HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Stress

Support Forums
>
Fibromyalgia
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 8/5/2011 3:48 PM (GMT 0)
I'm undiagnosed and having some new alarming symptoms. I think it's the day to day stress of my job. My job, in itself, isn't stressful. My workplace is, though. I have no idea when I'm gonna get slammed from my co-worker.  I can't even begin to go into her antics, but today, after having more than enough, I feel she is the reason my body is killing me. You know what I mean. I just don't know how much more I can take.  Disability isn't an option at this point, they can't even figure out what the heck is wrong. I can't quit, we need the money.  I'm at my wit's end, just trying to laugh off her antics until she really gets me upset. Like today.

I love my job, but despise the people. I've been looking for a new job, to no avail.

Thanks for letting me get it off my chest, and I'm going for a walk at lunchtime to try to relieve some of this stress.

Any suggestions for stress relief are welcomed. :)

Posted 8/7/2011 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
 I can relate to a stressful job. And believe me that can make your symptoms worse. Right now I am currently on leave to get my head and body straight. As for some stress relievers. Rest, and plenty of rest when possible. I also like to listen to the cds with background sounds like rain, waterfalls, etc. Just depends on what you like. Sometime I like to listen to a storm or maybe the moving waves of the ocean. Or maybe going somewhere peaceful for about 10 minutes and sipping on one of your favorite drinks. A refreshing smoothie, or cool glass of lemonade. There are a lot of nice people here and I am sure you will get lots of advice. Hope you find something that helps.

Yellwdaisy

Posted 8/7/2011 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
Concentrating on my breathing sometimes helps me, and consciously relaxing each part of my body. Nothing new here, but I know I have to remind myself a lot.

I hope you get some relief! How was your walk?

Debbie
Posted 8/7/2011 3:47 PM (GMT 0)
The day got worse, it was a bad week. The walk helped, but the stress comes right back. Thank God for the weekend. :) I have a dr. appt. Monday, so I'm calling in sick. I will go the employment office to see what jobs are out there, and get some advice. Then I'm going to get my car checked (gonna need that if I change jobs - and OF COURSE it's having issues) and then it's off to the doctor. My doctor is known for pulling people out of work due to stress, but I can't afford it. I keep telling myself that I just have to do what I have to do...

It doesn't help that the muscle issues I've been having are scaring me. Hopefully I can put some fears to rest at my appointment Monday, since my rheumatologist wasn't a help.

One thing I have decided is that if things get out of hand at work, I will just go for a walk, no matter what. They do everything possible to make everything I "do" need to be done on an "emergency basis"... for NO reason other than my boss is nuts... so I guess the other girl (who gets paid for a 40 hour week, regularly works 30 and makes sure boss stays nuts) will have to start pulling her fair share. I have always been very proud of being super-worker, and I just can't do it anymore. If I stop bringing in the cashflow, I think someone will pay attention. I need to be my own priority.

Thanks for the advice!!
Posted 8/9/2011 11:44 AM (GMT 0)
Have you talked to anyone about this situation with the coworker? What you have going on can be considered a "hostile working environment" but there are specific steps you have to take to get the issue addressed. I don't know if you've ever addressed it with the coworker (and trust me, I know it's probably the absolute last thing you want to do) but that's the first step. You shouldn't have to put up with it and your HR director would be able to tell you what to do. They might also be interested to have it brought to their attention with the coworker consistently not working enough hours (I'm guessing she's salaried?) If anything, you can frame it in the context of your medical issues and how her actions/inaction is affecting your performance/health.

Aside from that, I totally agree with the stress-relieving measures. I personally love aromatherapy, and if you're at all inclined to try meditation you can combine the two for further effectiveness. I'm sorry you're having to deal with this and I wish you luck with it all!
Posted 8/9/2011 1:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi loveskermit,

I hope you are able to get this resolved, or have you been walking at every opportunity? I do agree with evenkeel's comments and just wanted you to know I am sending you positive thoughts.
Posted 8/9/2011 1:39 PM (GMT 0)
I have always been an anxiety person. I have finally learned relaxation techniques that help me. Also, swimming or a warm bath. I have also bought the lavendar scented microwavable neck wraps.. the warmth and the scent helps.

 

Posted 8/9/2011 4:10 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I have addressed the issues with both my boss and the co-worker several times. There is no HR here. Today I was informed by her that she can and will come and go at will, without notice to me, and it's none of my business. If she leaves while I'm at lunch, it's obviously none of my business if she's coming back.

My boss is a spineless wonder, so I figure if she can play that game I might as well, too. I will refuse to do any of her work that she can't get done because she is playing instead of working. Done. I have enough of my own work.

Sometimes I think I'm losing my mind. Every so many weeks/months everything around the office completely changes, it's whatever the coworkers whims are. I was informed immediately upon being hired that although I advised my boss ten minutes before I left for an appointment, because I did not physically tell him and the other girl here that I was going to the appointment, that I was in the wrong and it was not acceptable. I am not to leave for lunch without advising both of them... today, she says that those conversations never happened.

Luckily, I have started documenting all these happenings, because if get fired for my attitude, or have to leave due to illness, I want proof that they are the cause of my stress.

Today, I took the further step of uploading my resume and starting my job search, AGAIN.
Posted 8/10/2011 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
I read a very interesting article in Ironman, which is a body builders magazine. It was on
stress and the effect on muscle tissue. It said that when you're stressed it will actually
destroy muscle. That may be why so many go downhill so fast with this disease. I just got
this months issue and am going to check the article on HMB.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply