Hi I’ve been diagnosed just over 5 years and work in a really stressful environment, over the past few years I’ve had to reduce my hours at work as it’s so physical and stressful, I returned to work in Feb after a period of sickness (really bad flare ) at my return to work I explained that I was still struggling and she said she would review things in 4 weeks but didn’t, I’ve since asked her for some help to reduce my stress at work as my my GP was now having concerns about my blood pressure to, she reduced my responsibilities for 2 shifts by allowing me to not be in charge of the team and then told me I had to get back to it after there’s 2 shifts, I’ve just had the most stressful weekend of shifts and I’m flaring big time, I just don’t know what to do, I’m scared of taking more time off but don’t think I can cope with my role anymore. Does stress affect you as much as I feel it affects me or am I overthinking things, I’m just so exhausted and in pain I don’t know anymore.
Stress: Hi I’ve been diagnosed just... - Fibromyalgia Acti...
Stress
Sorry to hear you are exhausted and in pain because of work. It sounds like your manager isn’t listening to what needs you have. Is there a union rep you could go to for advice? I’m trying to weight up different options to my job at the moment but I’ve been off for a long time. I find that stress makes the pain and fatigue worse. Could you maybe reduce your hours or work less shifts? 😀😀
Thank you for your advice, I’ve already reduced my hours which has reduced my shifts considerably. I think I should maybe be taking a leaf from your book and consider different job options as I can’t see anything changing for the better in my workplace environment any time soon. It’s just so frustrating when my manager says she understands then places obstacles in my path that she knows affect me badly, and when I try to speak to her about it she hits back with ‘it’s your job’ I am a hard worker and do everything in my power to do my job well and help others with theirs but it feels like a constant uphill battle just now, I’m drained 😕it’s nice to feel that someone else actually understands how I feel 🙂 x
Your manager does not sound like a nice person at all. In the HR meeting I had yesterday my union rep gave me a variety of situations like going back for one day a week or keeping my job open unpaid until I’m ready to go back. Both sound like good options but I know when I go back I’ll be expected to do what I did before and nobody will pick up the slack. I’ve been doing my job for 20 years so it’s not an easy decision to make but at the moment I’m thinking to get signed off with ill health then take some time to get myself feeling better and look for a more sudate job. Hope your pain and fatigue are better today. Take care xx
Yes stress does affect me and exacerbates my symptoms. Like you I had a stressful job and found it difficult to cope on a daily basis but I struggled on until I pushed myself too far and eventually had to stop work altogether. There are no specific laws that cover workplace stress as such however under the Equality Act 2010, employers have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments to any employee experience a disability. This can include mental health problems which can arise from workplace stress if they have a significant, detrimental and long-term effect on your normal day-to-day activities. From what you have said, you have already made your employer aware that you are having issues however it’s not clear if they appreciate it is a long term problem or they just need a gentle reminder of their legal obligations. Either way, it would be wise to seek some advice from your Union Rep as suggested by Pilipala18 . Alternatively you may wish to contact the FMAUK Benefits Advisor Janet in the first instance who will be happy to assist you and provide you with information and guidance - I have put a link below which will take you to her contact details and also to other links that may prove useful to you at some point. Good luck and keep us updated on how you get on. Take care. x
Hi Suzy, it certainly sounds as if your idea of reasonable adjustment and your managers are completely different! It’s sad that so many people are still so ignorant in this day and age. While you are considering your options would you have the time and money to try something like reflexology to help you deal with the stress you are under? When I was training for my reflexology diploma I did a paper on stress and was gobsmacked by the many negative effects it has on our health and bodies. I have since helped a few friends and family members when stress has overwhelmed them with very good result. If it’s something you think you would like to explore and you are in the UK I’d be very happy to help point you in the right direction to find a fully qualified practitioner. I hope you soon find a happy solution for your problems. PS sorry about the weird capitals my iPhone has decided to do it’s own thing 
Thank you all for your kind replies, I finally saw my GP today who has signed me off work for a few weeks, after a long discussion with my lovely husband we have decided that it’s time for me to find another job in a less stressful environment, I already feel mentally better knowing I have a plan and also his support in this, now just need to take the time to find my way through this flare and hopefully the future will be much more manageable. I feel that for the first time I have people who understands this awful condition, I can’t thank you all enough for your support xx
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