Overwhelmed and work, feeling stressed and anxious

[ritzbiscuits]

Have moved from employment issues as this may be a better place for it

Feeling incredibly overwhelmed at work at the moment, the volume of work is unbearable. The primary project I work on has just had a major product launch and it feels like chaos. A few of the team are in the same boat as me. Middle managers are making a few vague noises about us being overworked, but aren't moving quick enough to make any major changes. Note, there is no personal performance situation in my role. I'm well respected for doing a good job, but feel I'm not working to my best at the moment given how I feel.

With this work situation and a 5 yo DS to look after, I feel burnt out and exhausted. I've been suffering chronic shoulder and neck pain for the past 6 months, the doctors are trying to look at what is the root cause, but really believe it is linked to my overall work life situation. I'm also incredibly anxious at times and at times feel like I struggle to breath.

I'd really like advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation whether I should consider taking some sick leave? I do really worry about it putting a blot on my copy book if I take some stress related leave, but I worry I will get worse if I don't address the situation. Note I work for a public sector organisation, so they are generally good in their attitude to people taking sick leave from work.

I also really want to avoid taking medication if at all possible. I took antidepressants in my early 20s, and hated the way they made me feel undepressed but completely flat. I really don't know how viable this is, but hope a break from the office and taking some time out to rest would really help.

Thanks in advance

I could gave written that. If it weren't for the 5 year old I'd be checking my previous names.

Weekly sport's massage helped me a lot. Eased the neck pain and forced me to take half hour out and not be constantly busy. Plus I've been at the same physio clinic for years as my neck pain is the result of a condition and I already knew the therapist well so a chance to have a conversation that didn't revolve around work.

Haha! That made me laugh, is this me?!

I've been going to an Osteopath which is helping and I'm on painkillers for a month while they do some tests. It's really taken the edge off.

Otherwise, have you taken time off work for stress or made any changes at work to cope?

I changed jobs for a more desk based role as my physical job was just too much. My boss is very easy going but I've not had time off with it.

A good osteopath or chiropractor or physio is worth their weight in gold. I've had a few over the years and the place I go now is where I'll be staying.