So stressed with work I can't function

[RadioDorothy]

Workload (as in sheer volume of tasks) has been building up for months. I can't do it all and I raised it with my boss, he just said they (our clients) will simply have to wait until we have more resource.

They've all been very patient but I'm at breaking point. Now I'm due to start a round of seminars where I am presenting, which lasts 3 weeks in total and takes me away from my normal workload.

So not only do I have an insurmountable backlog, but I have to face public speaking in multiple locations with an often sceptical crowd which fills me with dread anyway. This is my last day to practise but I can't go through my slides with the boss until 4, and I have endless diarrhoea and a loudly gurgling stomach from (presumably) being so stressed. Whatever I eat goes right through me, has done for a couple of weeks.

I won't get any replies here, I never do, but I need to get it out there anonymously. I cannot cope. I really want to opt out of everything and empty my brain of work but I simply can't.

If anyone is reading at all, how can I settle my stomach for going out on the road? I suppose I'll have to avoid all food.

That's no way to live. Life is way too short to put yourself through that. Is there someone else in the company you can speak with? Sounds like they need more headcount. Alternatively I would start looking around st other employment options whilst you're still employed and in good standing.

What @jellycat said. Take this post to HR if need be.
Better you’re at work and able to do something with less pressure than off sick - for your employers of course.

If you really feel at breaking point see your GP and get signed off. No job is work your mental health.
I imagine adding job hunting to your to do list at the moment would be too much and you’d be in no frame of mind to sell yourself feeling like this.
I can’t help re the stomach issues but it’d be something to mention to your GP.
Have you got some support at home? Are others in the same boat at work?

I hope things improve for you soon

Worth sorry. Not work. It’s not worth your mental health.

Sounds like you aren't fit to work anyway, if you've got diarrhoea. In some jobs you wouldn't be allowed to work!

Fortunately this particular bout of extreme stress (ie the presenting) only happens twice a year. I can generally handle it the rest of the time.

They held back on resource for a year, now they've seen I'm drowning there seems to be some baby steps in the right direction. Sadly it won't go away overnight.

I'm the main breadwinner, and I'm unlikely to get this salary elsewhere.

I'm 90% sure the stomach issue is stress, as other than feeling very anxious I am well. I work from home so not working with others.

Such a tough situation- you have my sympathy.
Work stress is very close to my heart....I lost a dear family member to suicide recently - work stress is believed to have been a major factor. Work is not worth losing your mental health (or life) for. Please take care. X

Short term....would ginger or camomile herbal tea help your stomach?
Try taking a little time to do some yoga (if you've ever done it), practice some mindfulness (there's lots of free apps available) or go for a short walk near nature if you can.
Eat small amounts of mild foods that you usually enjoy.
If your anxiety is too much, it's ok to go off sick.
Take cate

Thank you Carmen, and Jellycat and KMokMo for responding and for being kind! Sometimes a virtual hand squeeze is helpful, it's nice to feel supported.

I'll dig out some peppermint tea, it is good stuff actually. I'm presenting my slides to the dog and although my head is aching, at least the gurgling has retreated for now.

I'll be glad when it's all over for another 6 months and I can get back to the mountain of work.

Oh Carmen - I meant to say, I'm so sorry for your loss. That must be very hard.

God you poor thing. I can feel your stress coming through in your OP.

I took early retirement last year due to massive stress and no hint on the horizon that things would ever improve. Is your boss saying more resources will be on the way soon? Can you take some leave, say a fortnight somewhere very quiet with nobody from work bothering you on the phone/emails?

On a practical level, when I have major stress shits/tummy, I take a couple of Boots own brand paracetamol and codeine. The codeine element seems to have a short term effect of calming my intestines down.

Cheers Nightsky. Yes, we've snagged some external help but had to go about it in an underhand way (long story, but that's worrying me too - boss says he'll take the hit if it all hits the fan). We also have a green light - after months of unfulfilled promises - to recruit a temp, so I'll have to write up a job description for that.

It's taken the immediate heat off for now. It's just these bloody seminars. There is a lull in the anxiety at the moment, but when I open my eyes in the morning it's going to be a huge panic...

Paracetamol and codeine, really? Hmm I have some Paramol somewhere...

I'm not sure if Paramol has the necessary codeine element to it.

You might be right - it's codeine, but dihydracodeine (sp?).

The upset seems to have let up for now...I think starvation rations, peppermint tea and immodium until the first one is over, I'm usually slightly more relaxed after that at least.

When I did my very first one 2 years ago, I was so scared I nearly bolted from the building when I was being introduced. I got black spots before my eyes and everything! I'm better now but I'll never enjoy it. I think I posted about it actually, under an old name.

Sounds weird but try pretending to be someone else when you are presenting. Someone you respect and enjoy listening to. Could be an actor or a colleague who is good at presenting. Do the presentation as 'them' rather than 'me' and it can help.

I like that idea Crabbity. I might channel Dumbledore.