I thought I was doing well until I got to the edge of the cliff.  I woke up in the morning feeling disoriented and exhausted, my head felt like it was splitting open and I could hardly get out of bed.  Yet, I forced myself into the shower to get ready for work.  After a while, my body broke down and I could no longer carry on.

Eventually, I had to face the reality of what I was feeling.  I was at work one day when my telephone rang and I picked up the receiver to answer in the usual fashion.  With the phone to my ear, I could not bring out the words to speak.  I was terrified and immediately went to see my family doctor.

Without hesitation, she ordered me off work so I can rest.  I was off on sick leave for 6 months.