Question:
Has anyone had any problem with stress on the workplace agravating Fibro? I
have been dealing with a lot of stress, induced by an inadquate supervisor,
and the boss's wife. I have gone to the supervisor many times for help, and
received nothing in return. I really don't know where to go from here, as I
have to work to support myself. Has anyone had any experience with
Workman's Comp, due to stress?
I seem to just keep getting worse, and have no idea where to go from here.
I've been dealing with this situation for the last 4 years or so, and I've
just reached my limit. I've had 5 good days in the last 3 months, and have
continued to work in spite of this. The stress, which seems to be directed
at me, is just getting worse, and I can't make them comprehend what they are
doing. I'm very good at what I do, and do my best to keep working, but it's
getting increasingly difficult. I had a talk with them at work a couple of
days ago, and they do not see what in the world is stressing me out. Even
when I explain to them in very plain terms, what is being said and done,
they don't understand why it is bothering me. I'm not the only one in the
shop who is feeling this, so it's not in my mind, but it affects me more
than the others. Any suggestions, anyone?
Answer:
I could have written that message myself - I have had significant
symptoms for 4 years - actually diagnosed 1+year ago - gave my bosses -
dentists - a letter outlining this DD, a reminder that it is a disease covered
by the Amer/Disab Act, and the things - inc. STRESS that aggravate it!.. As
health care professionals themselves, one would THINK there would be - if not
really understanding, at least compliance with the ADA. NOT!
It seems to me that I am being singled out - after 16 YEARS with them- and it
is NOT fun - I do keep contemporaneous records of the worst instances - I also
NEED to work - the stress and the
resulting tension, the majorly increased pain and all the accompanying
ramificatons really have me at my wits end..If you- or anyone of my new,
becoming VERY dear friends out there - HERE! - have recommendations/leads/
suggestions/referrals....
Yes. There are things you can do. Firs, you should follow-up with a memo to
all those who participated in your discussions(certified mail preferably)
regarding the stress at work, and what you believe is contributing to it. Your
superiors have an obligation (Polyanic, I know) to address issues impacting
unduly on employees. Usually, people have no compelling reason to "act" unless
they know that it is documented and that it can come back to haunt them if they
don't do what they know they should be doing anyway - this should not just be
an opportunity to "blow off steam." Work stress contributes significantly to
the exacerbation (sp) of FM symptoms.
The degree to which, and how it is handled by your superiors, and the measures
taken are really dependent upon what type of environment you work in:
corporation, small shop with less than 50 employees, type of industry, type of
work ect. These criteria determines what legal recourse you have and your
employer's obligation to you.
I am a Benefits and Workers' Compensation Manager for a hospital and affiliated
clinics, as well as someone who suffers from severe fibromyalgia. My
experience with Workers' Comp. as well as Human Resources Management is 20
years. Stress-related Workers' Comp. is difficult to prove in many states,
with the possible exception of California. I believe a more effective
direction is the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA legally
mandates that "reasonable accomodations" must be made by the employer for the
employee with disabilities. If your supervisor is ignoring your requests,
porvided the requested accomodations are "deemed reasonable", you may have
recourse.
If all co-workers are concerned, there may also be grounds for a claim of a
"hostile work environment," which is protected by Title VII of the Civil Rights
Act.
