Getting physically sick when working

[gremz]

I spent most of yesterday crying about this worry yesterday and I want to know if there's anyone else there that understands what I'm talking about.

It seems like every time I get a job, I get sick. In 2013 and '14 I got a new job at two separate places. Both times I lasted a few months while my health slowly deteriorated. It'd start with a cold which seems quite normal, but 2 weeks later I'd have another one. It'd be like any illness possible, I'd get it, and no one else ever caught it from me or had it originally. My immune system would get weaker and weaker and eventually I'd be forced to take so much time off I'd get fired. Then I have to spend the next few months trying to build my immune system back up while battling a depression triggered by being constantly sick, in pain, having nothing to do or wake up for and feeling incapable of even the simplest jobs.

I decided not to work this year until I finished my course (I'm studying Community Services). I only have one unit this semester so I started my student placement early. I hadn't been sick since January this year, until I started working. Now maybe I am just really unlucky, but so far I have contracted 3 different bugs in the 3 weeks since I started. I've only been doing 2-3 7 hour work days. No one else that I have come into contact with have been sick either and I take vitamins weekly.
Feels like I'll never be able to hold a job.

[white knight]

Hi gremz, welcome

sounds possible that because you are in contact with many more people while working, you catch bugs more often. Seems plausible to me.

If this is the case it is not a matter of being more positive or anything like that and your negativity has crept in and no wonder.

Sounds to me that your immune system needs looking at. But my daughter, a teacher has the same problem and she battles every winter to keep afloat.

You might have to explore every avenue on this. Working from home, all medical avenues to boost your metabolism and so on. Don't give up on this. 

Health issues effect us just getting and maintaining jobs. Same as others cant hold down work due to having a disabled child, parent, industry downturn etc.

I hope others have suggestion also.

Tony WK

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi gremz,

Sorry to hear that you've been unwell while you're working and thanks for posting to BB.

From my perspective it sounds like it could be a couple of things; are you under a lot of stress when you are working?  Community services work can be incredibly stressful and the way that the body can react to stress could potentially be the reason that you are so unwell so often; when the body gets stressed the immune system is not as strong as it usually is which makes you more prone to colds/flu and goodness knows what else.  It's just the way that the body reacts; doesn't necessarily mean that there's anything wrong but trying out some stress management techniques might help -

Alternatively it could just be bad timing.  Unfortunately there's nothing you can do to prevent colds other than staying healthy generally (with vitamins, exercise & diet) so this might be something you want to discuss with your GP.  Sometimes being vitamin deficient can make us more prone to colds/flu so you may want to consider doing a blood test if you find that you're getting them so frequently.

Good luck and hope you find some relief soon 🙂

[Narniakid]

Hi gremz!

I'm sorry to hear you're having such a difficult time. As the others have said, it could be stemming from a number of different factors like stress or immune deficiency. I've had my body react similarly during a period of time when I wasn't getting enough sleep and I wasn't eating properly. Have a look at your daily routine and talk to your GP about it, because it could be stress related or perhaps a deeper problem.

Crystal

[gremz]

Thanks guys, its good to know I'm not alone. I feel like there is a lot of pressure from society to get out and work even when you're not ready to. 
I've had blood tests done in the past and all signs would point to my stress levels causing this. Hopefully this is just a string of bad luck though. I've recently sought out some therapy around acceptance so hopefully this will also help me to let go and relax about things I can't control