Struggling with Chronic Illness at Work

I've been in trouble at work for my attendance for this very reason. I hate missing work, but I can't help amen I'm physically ill from stress or other fibro related issues

I’ve definitely felt like that in the past. I still do, occasionally, but having support around you to know that it’s better for your health to take the time off of work can help. You deserve to feel good going into work, and anyone who makes you feel bad for calling out doesn’t understand. I’m going to tell you, most decent people that you work with won’t bat an eye at you calling out. They may be concerned, if anything, and often most people tell me to get better if they say anything at all. There’s a lot of good people, and hopefully your work is full of them. While you’re off, just do your best to relax and get yourself prepped to get back to work at your own pace. Focusing on the anxiety and fear just makes it harder to fully recharge, and you’ll find you need another break sooner. You’re doing your best, and I hope that you can start to feel a little more confident in taking that break when you need to!

I hate that too. I feel like I'm failing when I have to take off for work, especially when it's mental health I'm struggling with.

I'm an HR Director with Fibromyalgia and several other conditions. I use this site for staff to determine accommodations and also for myself. Job Accommodation Network (JAN) https://askjan.org/blogs/jan/2020/03/the-ada-and-managing-reasonable-accommodation-requests-from-employees-with-disabilities-in-response-to-covid-19.cfm This will help you to offer suggestions to your employer and HR Director should you need to go there. Best of luck! Take care of yourself first.

I worked as a paralegal for many years with fibromyalgia. It was high stress and I'm sure you're aware that stress will amplify fibromyalgia symptoms. I would suggest that you make your employer aware of your condition. Sometimes employers will work with you in allowing an adjusted work schedule. Also they don't want a discrimination lawsuit.

Honestly, I completely get you. It's really sucky sometimes, and the guilt just makes it worse too. You aren't alone in those feelings, but just know that it isn't something that you deserve to feel guilt over. You're looking out for yourself, and that's all anyone could ever ask of you. You are doing great ☺️

Feel guilty for what? Your mental and physical health should always be priority.