HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Horrible regression and an awful funk

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 5/17/2015 11:29 PM (GMT 0)
I still cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The most recent funk began Friday when my employer told me I could no longer use my ear buds at work. They continue to address things that aren't really problems. They knit-pick. If they would address the real problems, I wouldn't have needed said ear buds. Personal calls, gossip, and just noise in general make it a tough place to work. I'm the only male amongst a dozen females. It's awful. Filing a discrimination suit has entered my mind. I know discrimination and being a Caucasian male is an oxymoron. With my physical condition being so poor, I don't know where else I would work. If I didn't need health insurance, I'd quit. It's so ironic.

I think in a way, it's those people I work with that make me feel secluded. When I have free time, I don't want to do anything. Since my friend moved to California, I feel all alone. Everyone around here seems so dependent on drinking. People are dependent on substances because life sucks. Maybe I just envy the drinkers. My GI history makes drinking especially bad for me.

I used all my energy and happiness up when I was little. I believe I am cursed. Unless someone has a time machine, there is no helping me. I'm overweight, balding, have a mystery pelvic issue, can't be a man due to weakness from surgeries, student loans stink, the housework that needs doing overwhelms me, and the list goes on...

A nice man passed away from cancer last weekend. My mom worked for him. Why did he suffer? I frequently call the grim reaper and he doesn't answer. Due to my beliefs, it is not my call to end myself. It's God's. I am merely fortunate humans are mortal beings.

It could be worse, but that's never really worked for me. I'm just a glass is half-empty kind of guy.

I know some of you saw progress with me, but it's just been snatched away.
Posted 5/17/2015 11:51 PM (GMT 0)
I'm in a funk myself, so I can send you nothing but a giant hug.

Also a little support....that's crap about the ear buds. What a joke. I'd be pissed too.
Posted 5/17/2015 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hugs would be good.

Yeah, I am unsure which action I will take. Shame we don't have a union. I will most likely talk to my direct supervisor. I'm disappointed I wasn't given a chance to improve my ear bud use as I admittedly still had one in with people talking to me and such. Maybe we can compromise, but I doubt it. The big boss is an idiot.
Posted 5/18/2015 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
Smooth,

Do yo have an employee handbook? Is there a PR person for you to talk to about this?

Sounds like your boss is pulling this 'rule' out of his arse...and you can probably get the policy on ears buds clarified fairly easily and quickly.

Try not to let one negative event become an avalanche that burys you.

Your progress has not been snatched away, unless you give over your power willingly.

You've just gotten temporarily derailed...but can get back, I know you can.

We are here to support you while you do the work to get back to where you want and need to be.

All your friends gathered around!! :)

S.C.
Posted 5/18/2015 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
Smooth,

Sorry to hear yr recent funk, I too am in a valley right now. Up and down, up and down, it never stops. I am just happy for the reprieves I get once in a while. Hang in there, and try to focus on the small things.
Posted 5/18/2015 2:07 AM (GMT 0)
Scaredy,

I doubt it. We may have Human Resources at City Hall. I'm honestly not sure. I have a great repoire (sp?) with the third in command. The big boss has been picking on me about slouching in my chair, too. At least he had the stones to tell me that. He typically has his minions tell me. My lower back is pretty much caved in. I naturally slouch. I'm bigger than he is. His is an elected position and I was very helpful in getting him elected. I may remind him off that. He has no respect from anyone really. Many call him by his first name. I always say Mr. last name because it's how I was raised, but since he deserves no respect, I'm debating calling him by his first name. I may also inquire about an employee putting the bad mouth on me when it wasn't true. Did anything happen to her? Doubt it.

These roadblocks always get me down for longer than they should. I may get notes from my doctor. I'm supposed to be decreasing my level of stress.
Posted 5/18/2015 2:09 AM (GMT 0)
Jennings,

I remember complaining about my back recently and then said, "Nevermind, I'll take it!" as my pelvic discomfort is worse. Haha
Posted 5/18/2015 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
John,
The earbud thing sounds like a load of bull.
I've never once heard that.
You'd think they would encourage that in an effort to tune out the noise and hone in on your work.
How bizarre.

How easy (or difficult) is it for you to maybe transfer to a different department? Look for a new job?
You're so worthy of being treated with respect and admiration at a place of employment. I can tell that you're a hard worker, and I know for a hard fact that you're a golden guy.

I'm sorry there's been a set back. BUT think about the stuff you have to look forward to. You're coming to CALI!
Posted 5/19/2015 2:22 PM (GMT 0)
The American's With Disabilities Act states that Employers must make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. If you are using the ear buds to ease your anxiety, bring that to your bosses attention. You may find that they will allow you to use them if you bring up the ADA. Good luck! I too use ear buds, as I have health anxiety too, and sometimes we host trainings like CPR and just hearing things like that and the risks of heart disease are enough to throw me into an anxiety attack.
Posted 5/19/2015 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Reasonable Accommodation

Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (the "ADA")(1) requires an employer(2) to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment, unless to do so would cause undue hardship. "In general, an accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done that enables an individual with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities."(3)There are three categories of "reasonable accommodations":


"(i) modifications or adjustments to a job application process that enable a qualified applicant with a disability to be considered for the position such qualified applicant desires; or

(ii) modifications or adjustments to the work environment, or to the manner or circumstances under which the position held or desired is customarily performed, that enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of that position; or

(iii) modifications or adjustments that enable a covered entity's employee with a disability to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by its other similarly situated employees without disabilities."(4)

The duty to provide reasonable accommodation is a fundamental statutory requirement because of the nature of discrimination faced by individuals with disabilities. Although many individuals with disabilities can apply for and perform jobs without any reasonable accommodations, there are workplace barriers that keep others from performing jobs which they could do with some form of accommodation. These barriers may be physical obstacles (such as inaccessible facilities or equipment), or they may be procedures or rules (such as rules concerning when work is performed, when breaks are taken, or how essential or marginal functions are performed). Reasonable accommodation removes workplace barriers for individuals with disabilities.

Reasonable accommodation is available to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.(5) Reasonable accommodations must be provided to qualified employees regardless of whether they work part- time or full-time, or are considered "probationary." Generally, the individual with a disability must inform the employer that an accommodation is needed
Posted 5/19/2015 5:01 PM (GMT 0)
Great info SOBS...thanks for the share!! This could be a good reference for many...now and in the future...

S.C.
Posted 5/20/2015 4:17 PM (GMT 0)
Keepin you towards the top, John :)
Posted 5/24/2015 8:28 PM (GMT 0)
Sophie, thanks for all that. I feel trapped due to my physical limitations. I'm unsure of whom would want to hire me. Lately, I have greatly considered a change. I am trying to make it to the end of the year here since I have vacation time saved up. Like I told you earlier, I'm living for my trip there. This week, I noticed it was a little better when this one lady was out. She's loud and talks just to talk. Either they shut her up or let me wear my ear buds. I will say it a little nicer of course.

Sick, hmm, think that will work? I do need to decrease my stress. I did abuse the privilege, but no one even gave me a chance to correct it. They just took it away.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply