Rant: Work-related stress.

stewby

I was reading a post on here (but not on this section) about someone who wanted to call in sick for stress as they wanted to go house-hunting. They have handed in their notice but didn't want to work it so were going to call in sick for stress. They then deleted their post.

I was going to comment on it but decided this place might be more appropriate as it is a complete and non-sensical rant.

I suffered (and probably still do) from work related stress over the past year. It got to the point where I was contemplating crashing my car (not killing myself but making it bad enough so that I didn't have to go to work for a couple of days). Thankfully, it was the fear of "messing it up" and the effect it would have on my dad that made me not do it. (I am very much a daddy's girl and he is very good to me).

I visited my GP, had time off and attempted to try and get better. (He even suggesed medication but I didn't want it as I was too scared). However, every little thing become impassable and I found reading a certain newspaper and the comments made me feel worse. I started feeling awful and crying for no reason. I was constantly on edge, waiting for the bad thing to happen which I felt was inevitable. I spoke to my boss who, whilst sympathising, couldn't really do anything to change the current situation. The only thing she could suggest was I found a different job with less stress... so I started looking.

After several months, I have started a new job and it is amazing. I am not fixed by any stretch of the imagination but it is getting better and this forum is actually helping as it is giving me a sense of achievement (which I get a good feeling from). An example of this is the fact that I actually laughed for the first time on Wednesday and it wasn't a manical "oh my god the world is over" sort of laugh that I used to have. I also didn't cry whilst watching TV adverts today which is a massive improvement too. (and I am not talking about those intentionally sad ones encouraging you to donate).

Anyways... this rant has gone a bit weird (I did warn you) but it was more about the fact that I can't believe someone would try to use something which is really serious as an excuse just because they didn't want to go into work. It is so enraging.
:mad:

Sorry for the rant but I couldn't help it. Please feel free to ignore this wee shouty post. This just made me feel a wee bit better.
:mad:

Takeaway_Addict

as they say...'nothing changes if nothing changes'

paulineb_2

I think people dont understand what work related stress is and how much it can affect your life until youve suffered from it yourself, I didnt until I was affected by it. Glad that things are looking up for you.

pollypenny

Glad things are getting better for you, OP,

azzabazza

I was off work for nearly 7 months with work related stress so have some idea of what you have gone through. An experience I would not wish on anyone. Fortunately I am now retired and my whole attitude to life is so much more relaxed.

RosiPossum

Glad things are getting better!
I have the same issue with depression, I've suffered from it badly, but known people to feel down for a few days and call it depression and call is sick.
It undermines people who are actually suffering from w.r.stress or depression.
I hope things keep getting better for you! x

Mrs_Ryan

Hope things carry on on the up for you, OP

Im off with WR stress and depression at the minute, I've been off now for 10 weeks and I see no end in sight. I've battled with depression for most of my adult life but WR stress is a whole new problem. I initially had stress-related alopecia when I was signed off and my hair has started to return (although my eyebrows haven't ) but every time I even contemplate work I start shaking and break down again and my hair comes out in clumps again its just the worst thing to have and for someone to use it so lightly is pretty bad.

bod1467

My employer takes work-related stress seriously - they have a 1 hour training module that discusses WR stress.

That's REALLY going to help, eh? :eek:

Faith177

I know what you mean OP and it makes me mad too.

I had WR Stress which lead to a complete breakdown about 4 years ago and I have never fully recovered. I am now under CBT for generalised anxiety.

OH is a manager for a pub and had a member of staff go off sick recently with "depression" but he was well enough to go to Ibiza for 10 days with all his mates. A holiday I might add that OH had not been able to authorise previous to him going sick because he already had 3 members of staff off at the same time.

People seem to use WR Stress/Depression as an excuse now which leaves those who do suffer trying to justify themselves all the time

Glad things are getting there for you OP xx

aileth

Faith177 wrote: »

OH is a manager for a pub and had a member of staff go off sick recently with "depression" but he was well enough to go to Ibiza for 10 days with all his mates. A holiday I might add that OH had not been able to authorise previous to him going sick because he already had 3 members of staff off at the same time.

And it's people like these that make everyone skeptical when someone mentions work-related stress, meaning the only people that suffer are the real victims of an incredibly debilitating condition. What a scumbag.

BJV

My last job was almost the same, so I do understand. I stopped eating, could concentrate. The slightest thing would send me into a end of the world is neigh. I thought it was just me. Everything that went wrong was my fault. Then I found out that my boss was watching my house!!! Oh yes very wrong. logging when I went in and out, who with, where I went. MMM.

That was four and half years ago and just like you I offered medication which I did not take. Instead I was lucky enough to be able to resign.

The world is a better place. It will take time to find the old you. But you are still there and you just need to give yourself a little time.

Unfortunately I think unless you have been there you can not understand how it can affect you. Not just in work but it spills out into everything.

It not like a broken arm. Everyone can look at a broken arm and see the damage. Stress instead untreated stays inside and attacks from within.

I really hope that your job is going well and that it is onwards and upwards.