I am going through a very difficult period which I do not know how to deal with and I thought I could get some insights. I've been diagnosed with an inner ear problem in December (see previous post) and I found out it is linked to stress. I was off work a couple of weeks at the beginning of the year because I had severe vertigo. I forced myself back to work as I knew that staying home too long wouldn't be good for me. I improved, slowly but surely but certain things happened at work which makes the atmosphere in the office extremely stressful. I love my job, I love the people I work with but I can't cope with the level of emotional stress anymore. I just started taking meds again but of course it takes a while before they start working. After 5 months of battling my illness everyday (dizziness, nausea) I took the day off yesterday and again today. Problem is, I feel like I need a few weeks off! I said I would go at night and do my work when there is nobody there and no stressors. I have reached a point where I think that if I don't do something now, I'll end up in the hospital. I know I also need to address the problem of the stress level to the person who is causing this (by the way, the whole office feels it, I'm not the only one complaining). But I find it difficult because stress and anxiety is not a disease that people can "see". O.K. I may look revved up but hey, it doesn't make me incapable of working right? My anxiety had always been under control until now (with and at times without meds) but now I feel like my body will give up on me. Any suggestions on how I could approach this with work? Any of you had to take time off otherwise you thought you were gonna go insane? I don't think I need tons of time off, just a few weeks. A day at this point is not enough anymore. Now I'm at home freaking out about how I'm gonna deal with all this. I'm not relaxing! Help please!

i think you need to get a new doctor and get a better diagnosis and better treatment and some meds

in general with anxiety problems, i have found that time off work doesnt help much, and getting back to work can be quite difficult

My anixety ended an 11 year career in Nursing. I made myself sooo physical sick that I was convienced I had a Latex allergy that was going to kill me. I had EVERY symptom of a latex allergy and every test they did was negative for it. Please don't let it get so bad that you can't work anywhere. Maybe, it's time for a change.
Good Luck!
Healy

I left a stressful job in January. I liked the work but dealing with the office pettiness really bothered me. I know you probably get that everywhere which really makes me not want to work with cattiness in an office. I really don't know how to say that I left this job when I am called for an interview. I know it was getting boring but what would I say for leaving.

I know what its like to be stressed out in a job and even though you may have worked there for a while, it may be time for a change if you aren't happy. I just know that its not worth really putting up with the aggravation and if you aren't happy at work then you won't be a happy person at home and thats a cause for destruction. So you have to figure out what is best for you and your health. I need help as well with my issue but also wanted to try to help you at the same time. haha. why can't we be rich and just stay home!!!!!

Good Luck!