

🔹 5. Build a support network

Talk to people who value you for who you are (family, friends, mentors). This reinforces the idea that you are not “your job.”

🔹 6. Practice healthy detachment

A useful exercise: imagine your CV and current job disappear. What’s left? What remains—your character, creativity, values—is who you truly are.

🔹 7. Refocus on the future

Set small goals: a course, a personal project, learning something new. This restores a sense of progress and control.

“We want to let you know that we've made the difficult decision to no longer offer Behavioral Health services in New Jersey“

https://patch.com/new-jersey/hoboken/optum-lay-572-workers-closing-pediatrics-mental-health-offices-nj

Maybe it is time to find another job, I recommend it for many to save your mental health and not be stuck in a layoff.

Remember you’re the one who dressed up for the interview. You’re the one who said you wanted this opportunity. You accepted the offer, and you keep showing up every day. So maybe—just maybe—“they” aren’t the problem. At some point, you have to stop pointing fingers and start owning the choices that put you here. If you don’t like where you are, change it. But pretending this is someone else’s fault isn’t going to fix anything.

Before joining this place 5 years ago I used to be told that I look 5-10 years younger than my actual age. The other day when I was looking at pictures only 6 months into working here, it was night and day compared to photos pre-ELV. The fear, anxiety and constant chaos of this environment will do it to you. Not to mention more health issues. I hope I can get some of that lightness of spirit back when I leave here.

How long was the recovery time? Tips? What worked well?

I genuinely can't sleep. I'm trying so hard. But I just can't. It's 2:20 am.

I don't even know what to check my email. I don't know what to do anymore. I lost. I feel dead inside.

I know this is just a job. But it's also livelihood.

i feel so alone in this

Her company’s in worse shape, and the chances of her getting let go are even higher. The odds aren’t looking good for us. If we both lose our jobs, we’re honestly sc--wed. I don’t know what we’ll do if at least one of us doesn’t find something new fast. We’ve both worked hard and done everything right. This just shouldn’t be happening. Ever.

I’m numb at this point. Whatever happens, happens. I just want it to be over fast. The toll this whole thing is taking on our health is off the charts. Sc--w this company.

It’s a better option than staying in this mess of never-ending anxiety.

Anyone else has stress, mental and anxiety problems. I just cannot work today. I had trouble sleeping over the weekend. My wife says that I should stop thinking about it, but I cannot. Trying to meditate, helps a little bit but it's hard. I am thinking many of us are in the same position. How do you cope????????????????????/

I know a lot of people will jump straight into applying, but I plan to take a week or two to clear my head and just breathe. None of this has been easy, and I think taking a little time to calm down and reset is important. But I don’t have a partner or kids to support, so I know it’s easier for me to say that than for those who do.

I want to be able to sleep through the night again. I haven’t had a proper night of sleep in what feels like months.

With so many long term people who have been there 20+ years getting axed, have there been any RIF induced sueys that anyone has heard of??

I reached out to someone who was still employed there just to see what has been going on but didn’t directly ask about any RIF, it’s been complete radio silence which is kind of unusual for this person. This is really hard for some people so I have really no idea how to approach people about these situations.

It’s almost exactly like not knowing what to say to people who are going through mourning and just had a loved one die or something similar to that, actually maybe even worse???

I always think back to that guy at Dell 2 years ago in Texas, he had been there over 20 years and then got the RIF.

He went right out to the Dell parking lot and said:

“ “this is all I know”…….”

Any tips on keeping the sueys at bay for our fellow colleagues who are going through it right now??

I know everybody is spiraling. I’m up in the middle of the night too, so trust me, I’m not doing great either, but I do have, I wouldn’t say the advantage, but the insight of being laid off twice before, so I have a better idea how this will play out. There are two things I know for sure from personal experience, and also from the experience of a few friends who’ve been through something similar.

1. If you’re laid off, you’ll feel awful. It’ll be like a punch in the gut, and it might take days or even weeks to process the anger, disappointment, fear of the unknown, and all the other emotions.

2. After it’s all said and done, you’ll be okay. You’ll shake it off, start making plans, and before you know it, you’ll have a new job. Both times I was employed again within three months, and the severance was more than enough to get me and my family through it.

And before anyone mentions the job market, I was first laid off in 2008, and trust me, this job market is golden compared to that.

My point is, yes, it won’t be pretty if you’re laid off, but it won’t be the end of the world either. Keep that in mind over the next few days, because losing hope in the future can destroy you mentally in the long run, even if you don’t end up being laid off.

I was laid off within the last 2 years. My experience thus far, has been one of immense relief. If you're lucky to have a good cultural pocket at Nike, I envy you. I was unfortunate enough to be in a toxic one for several years, and it weighed on me heavily. Very glad to be out for that reason alone. The job market is sh-t, and I don't have a ton of leads but I have been trying like he-l. And it's really baffling, because everyone on the inside was so friendly with the "we all have each other's back" sport team analogy vibes....except we really didn't.

The lack of any outward communication from 99% of people I used to work with has been validating, disappointing, and consistent with what everyone's saying on this site.

Nike's culture is so phoney baloney in this regard. It's not a good sign for your company's culture when you rave on and on about people's performance on the job (e.g., "this person's a rock star!", "they're so great", etc.), spend time over countless lunch outings, barbecues, and happy hours outside work, have spent years of hearing about each other's personal lives, families, and weekends, only to completely ghost the ones at work you supposedly "care" about now you don't see them anymore.

If you read the above, and scoff at it for being too "naive", or "soft"....you're part of the problem. We all gave/are giving the company so much of our time and mental energy. For what? To treat each other like Nike treats us all? Aren't we better than that? Despite what Mitt Romney once said, corporations aren't people. We can do better than treating each other the way Nike treats us.

To people who reach out - please continue to do so. Your words have been so helpful. To those who don't / haven't reached out....consider your team members who are now in isolation. They could use a familiar face or a check in from time to time.

I never really get to rest. A day or two off is never enough to relieve all the stress that builds up over the week. The anticipation of next week will probably make it completely consumed by anxiety.