My job is literally a headache. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t go home and have to take Tylenol. I feel tired all the time, and cannot get much done at night.

My husband wants me to quit, but unfortunately, we don’t have much of a choice. In this economy, we need the money. My mother says she is afraid that living under this constant stress is going to add up and cause me real health problems. I am not the only one at work that feels this way. A lot of the problem stems from my boss, who is just plain mean.

Do you have any suggestions?

Stressed Out Salesperson in Sheepshead Bay[hr]

Dear Stressed Out,

I am sorry your work is so unbearable. Unfortunately,you are not alone in this problem, and especially in today’s economy, many people are forced to stay in jobs which are demanding, unsatisfying and often unpleasant.

Job stress is often associated with a demanding job, with little or no decision-making authority or opportunities to use one’s skills or creativity.

As a result of workplace stress, one may experience various health issues, including chronic fatigue, stomach problems, frequent colds, loss of libido, lack of sleep and generalized irritability.

As reality does not allow you to leave your job, here are things you can do to help reduce the unpleasantness:

•  Control what you can — eat right, exercise, only drink alcohol in moderation, and get enough sleep. Take pleasure in small things, like a short walk around the park or planting flowers.

• Laugh a lot – it’s a great anti-depressant.

• Get a massage

We may not be able to avoid the stress of a bad job, but we can learn to better deal with it and focus on the good things in life.

As the song goes:

“When you’re worried and you can’t sleep, just count your blessings instead of sheep,

“And you’ll fall asleep counting your blessings.”

Until next week, be well.[hr]

Dr. Steven Garner is a Fidelis Care provider who is associated with New York Methodist Hospital, Park Slope.  He also hosts Ask the Doctor call-in TV show on NET, Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on Ch. 97 Time-Warner, and Ch. 30 Cablevision.