Need Help to recover from night shift.

I am 4 years away from retirement. I work 7 nights a month ( 3 one week 4 the next).
My problem is in the recovery. I find the first day that I am awake after a stretch of nights I am unable to cope as I usually would with the day to day stresses of living. I have learned not to take too much on these days but am always either cranky or crying. My family is struggling these days as my husband lost his job and I am depressed anyway, but these days are really hard to live through. Any tips? I usually get enough sleep.
Does your employer have an employee assistance program? Because it sounds like the problem is not nights per se- but the situation you are in. {{hugs}}

I agree with meanmaryjean, it sounds like the stresses of things are keeping you from resting and perhaps making you feel more depressed. Not getting enough sleep can make any of us bears to live with, has your hubby been able to apply for unemployment? What about you picking up a few extra shifts? It seems sometimes life is just not fair, no matter what we do there usually lurks some unforseen event that throws us for a loop. The job market is still very difficult for anyone. See if your facility has the program the above post was speaking of (EA) if you get your health care plan from them, they should have this type of program that offers some limited counseling and talking to someone may help you feel better about the circumstances. Good Luck!!!

Quote from e1n2a3j4I am 4 years away from retirement. I work 7 nights a month ( 3 one week 4 the next). My problem is in the recovery. I find the first day that I am awake after a stretch of nights I am unable to cope as I usually would with the day to day stresses of living. I have learned not to take too much on these days but am always either cranky or crying. My family is struggling these days as my husband lost his job and I am depressed anyway, but these days are really hard to live through. Any tips? I usually get enough sleep.