I've been playing poker for 12 years. My very first year I was a losing player and put in the time to get better. Since then I've always had a winning year. My run bad started last year and is something that seems to not ever go away. I typically profit around 15k-20k a year playing 1/2 and 2/5.

Last year my all in EV was almost 31k yet I only won around 3600 in these spots. This current year my all in EV is 9k and I'm showing a loss of 3400 for 2017. Obviously I've had bad play mixed in there as well but my question is how should I deal with this?

Tighten up my preflop play to reduce variance? Keep powering through it? Sacrifice a chicken?

I've taken a week off here and there since it's wearing me down but I've never hit a run like this and it's really making me question if I can mentally handle this continuing for a few more months.

Really just looking for suggestions for some of you regs that have been in this situation before.

Depends who you're playing against to some extent. I'm more hu sng and tournaments than cash but if i have a 7030 edge on a guy then I'm avoiding flips a fair bit. Especially if I've a clear idea of how I'm going to kill him.
Either way, the head f#ck is going to generate its own problems if you don't change scene.
Soft live cash? Then variance is just a minor annoyance.
Hope things turn around for ya.

I will say that I've tried to tighten up a little more pre and will try and get the money in on the turn instead of flop to reduce variance but it seems to be having the opposite effect. Obviously I'm good getting it in 60/40 or 70/30 but it feels like I'm stacking off much more playing this way.

I've realized taking breaks every few sessions is helpful and I'm really trying to work on fitness to help with the mental game. I always heard people complaining about runbad but never really understood it could get to this level.

Thanks for the encouragement and my last 4 sessions have been a little better. Quite the humbling experience.

I rotate card rooms and games. 1/3 NL may be my main game, but I'll play 1/2 NL, 2/5 NL, 4/8 O8, even 3/6 & 4/8 limit.

Also, I never tell anyone I'm running bad, ... ever. Word does get around.

Strange as it may seem, gambling it up at 4/8 O8 and losing $200-$300 can get that **** out of your system and reset you for the NL games.

I completely agree on the not telling anyone about the rubbed JayKon. Whether its just bias or people start calling you more because you're on a bad streak and they will get there!

I'll try your idea of switching up game types if i'm having a tough stretch. Thanks for the suggestion.