Ive been meaning to post this for quite some time, however, I havent had a break from work since I got back from the holidays. Its also difficult since I'm feeling lost, frustrated, angry and not sure where to turn. How do those who are working deal with IC and with the work related stress? To top it off, I have the misfortune of dealing with an extremely negative work environment. Meaning, there are people there who ruthlessly put others down, consistently. I dont have a choice but to work. I dont know how to NOT less this affect me mentally and physically. I have never, ever been so disapointed in my decision for this position. However, we all know that the economy is terrible. On the positive note, having started the RP a few weeks ago has taken 'the edge off' so to speak on pain. Today, when I heard that I was being called 'stupid', etc... it set me back. My intestines started to burn, the frequency went up, the anger went up, all of which causes my flaring. I would like to quit, but its tough out there right now. I dont have a choice, we need my income. I'm afraid to start a new job, because there the IC to deal with and me thinking, what if they get rid of me if I call in sick. This company is extremely small that I cannot address it with HR, I have been told others have in the past and resulted in nothing.
I guess I'm just venting because its cathartic, but really, how do others deal with work stress? This is not who I am, nor how I ever thought my life would turn out to be.
hey,
I SO sympathise with you on this one. I work in finance, with a bunch of neaderthal assholes. It is a shark tank. I got to a point where i could feel it was getting detrimental to my progress health wise, and it was also making me wonder why i was finding it so hard not to take personally. I found a wonderful therapist who has helped me feel a lot stronger in myself so that in that work environment things don't go to that deep emotional response place as much any more. I go to meditation classes too which have helped me not emotionally eact so much, as i too get it straight in the gut, then bladder. I know some people have hypnotherapy, or alexander technique. As we are all different i think it is finding something for you, outside work, that is your outlet for this. So that it isn't channelling inwards to your body. That way, you can start to separate your self esteem and confidence from what goes on at work. Leaving you energy for yourself, to be kind to yourself, and to plan for getting out of there. I think when it gets to you so much, you end up confusing who you are with the way your job is making you feel. Getting better is a wonderful step towards expressing yourself in a new way and leaving that job for pastures new. It is NEVER too late to change directon, despite the crappy economy. So one step at a time, and i think right now being kind to yourself and finding a way to feel that core confidence and self esteem might be lovely for you. Good luck.
xxxx
