Stress Leave From Work

[weddingplanner]

I work in the insurance industry, which has taken some hits due to the market performance over the past few years.  As a result of the poor market performance, the environment in my office has become stressed and tense.

In addition to this, my supervisor, who was recently appointed from our own department, is having trouble finding her ground, and there have been a number of inequities of late, which frustrate and anger me.  My temper has become quite short, and I'm really nervous that it will take me straight out the door and onto the street with my belongings.  We've discussed my temper on at least two separate occasions, where I've been warned that it is inappropriate.

Another factor to my increasing stress problem is that I am planning a wedding (to occur in 2 1/2 months) and the finances are tight, not to mention my own stress with my parents.

I'm having trouble sleeping, and lately have noticed constant muscle pain in my neck and back, as well as irritation to the skin in the same area (with no rash or other visual cause), which I think may be stress related.

I think I may be experiencing a growing stress issue, but am not sure how to go about getting it diagnosed, and perhaps requesting a stress leave from my work.

[SINGLEMOMSTRESS]

I HAVE WORKED FOR MY CURRENT EMPLOYER FOR 3 IN HALF YEARS. SINCE THE MOMENT I GOT INTO THIS OFFICE THE SUPERVISOR HAS HAD IT OUT FOR ME. I HAVE TRIED TO KEEP THE PEACE FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. CONSTINTLY SACRAFICING HOW I FELT ABOUT SITUATIONS TO MAINTAIN A POSITIVE ENVIROMENT IN THE OFFICE. RECENTLY I HAD DEDIDED TO VOICE MY CONCERNS TO MY BOSS PRIVATLEY VIA EMAIL. I HAVE RECIEVED NEGATIVE RESPONSES, TELLING ME TO CHANGE MY "CHILD-LIKE" ATTITUDE OR GIVE NOTICE. THE CONSTINT BATTLE WITH MY SUPERVISOR AND HER VINDICTIVE AND CONIEVING ATTITUDE TOWARDS ME IS PUSHING ME TO MY LIMIT. I AM CONSTINTLEY STRESSED OUT. USUALLY TAKING MY ANGER OUT ON MY DAUGTER OR SPOUSE BY PICKING FIGHTS AND YELLING OVER SMALL THINGS. IM AT THE END OF MY ROPE AND I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I CANT QUIT BECAUSE I CANT AFFORD TO GO WITHOUT A PAYCHECK. I WAS CONSIDERING ASKING MY DOCTOR FOR STRESS LEAVE. IS THAT A POSSIBLITY?

[anxiety stricken]

i have worked at my job for 6 years as of next month.  I was employee of the year in november of last year.  I have a very stressful position dealing with adolescent clients who have substance use and mental health issues.  My job is part of my life.  I always go beyond the call of duty.  I love myjob and wanted to retire from there.  A few months ago there was talk that my position might change and therefore make me work harder to make my weekly minutes  i finally had to go to the doctor to get on anti depressant medication  but continued to give my all to my job and clients.  Our center director took my office that i share with two other coordinaotrs two weeks ago and said that they needed to put in a wall and make it smaller.  No problem  i made arraingements to get my interventions that  i utilize placed in my bosses office.  On wedensday i went into my finished office to check how it looked.  on friday i went back and my desk and belongings were gone.  My supervisor who is leaving the agancy saw me crying before our supervision.  She had prepared me for small changes but always said that i would not lose my position.  She told me on friday that the position has been terminated and that starting monday i will be in another program doing more paperwork.  I am devestated.  I can not sleep my children are suffering because i do not want to get out of bed.  i feel betrayed and the anxiety that i have suffered with for several years at this company is now unbareable.  I can not even bring my self to look for another job right now because i am so shocked and afraid to start over. I have cried all weekend so far my family is very supportive but i feel dizzy even thinking about going back to work on monday.  I plan to take two vacation days but feel that well i do not know. i feel like i am suffercating Explaining to everyone that i am no longer the ddcoordinator and that the position is gone.  I have anxiety attacks  My fears are getting the best of me like how will i support my children  because i feel that in my heart i will fail at this new position and making my quota in billable minutes.  help  what can i do  what are my options.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

You should ask your doctor to refer you to a  psychiatrist who might be able to help you with all of that, including the stress leave of absence.

[Richie Rich]

WeddingPlanner, a short fuse at work will most definitely not help your situation.  I am not a doctor or professional of any kind.  Just a normal joe.  I would suggest making an appt. with your pcp or a physician and inform them of exactly what you have posted here.  A lot of primary care physicians as well as physicians in general will most likely prescribe an anti-depressent which could be beneficial however I would request a mild to moderate tranquilizer, i.e. benzos.  A lot of people may disagree with me on this as they can be habit forming and many people are just plain against medication in general however I was in a similar situation as you and it cost me my job as my attitude did not improve and guilt set in later as I blamed myself. After finding the right physician I now take benzos as they are the most effective at reducing stress as well as anxiety as well as allowing you to keep your anger in check.  For me it has been a lifesaver as it has allowed me to maintain a steady lucrative position with a Fortune 500 company for two years now. To be honest though the medication has enhanced my quality of life ten fold but their are no magic solutions in life and so everything has it's price. Without my medication I would be back where I started very quickly.  In addition withdrawl of benzos can be life threating.  Their are many options from anti-depressents to tranquilizers to just plain talking to someone.  Everyone is different so you have to be your own doctor and decide what's best for you after weighing the positive and the negative.  

Good Luck
Richie Rich