Cognitive issues and work
Hi everyone
I'm new to this group. I'm looking for some insights into work and ms. I worked at a company for 15 years as a bookkeeper half day. I was at that job when I was diagnosed with ms and my then boss was honestly amazing. He was so encouraging and his relentless concern helped me through one of the toughest stage of my life.
Due to circumstances, he sold the company and I have subsequently been made redundant. I started a new job about 6 weeks ago. I asked my doctor to put me on Concerta to help me concentrate in the beginning. However I kept making careless errors. The work involved a lot of detail and the bosses were exceptionally demanding to the point that I was being called and whatsapped until 8:30 at night. I didn't tell them about my ms as I never wanted to use it was an excuse and I'm not looking for anyone's pity. I am a strongly independent person and hate asking for anything. I just wanted to put my head down and get the work done. With all the pressure I would sit there and feel like I was swimming. My brain just couldn't remember everything I needed to remember but when I was away from the office, working from home my work was perfect. What I want to understand if stupid mistakes (concentrating) and memory problems are directly related to my ms. I managed fine at past job. I have left this second job and am now feeling so unbelievably scared to start looking again. I need to work financially. But what if i just can't manage to think clearly anymore. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? I don't know if the pressure was causing me to kind of flip out and my brain would just switch off.
Thank you
I say,sit,relax,breathe stop trying to think and give yourself a day off. Then try lists,as far as your feelings, I think you have realised help,support and kindness can directly affect your working ability. Knowing this is very powerful in helping your future workplace decision. I will not say anymore, less is more,for now. Only you know your circumstances and needs, but write it down, see it in print as a starting point. Good Luck
Hi, I believe I'm starting to get cognitive issues too which make it quite tricky when working but I've been able to start working from home more to help concentrate and manage stress and fatigue. My office is open plan so was difficult. I always feel like these problems are worse when I'm tired or stressed, even the slightest bit stressed! Starting a new job is always stressful and I have definitely found it quite scary not feeling very with it when I've always been driven and focused in the past. I can't really advise, I kind of just feel like I was in the same boat before my work changed a bit but the change I've made recently is to write everything down in a diary- to do lists, deadlines, literally everything! Make sure you rest and de-stress otherwise it'll just get worse. With regards to a new job just go for it! Yes, scary but if an employer isn't supportive then they're not the one for you. I always remind myself that employment is a two way relationship! They have to look after you too. Otherwise sack them off, you can do better!