- This topic has 3 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 11 months ago by
Melanie Powell.
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February 3, 2014 at 1:22 am #50189
cindyParticipantI am returning to work today after 6 months off due to low mood/stress/anxiety. It has been a difficult time for me, but I have found value in mindfulness and meditation and feel on the road to recovery. I have always done well at work, but now am being told there are ‘issues’ with my performance. Indeed on my first day back I face a meeting to discuss these.
The situation at work is a very complicated one and I do not wish to go into detail here, suffice to say that I cannot help but blame my organisation for my illness. I face a management team who have a certain perception of me and this seems to be reflected in the way they are now behaving towards me.
Does anyone have any experience/advice to share on how to stay positive and motivated and move forward with this? I cannot not afford to give up my job, but feel very concerned about what the future at work holds.
Thank you.February 3, 2014 at 3:24 am #50191
ErickParticipantHi Cindy. I am in the same boat as you. Please do not feel alone. I feel trap too and am in search for an answer too. Maybe we could work together and go through this together. Seems like the harder you work the less appreciated you are. That is how it seems to me. However, let’s keep our head up and see the light on the other side of the tunnel.
February 12, 2014 at 2:31 am #50841
cumulusParticipantHi Cindy,
Thank you for your post – I’ve been struggling with this for many years.
In 2010 I left behind a career in Government public relations which I had worked hard since 1998 – however I did not look after my health or spiritual life – nor address a history of very serious neglect and sexual abuse so my work and reputation suffered. The perception and judgement of my employers made things 100 per cent worse. One HR employer forced herself in my home – complete disrespect for my mental state and used my anxiety to manipulate her way in.
I’m glad to hear you are taking the courageous step of working through it.
My advice is to reach out now to your support and spiritual community and distance yourself from the attitudes of your workplace. Don’t get caught up in their mindset – understanding mental illness and stress related conditions in the workplace still has a long way to go.
At the risk of sounding adversary, be your own advocate and quietly find out what your legal rights are.
For example in Australia it is illegal to discriminate against someone with mental health issues, and employers are legally obliged to provide employees reasonable accommodation – for example part time hours or an agreement that you can leave for a yoga or meditation class or book a room where you can meditate in the middle of the day.
These laws might not be available where you live but do yourself a favour and build up a support group by reaching out to a mental health advocacy group/peak organisation and seek some advice.
Hope that is useful
Lisa
April 29, 2014 at 11:33 am #55591
Melanie PowellParticipantHi Cindy,I hope you are ok?I have a similar story to you.I changed jobs 18 mths ago (within the same organisation)and I now have to work with the boss from hell.To start with,he was on his best behaviour.We joked together and everything seemed fine.Unfortunately I started to see his true colours.He has terrible mood swings,is corrupt,manipulative and controlling.Everytime we were in the office together,I picked up very bad vibes from this guy.He hardly spoke to me,and it was obvious this was only with me because he would talk and joke with other people.I ended up going off work with stress for two weeks.I thought initially after returning to work and talking through everything,all would be fine.Not so!My boss then started making jibes at me for “not coping”!!! I recently had to take more time off work due to stress.I have NEVER had to do this in my whole working life (I am 53 now and started working when I was 16).I do not hold much hope for my job situation to improve.Apart from my boss my job is quite easy to do and not having to work weekends,is a bonus.Jobs like this are hard to come by but I know in my heart I can’t keep putting myself through this.The chances of my boss leaving for another job is pretty remote.I have decided to look for another job.I have to accept that not all jobs work out the way you would like them to and its now time for me to move on.Can you consider doing the same?I wish you well Cindy and hope you manage to find some peace.Blessings to you xx
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