Work Related Stress

by Anonymous

When I was an assistant machine operator I had to help the utility person when he fell behind and help run my machine. Now that I am the utility person the new assistant operator does not have to help.

I tried to talk to my two bosses about it. They tell me to stop whining and that times have changed. They say this is a two person job not a
one person job and I am getting burned out.


I also passed out in February and broke 4 ribs. Nothing has changed since. Things have been busy for one and a half years, and that's how long I have being doing it by myself.

Four doctors told me I passed out because I am burned out. I am looking for a new job but have not found one yet. I have been losing weight because of stress.

I was on Sertraline but it made things worse. I got off it and I feel a lot better, but I'm still stressed out.

Nobody at work helps me. They just wait until I help them out instead of doing it themselves. That is what I have to do when I run their machine, because it's part of my job.

I have been here nine years and don't want to leave. But my health is more important than anything, so until I find another job I want to handle the stress better.

Any suggestions on what to do in my situation?





Response from Dr. DeFoore

Hello, and thanks for telling your story here. It is clear that you have valid concerns, and that you are facing some very challenging situations at work. Your feelings make sense, and you have good reasons for everything you feel.

It is good that you are looking for another job, and I will try to help you manage your stress in the meantime.

I think it will help you a lot to begin keeping a daily journal, for your eyes only. Every day, take a few minutes and write about what you're frustrated or angry about, as described on this page.

Also every day, immediately following the anger journaling, do the positive journaling as described on this page. This will help you to shift your focus to the good things in your life. At least you have a job to be stressed about, instead of being stressed about being unemployed. Be grateful that this is your problem, and not something much more serious and even life threatening.

This is not to minimize your problem or your feelings, it's just to give you some perspective that will help you manage the stress.

As soon as you start to practice gratitude, appreciation and optimism, you will feel yourself relax, and start to think, "I guess it's not so bad after all."

You are a good person with a good heart, and that's why you want to feel good and enjoy your work.

You can do this.

My very best to you,

Dr. DeFoore