With chronic fatigue together with migraines, it can be incredibly difficult to stay focused at work and get the job done. Most days you wake up feeling tired and headachy, and you just want to quit! But don’t- here are some helpful pointers to help you turn things around at the workplace and get back on track.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition that goes hand-in-hand with migraines. In addition to suffering from intense headaches and nausea, many migraine patients also struggle with overwhelming fatigue that begins from sunup and steadily worsens throughout the day.
Chronic illness is a national dilemma
Coupled with chronic migraines, chronic fatigue syndrome can be a deterrent to financial stability; chronic pain sufferers have difficulty maintaining a regular work schedule while battling with daily tiredness, strong headaches, and numerous bodily ailments.
As a result, nearly 50% of people with chronic fatigue or migraines end up unemployed, often without any benefits.
On a larger scale, national productivity goes down, and all because the workplace is not set up to accommodate to people with chronic illnesses who still want to report to work.
Increase awareness!
Many sufferers of CFS and migraines are wary of mentioning their chronic illness to coworkers, because they think they’ll be discriminated against or called “lazy,” or worse…fired on the spot.
You can use other people’s ignorance to your advantage! Educate them about what it means to have chronic fatigue syndrome, that CFS and migraines are both real medical conditions that are recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For tips, read Helping Others Understand Migraines- 8 Communication Tips
Be your own advocate!
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you have the right to request certain accommodations that will enable you to keep your job and manage chronic fatigue at work.
- Would it help if you could receive more flexible working hours?
- Could you keep your job on a part-time basis?
- Could your boss help you reduce migraine triggers at work, by eliminating fluorescent lighting and instituting a fragrance-free work area?
- Could you get a longer break during the day, so that you can take some pain medication, rest your head, and close your eyes, even for a few minutes longer?
- Are there any aspects of your job that can be completed at home?
These are all things that your employer should be willing to discuss with you, especially if you have been diagnosed with migraine disorder or chronic fatigue syndrome and have medical documentation to prove it.
Get help!
If you are absolutely unable to report for work, and need some time off to experiment with a new migraine treatment, then you may be entitled to receive compensation while you recuperate and get your life back on track.
Contact the Social Security Administration to find out if you’re eligible for disability benefits. For advice about filing, read Social Security Disability for Migraine- 5 Tips for Filing
Your turn!
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.
Share with your friends!
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Like this? Read more:
Migraine-ous Fragrances at Work: 20 Civil Tactics and Coping Strategies
Migraines at Work- Can my Employers Fire me from my Job?
Sources:
On the Job With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
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