[mazing]

I have recently been put into a work situation which I am finding extremely stressful. As part of this I also need to decide whether I wish to escalate a pretty significant grievance against one of my colleagues or just let it go. I want to escalate - I want to sort this out so it doesn't happen to another person.

The problem is that whenever I become very stressed I end up crying every time I talk about the stressful event. In my mind I can be completely composed and logical but externally I look like a wreck - I have tears, my breathing gets faster (almost hyperventilation) and I struggle to form sentences.

If I was to escalate this I would need to be talking to high up management and need to try and remain composed - both internally and externally. Has anyone ever had this reaction? Does anyone have any tips to overcome it and stop the crying reaction? I know it can be a normal stress reaction but that isn't helpful when sitting in a room with corporate!

[Leed]

Yep ~ I know exactly what you're talking about. I'm the Queen of the criers.

I don't have any "tips" -- The only thing I did was just FORCE myself not to cry. That's not to say that I didn't "well up" with tears in my eyes, but I didn't cry. LOL I brought some tissue with me, just in case. LOL But I was determined NOT to cry, because the issue was important to me, and I wanted to see it through.

It was similar to yours -- it was a Union issue and I had to talk to the Union steward about my boss, who had not given me ANY training when I first was hired on, yet expected me to perform like everyone else on the line. Then I'd find her in the breakroom, taking naps all day.

So this effected everyone plus the boss who would most likely take her punishment out on me.

I got thru it okay. It wasn't fun, but I got thru it. I was a nervous wreck the rest of the day, but I didn't cry. I waiting til I got home that night, and then cried! God bless and good luck! Let us know how you do. HUgs, Lee

[Thunder Bow]

Talk to a Supervisor about your greivance with the co-worker. As child did you often cry to get attention or to get your way?