Work related anxiety & stress Part 1

[RescueKitty]

In Nov 2024 I took a step back from all the extra office duties such as CSO that I was previously doing. I needed to focus more on myself and my mental health, it felt selfish but I really needed it. My manager was supportive and understanding. She herself has struggled with mental health issues. 

Jan 26th 2025 I spoke with my manager about how I was feeling very unsupported by the other staff.

I'd been spending more time out of the office with the animals, meaning that the other 5 staff had to cover the role. Majority of the time the other staff would say "I don’t know how to do that, I'll leave it for Rach to do. She knows the most about the office anyway."

I'd previously offered training and written up multiple "How-To-Guides" on CSO tasks, including other SOPs that are available to all staff to read with step by step instructions on how to complete certain tasks on our systems. I get turned down at every training offer I make. The excuses were all along the lines of "Hell no, then I'll be expected to be in the office more."

When the other staff 'cover the office' they only do the bare minimum, the phone lines are even diverted right now. So, they only need to deal with walk-ins, giving them plenty of time to learn and complete other tasks. Got to the point that Manager apologized and asked me back into the office because everything had gotten so backed up.

So, I was catching everything up, plus working in an animal section on the same day. Meanwhile the other staff only had one section with 5 dogs each to a section at the moment. 

One day a co-worker kept radioing me to open the gates to the public because they were 'busy'. I open the gates and go take the trash out and walk past the dog yards and see those same "busy" co-workers lying on blankets in the sun while sipping on McDonalds coffees.

Another day I was swamped in the office, this same coworker calls over the radio to ask if I'd called the vets for a collection time yet. I reply no I hadn't done that for her. 1 min later she messages our public work chat asking me to call the vets and ask for a time that she can collect the dogs. Why she couldn't make that phone call herself? I was obviously busy. 

I feel like I'm being forced to remain in the office, because the other staff refuse to learn it and help out. Its just frustrating that they all avoid any office related tasks like the plague, even when its just making a phone call. Like could they just help me out a bit?

[starlight]

RescueKitty totally understand you, At present I am on work cover leave due to a back injury that brought to the surface all the stress and anxiety  I was carrying for several years at work…. so now myback has recovered but my mental health is not doing very well. The psychologist thinks is a severe burn out. The anxiety and panic attacks have been full on. I think some organizational cultures push you to give more and more plus I myself put a lot of pressure, due to my own insecurities and to show I am capable. It seems this has to do with self esteem and self love. My advise put clear boundaries with co workers and your boss. Be clear of what is your role and how much you can give with no detriment to yourself. Listen to your body, cos I didn’t and now I am learning to so this from scratch with my psychologist. If they do not appreciate you maybe it is time to check what is in the horizon in term of jobs. I have been wanting to leave this organization like for 3 years but I never got to do it cos they pay well but they kept on pilling up more responsibilities for every dollar. Now I can see my health is far more valuable. Every day I do some work to improve my mental health some days are good others not so much, but I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I try to stay connected to good friends, to talk to my husband about what is going on in my head. My naturopath, my psychologist are amazing. I go swimming, write a reflection diary, read books about anxiety and how to treat it like the “Happiness trap” that has been very useful. Find what helps you to grow, set goals. Good luck, you got this!

[RescueKitty]

Thanks Starlight ❤️

I'm trying to be more firm in my boundaries and things I will and will not continue to do at work. But my co-workers are so resistant to changing that each time I tell them that I won't do that task for them, when they can see my desk piled up with work. They then go to the manager and complain about my "tone". 

[starlight]

Sorry to hear people is not that supportive at work. You have lots of strengths and professional ethics, I am sure many organisations would be very happy to have a brilliant person like you. If the organization you are in at the moment can’t create a support plan for you to feel safe then  other places could be a welcoming change…. Remember you are your priority, no job is valuable enough to sacrifice your mental health. Loving oneself and being kind to one self is an important goal. Big hug and wishing you the best in this growth journey