Help

[Lizzie]

I don't know what to do. I recently had to take some days off as leave since I would otherwise lose them, and then I got flu which I still have not recovered from. I feel ill. My blood sugars are not good. I am finding it hard to concentrate at work. My job is insecure. We are merging with another library and there is a lot of work that needs doing. I am way behind with it and am finding it impossible to concentrate because of illness and stress. My sister who i am close to is moving out this weekend. My boyfriend is moving in. Both of these add extra stress. I need some time to get myself together and catch up but people at work don't seem interested, they just nag me to get things done. I don't know if there are any answers or if I just need someone to tell me I am not lazy or a bad person.

 

[Copepod]

I hope you have a computer at home, as using one for personal use at work might not be a good idea, especially in the circumstances you describe! Sure, you need to work during work periods, but make the most of rest / meal breaks, get fresh air, good food, plenty of fluids etc - and you will start to feel better. Is your sister staying in the same place after she moves out of your flat / house? I must admit that when I have colds (haven't had flu since I was 13 years old!) that limiting computer screen time is best, while physically shifting things isn't so much of a problem - but that's mostly been outdoors, not books in a library.
Anyway, hope you're feeling better soon - things are bound to feel different during and after this weekend.

 

[bev]

Hi Lizzie
I am no expert, but any one of these things is a lot to cope with! Job insecurity is extremely stressful. Your sister moving out is stressful. Your boyfriend moving in can be stressful - its all change! And your recovering from flu - so its little wonder your feeling completely overwhelmed with it all! Do you have HR at work? If so, i would go and talk to them about how your feeling - perhaps you need to be signed off for a week or so? Work will always be there - you need to concentrate on getting your levels within range and then you may start to feel more positive about the changes taking place. It would be very unusual for a company to 'sack' somebody for taking time off due to stress! Look after yourself! Bev x

 

[Caroline Wilson]

Talk to your HR at work, is there someone who can give support there? Like a welfare officer or manager? May also be worth talking to your doctor too. Rest as much as you can and try to find relaxing things to do when you are having breaks or not at work.

Whenever I am going through stressfull periods I find it helps to cut down or if possible cut out caffein which is a stimulant and drink more water and fruit juice (although you need to be carefull with fruit juice).

I hope you feel better soon, good luck with all of the changes. When they are all over and settled, you'll wonder what all the fuss was about.

 

[Northerner]

Lizzie, do the best you can in the circumstances, and don't expect any more of yourself than you are currently capable of delivering - that's guaranteed to make you feel worse. No-one has the right to expect you to be 100% all the time, and should recognise that you are doing your best.

If they don't, send them round to me, I'll sort them out!🙂

Hope you are feeling better soon!🙂

 

[Daisy]

My take on it...

I don't know what to do. I recently had to take some days off as leave since I would otherwise lose them, and then I got flu which I still have not recovered from. I feel ill. This is only temporary and will go... My blood sugars are not good. This is very common during illness and stress - it is your bodies natural reaction to produce glucose to fight off infection and help you cope with stress - very annoying - but natural...

I am finding it hard to concentrate at work. My job is insecure. We are merging with another library This may an exciting new chapter - new colleagues to meet and there is a lot of work that needs doing. I am way behind with it A good sign - as there is so much to do they can't possibly make you redundant! and am finding it impossible to concentrate because of illness and stress. My sister who I am close to is moving out this weekend. Your sister is going onto a new chapter - be happy for her! My boyfriend is moving in. Be happy for you! Both of these add extra stress. People move on (and in!) - the world changes, it is exciting, that's what makes it life! Your sister will still be contactable even if she is moving to the other side of the world - it is a very small place nowadays and think of the fun that you will have when you have catch up girlie nights - fab!! I need some time to get myself together and catch up but people at work don't seem interested, they just nag me to get things done. They probably have their own worries, which may be worse than yours...just think of them naked - that has to raise a smile! don't know if there are any answers Probably not! or if I just need someone to tell me I am not lazy or a bad person.YOU ARE NOT A BAD OR LAZY PERSON LIZZIE! - just finding it all happening at once - and if bad stuff happens it can actually be a good thing - almost like sweeping away with the old and you never know what might be around the next corner you may end up in the British Library - or winning the lottery - or with a much better paid job. You may meet great new colleagues who are fun to work with once the libraries merge...there are infinite possibilities - try not to be afraid. 🙂

Hi Lizzie - just tried to put a positive spin on stuff for you - hope it helps! It's just my take on it!

 

[Lizzie]

Thanks Daisy - and the rest of you as well. i think it may be genetic - my gran is the same way and I spent a great deal of my childhood with her - but I am a chronic pessimist and cannot see the bright side at all sometimes.

 

[Caroline]

Thanks Daisy - and the rest of you as well. i think it may be genetic - my gran is the same way and I spent a great deal of my childhood with her - but I am a chronic pessimist and cannot see the bright side at all sometimes.

You know I think genetics are wonderful and I blame a lot on family history. I am constantly being told how much like my mum I am and my aunties and uncles tell me how much like my nan my mum is. I just say to people don't blame me, blame genertations of women!