Stress

Many psychological and physical illnesses can be caused by stress but you may not recognise stress or abuse at work as the cause. If you find yourself going to the doctor over a period of time with lots of different illnesses, why not have a chat about your work situation? Your doctor may be able to advise you on dealing with the cause, rather than just treating the symptom.

The NHS list the following as symptoms of stress and how they build up:

• As stress builds up, there is a recognised pattern of behaviour: You always feel tired.
• You may suffer from poor concentration and short-term memory - it is difficult to follow a long conversation.
• You worry greatly about issues such as money, family, relationships, job etc.
• You feel unwanted and unloved.
• You are indifferent towards your personal appearance.
• You have a reduced interest in sex.
• You may adopt repetitive behaviour such as going round the house switching off lights or checking the hot tap hourly for drips.
• Alcohol or even drugs can be abused, particularly to get some sleep or relaxation.
• Irritability increases, and a short fuse develops where something very little will spark off a reaction.

Legally, your case can hinge on having the 'right' diagnosis. Stress is not a psychiatrically recognised illness and you may affect whether you have any recourse in law. If you are signed off with stress, whether attributed to work or not, you will not have a claim for personal injury in a UK tribunal or civil court. Depression, anxiety, dysthymia and PTSD etc are psychiatrically recognised illnesses, so will allow a claim.

If your doctor is listing stress, please discuss this with him as soon as possible to ensure that you are diagnosed correctly. This may allow you to access the most appropriate treatment and protect you, should you need to bring a legal claim. You may not know whether you will go legal at this stage but it is best to work on a worst case scenario - however optimistic you are. As the Guides say, 'Be Prepared!'

Did you know that humans are not the only ones to suffer from stress from bullying? This study of baboons explains more and suggests coping strategies.

As everyone suffers more, less or differently to others, it would not be appropriate to comment on or infer any particular diagnosis, so individual symptoms caused by bullying will be discussed in isolation from the possible range of diagnoses that may be made by a medical professional. More details on the effects of stress can be found on the symptoms page. A link to the various diagnoses of psychiatrically recognised illnesses can be found here. You may also want to see the self-help page or the links below for some great tips on reducing stress.

Links

Managing your anger and Feeling stress from the BBC

Stress from the Royal College of Psychiatrists

Mental health in the workplace; tackling the effects of stress and Stress and how to cope with it from the Mental Health Foundation

Stress at work from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE)

Guide to managing stress from MIND

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