Am definitely suffering from stress - how do I stop it getting any worse?

[Moomin]

I am having an awful time at work and my boss is discriminating against me and harrassing me but I have been backed into a corner legally and I have no choice other than to lump it until I get another job. I had a long meeting with my union rep today and she was really supportive. She thinks that I definitely have a case in the harrassment stakes but it would be a very long-drawn out process, and the best I can hope for is a public apology in the end and I would still have to work with him, so I've decided to keep my head down, keep a low profile, try to get through day to day and bide my time until another job comes up.

I know this will be stressful in itself but I think I could hope with this as I only work 2 days a week, even though my job means a hell of a lot to me; I'm confident I can build my career up again elsewhere in the next year. I also have a friend who is dying and she isn't expected to live more than 6-9 months, so that's like a bereavement waiting to happen if you know what I mean. WE have the advantage of being able to spend time toegther and everyone tell her how precious she is and make her last days good but this obviously is very hard too. I'm best friend with her duaghter so I need to try and support her too.

DH and the dds are the only ones who keep me sane at the moment. I'm acting very out of character, esp in the past week. I'm close to tears at work when I have to mix with colleagues. I had to spend the other lunchtime on the loo for 45 mins the other day so I didn;t have to speak to anyone as I didn't trust myself not to blart. The end of term is approaching and there are social dos planned. I'm usually very sociable but I can't bear the thought of them this year.

I feel sooo tired in the day but have rotten nights' sleep. I know these are all symptoms of stress. Do I go to my GP for help in whatever shape or form? He is really lovely and very approachable. Dh is against the idea of any meds in principle but I also know hey have their place. I don't want any time off work as I know this will be held against me. I also have to admit that I can't help feeling that being stressed' is somehow 'weak' and that's not a good thing to think I know. If this were someone else saying this I'd tell them not to be silly, that stress is a real problem, etc. but I can't seem to sort things out as it's me.

[edam]

Gosh Moomin, am not really qualified to offer much advice, but I do sympathise. Can't hurt to talk to your GP.

Check the advice you've been given by union rep against the DTI website, called Tiger (I think) that has guidance on employment law. Just in case there's a different POV available.

And of course you aren't being weak, or silly, your friend is dying and your boss is harassing you. Only someone who was frankly inhuman could not be affected by this.

[MarsLady]

I think that you need to find someone to talk to. Maybe a counsellor. You have a lot of crappy things going on in your life at the moment. You can't give when you're empty.

I think you should go to your GP and get a number. I wish I could say more to help.

Will be thinking of you!

[sassy]

Hey you
I don't think you are being weak at all, you are dealing with so much crap at the mo. Have you tried something like Kalms (they are suuposed to help with stress) and/or beta-blockers to keep your adrenaline down but not actually land you with an addiction?

With the friend situ, this is desperately hard, I know. But it is better than a sudden death IYKWIM - you get to make the most of the time you bhave and these times will be so precious to you in the future.

Work = bag of shite. I'm glad you decided not to pursue legal stuff, (think it would ultimatley have caused you more pain for little gain) but it will be tough until you find a new job. However, its nearly the end of term so you only have -what?10/12 more days to do? They will pass, and by Sept you will be less bruised and more able to cope.

Do speak to the Gp, he may recommend s/thing non-med anyway. And give me a call anytime youn want to offload. x