[chickpeas]

Just recently I have started this uncontrolable crying spells when I am approached with constructive criticism by my manager. Lately, when I am called into the manager's office, I immediately start crying. I used to experience excessive crying when I was in nursing school. If I was being reprimanded, I would start to cry and could not stop. I don't think I am depressed. I don't have any frustrations in my personal life and I have a wonderful job and career. My manager now tells me that she is afraid to tell me anything because I cry. I am so embarrassed. I am in a leadership position and I cannot not be seen crying because I will be labeled as weak; I really cannot hold the crying back. Is there anyone out their that can give me some advice?

[Wondergirl]

I'm a bit older than you and think it's your hormones churning and moving toward menopause (perimenopause). Have you had any symptoms of that?--strange and missed periods, hot flashes, sweats, etc.

[chickpeas]

I'm a bit older than you and think it's your hormones churning and moving toward menopause (perimenopause). Have you had any symptoms of that?--strange and missed periods, hot flashes, sweats, etc.

I hit menopause in 2007. I may agree with you that it is hormones. I cry to relieve stress. I am already taking primpro, the smallest dose. I think maybe I need to have them increased. My manager thinks that there is something wrong with me because I cry. I am almost sure that my manager is trying replace me as a charge nurse. The VA is replacing the older experienced with very young unexperienced nurses including replacing managers. I think this is where the crying is coming from. I have been employeed at this VA for 20 years and I am feeling inadaquate for my job due to the micro-managing coming from my "young" manager. Thanks so much for replying. Any more thoughts?