In March 2003, I was still in the Air Force and stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio. I had a set of orders and plane tickets to Turkey, somewhere along the southern border. There I would be setting up a base "from scratch" in order for the war with Iraq to begin. Although, I was never sent to Turkey I was scheduled three different times to fly out. All three canceled by a call in the middle of the night.
Needless to say, this was a very stressful time in my life. As a result of this experience, I formed an ever-growing discontent with the government. Because of what it personally put me through, and what I've come to find out it puts millions of people through everyday.
July 2009 is now comparable to March 2003. And it has the potential to surpass 03 this week. I am very concerned about how coworkers will react this week. It gets no realer than knowing you will not be paid when your livelihood, as well as your family's, is dependent upon this pay. These conditions, caused by our employer, are going to make good people do bad things. And it will not be their choice; it will be human nature.
Desperation is defined by Merriam-Webster as "loss of hope and surrender to despair." People have definitely lost hope, and I'm confident as this week progresses it will become obvious that folks can't think of anything else other than how they are going to provide for their families. The patience the governor has asked for is wearing thin. If he and his chain-of-command keep ignoring the health issues involved, I'm afraid the patience is going to turn to patients.
I'm sure that I have acquired some sort of "condition" as a result of this impasse. I say that because I am obsessed. And I'm enraged that the lawmakers do not share my obsession. I cannot effectively do my job because I cannot quit thinking about how to make them do theirs. (NOTE: I am aware of my obsession and this is NOT a threat towards anyone.)
The lack of leadership and management is disturbing. I am not "classified" as a worker who should be recognizing warning signs and proactively trying to prevent "traumatic events." But lack of classification should not discount my concerns. Until now, they have been. In a formal meeting on June 17, we requested SEAP to provide us a service. They declined and offered individual assistance.
I've spent a lot of time on their site, along with our other state-provided resource liveandworkwell.com. EVERY article, regulation, powerpoint presentation specifically states: DO NOT IGNORE warning signs.
From an article they have posted on their site titled, "Depression Costs Billions,"
"And many people don't recognize depression as an illness. Symptoms of fatigue and indecisiveness are often seen as personality problems, laziness, or weakness."
From an article by the Mayo Clinic titled "Job Burnout: Understand Symptoms and Take Action"
What are job burnout symptoms?
Ask yourself these questions to see if you're experiencing job burnout signs or symptoms:
* Do you find yourself being more cynical, critical and sarcastic at work?
* Have you lost the ability to experience joy?
* Do you drag yourself into work and have trouble getting started once you arrive?
* Have you become more irritable and less patient with co-workers, customers or clients?
* Do you feel that you face insurmountable barriers at work?
* Do you feel that you lack the energy to be consistently productive?
* Do you no longer feel satisfaction from your achievements?
* Do you have a hard time laughing at yourself?
* Are you tired of your co-workers asking if you're OK?
* Do you feel disillusioned about your job?
* Are you self-medicating — using food, drugs or alcohol — to feel better or to simply not feel?
* Have your sleep habits or appetite changed?
* Are you troubled by unexplained headaches, neck pain or lower back pain?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing job burnout. But because some of these symptoms also can indicate certain health conditions, such as depression, be sure to consult with your health care provider about your symptoms.
PLEASE, everyone be strong.
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