How To Manage Work related Stress During Your Illness Recovery

Work related stress from being sick with colon cancer is one more of the terrible, but important issues. We hope this webpage helps you with this problem.

It's hard enough having to deal with your emotions after discovering you have colon cancer, let alone the areas of your life that need addressing, such as your job and career.

Talk To Your Colleagues

Just the thought of talking to your employer and co-workers about your diagnosis is understandably difficult. You probably have endless worries on your mind. You may be concerned that your employer will not support you, or will find some way to let you go. Coping with work related stress is just another part or our lives made more difficult by colon cancer.

First of all, that seldom happens. You will probably find that everyone is supportive and helpful. Many people say that the reassurance of their co-workers made them feel that little bit better. Even in the difficult economic times, people can be astonishingly supportive.

Formulate a Plan of Action

To be prepared, draft an action plan of what you have in mind. Perhaps consider a leave of absence for now, or maybe reduce your working hours and continue on a part time basis. Ask to occasionally take work home with you. Almost everyone finds that working from home dramatically reduces the work related stress in their lives.

Having these details worked out in advance reduces the work related stress for everyone. In addition you should continually evaluate your situation. Initially, you may feel that you want to continue working throughout your treatment. But you are probably unsure of how you will react to the therapy.

You may feel fine right now, but you may also just want to rest for a few days. Communicate openly so your employer knows what to expect. They can plan your cover and take into consideration the likelihood of having to alter plans at short notice.

However, many people want to carry on their professional life as normal. This is also okay. You may enjoy escaping to the normality of your ordinary working week. It is a good way of coping for a number of colon cancer patients.

Some time off is usually needed for appointments. This can leave you feeling frustrated when you have a lot of work to do and affect your confidence in your job performance. Don't give yourself such a hard time! Just continuing the activities of your everyday life is an amazing step, and people around you will be commending you, not condemning you!

Factors to consider when making your decision about time-off

Perhaps you are actually confused about whether you should take some time off. Take into account how:

• anxious
• tired
• distracted you are most of the time.

Maybe you want some time to apply yourself to the therapy and recuperate at home. When it comes to your job, the right decision differs with every single person.

If you are further along in your treatment and are looking at going back to work, make sure you have enough strength to handle the pressures of the job. You don't want the stress at work to set you back. Consider returning to work for a few hours a day to see how it goes. It is understandable to feel nervous about returning to the workplace, wondering if you can still do it justice.

But whether you are anxious about leaving work or stressed about going back, cut yourself some slack. You are going to cope much better by being honest with those around you, and creating a plan that is tailored to suit your needs. Enjoy the escape of being part of a professional team, or if staying at home, make the most of some well deserved you time.

Additional Resources

• LARCC - Family and medical leave

Written by Victoria Austen - 5/3/09

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