Question: I have had such horrific stress at work that I got sick over it. My primary care says there is nothing wrong with me. He did a bunch of tests, and everything came out normal. Then he told me I should see a therapist. I know that I will get sicker if I go back to work, and therapy will not solve the problem. What happened at work is that my boss is giving me a hard time because I reported him for sexual harassment, and now he really has it in for me. I can’t get another job without a good letter of recommendation. I can’t afford to leave my job. And I am getting sicker and sicker. Someone told me I could apply for disability. But even my doctor won’t help with that if he doesn’t think I am medically ill. Any ideas?

Anne Fenton, MD: If you believe the situation at work is affecting your physical health, then you are saying that the emotional stress is affecting your physical health and sense of well being. You may be able to apply for mental health disability. Try consulting a psychiatrist who has some experience dealing with this type of disability.