Some practical advice:
Don’t bring your problems to work. Don’t waste your time and that of co-workers by talking about them. A trusted co-worker may share the information with bosses up the line in a perfectly innocent attempt to be helpful by letting them know why you aren’t performing up to snuff. Then it becomes a different game, possibly putting your job on the line.
Find emotional support off the job. Try to make the person to whom you turn for help, whether a close friend or family member or a professional, someone who has no links to your work. There are online forums that allow participants to talk about their problems while maintaining anonymity.
Find healthy ways to deal with the stresses that inevitably affect your work performance. It isn’t always possible to turn off the negative feelings that surround your problems, but try to focus on your assigned tasks. Exercise is a good way to combat stress. Regular trips to a spa or gymnasium or following a good-health regimen at home will help you cope.
Talk with your supervisor about the problem, but only in general terms. Ask for a little leeway, if necessary, to get through the worst of your situation. If you have a history of being a good employee it is likely you will be met with sympathy. There may be options such as telecommuting or changing hours.
Consider some time off if your problem requires your full attention for a while. Use sick leave, vacation or personal days if necessary. The Family and Medical Leave Act requires that employers give their workers job protection and unpaid leave in the event of a medical or family emergency. It is preferable to take a little time off than to let poor performance put your job in jeopardy.
Don’t put off professional help because of embarrassment. Professional counseling may be the answer to your dilemmas. Talking through your problems may open new possibilities.
A positive attitude helps. Self-talk, reminders that the current situation will pass, may get you through the day. Avoid negative thoughts as much as possible. Try to concentrate on solutions to your problems, not the problems themselves.
Personal problems can be distressing and the solutions sometimes are not perfect, but adding the loss of your job to the list can only exacerbate the situation. Do everything in your power to avoid it.