Muscle Tension Dysphonia / Voice Issues / Anxiety and Stress

CCSNWL

Hi all, I'm Claire

I have seen some other posts on this topic from last year, so thought I would start a new one.  I work for a large charity as a counsellor and have just got my diagnosis of muscle tension dysphonia after almost a year of 'voice issues'.  It feels like a relief to know that I have a diagnosis of severe MTD as one can feel so confused with what is happening.  It is mainly brought on by work - going there or thinking about it, but is also provoked by stressful situations.  I have been in a very anxious state since the beginning of the pandemic and worked throughout it, worried all the time about other serious health conditions that I have.  My question to the community is: Is Muscle Tension Dysphonia recognised as a disability?  I really want to try to get back to work but my voice is integral to everything that I do.  I am having speech and language therapy and am starting CBT treatment.  If anyone has any advice or information on coping with this, I would be very grateful.

Thanks

Cher_Alumni

Hello @CCSNWL and a warm welcome to our online community. I'm really glad you found us, how are you keeping today?

I'm glad the diagnosis of muscle tension dysphonia has brought with it some relief and answers. I find the not knowing can be quite anxiety provoking so having this insight can open up access to the support needed to meet your needs. 

You mention that work is a particular trigger for your stress - would the provision of reasonable adjustments help make your work life easier for you? Is this something that has been discussed with your employer?

The definition of disability most commonly used emanates from the Equality Act 2010 which states:

You’re disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.

Going by your experience, does this meet how you feel about your condition? 

I hope the CBT and Speech and Language Therapy help you gently move towards a better place health-wise. Please keep us posted with how you get on.

CCSNWL

Thank you so much for replying.  Having just had the diagnosis, I am moving mentally from 'voice issues' to MTD, a recognised condition and yes, the condition does inhibit my ability to do normal daily activities.  This is making me question what I should/could ask for as reasonable adjustments.  Stress and anxiety is also so subjective - it is very difficult for me to ask for adjustments within a system (healthcare) which is so under pressure in general.  I am going to do some research and have another occupational health assessment coming up - I have read some other posts giving advice on what to consider during these meetings.  I am hoping that the therapy works, I need it to.  Have a good evening, Claire

L_Volunteer

Hey @CCSNWL. I can hear this is an uncertain time for you with lots of questions. We are here for you, listening to you and supporting you through this.

In terms of questioning what you should/could ask for as reasonable adjustments, as you have implied, it is subjective.

Is there anything in particular that you feel might help work more manageable/less stressful for you etc? Mainly because you identified stress as a main trigger. 

Are there any tasks you find particularly stress-provoking or less accessible, for example? I appreciate this is a lot to think about but just trying to ask some more specific questions. 

Only you know what is best for you, ultimately! I am wishing you the best of luck with your occupational health assessment. 

Please feel free to let us know how it goes and if you need any further support in the meantime. You really don't have to face this alone if you don't want to 

CCSNWL

thank you 🙏