Why is everything so difficult

[JustBoppinAlong]

I started back on 40mg of Fluoxetine approx 2 weeks ago for anxiety and depression, because I was struggling to cope with the normal ins and outs of life.

I have many things that are currently adding to my stress levels which are making my anxiety rise and last week I felt like I just couldn't cope, couldn't face work or friends or anyone really.

I couldn't get a gp appointment but managed to get a telephone consultation. I was given Diazepam and a sick note for a week.

The Diazepam is helping greatly but I cannot drive on it as I moved my car over the weekend after taking on and my perception was way off and I nearly drove into an oncoming car and then ended up on the kerb :/

Anyway, have decided to go back to work tomorrow as I'm in a big financial mess from having time off and cannot afford to have anymore days off sick.

Not sure how I will deal with my anxiety as cannot take any diazepam as I need to drive as part of my job. So going to have to try hard to hold it together and hope that the anti depressants start to help real soon.

Has anyone been through this before? Did anything help at all?

I'm so worried that others will judge me for being off work. Worried about losing my job. Panicking over everything unless I've taken a diazepam. Even driving no makes me feel anxious and I normally love driving.

I can't even sit and watch tv or go for a walk. I just feel anxious all the time. And I feel like such a failure as a parent because it's affecting how I am with the kids.

I can't take them out as much because I'm feeling so anxious when I do go out.

I'm also feeling nauseous and exhausted all of the time.

[dangermouseisace]

Sorry to hear you're having a hard time. Anti depressants usually take at least a fortnight to have an effect so hopefully you'll notice an improvement soon. You're right not to drive on diazepam- you could be prosecuted if it effects your driving under the fairly new drug driving regulations.
You say you're in a financial mess from taking time off sick- does your employer not pay sick pay at the full rate? Most employers offer at least some sick pay at full rate. If they don't you should at the very least be entitled to statutory sick pay. I can't imagine that worrying about finances is helping your anxiety- and it doesn't sound like you're ready to go back to work.

[Stargirl82]

Aniexity depression worried about starting anti depressants :/
http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/feeling_depressed/2659039-Aniexity-depression-worried-about-starting-anti-depressants.

Come join us!

At least being on them is the first step in the right direction

[JustBoppinAlong]

I'll be honest I do not feel ready to face work, but the longer I'm not there the harder it is to go back. So tomorrow I'm facing it head on and will just have to cope as best as I can.

My employer doesn't pay sick pay. I think I'll get a little in benefits though, but I'm not sure.

Will have a look at the thread posted. Thank you for your replies.

Feeling very anxious this evening. Think I'll be taking a diazepam before bed so that I get some decent sleep.

[dangermouseisace]

justboppin if they don't have a work place scheme they have to- by law- pay statutory sick pay which is approx 88 per week., if you have been off work for 4 days or more. They can claim this back off the state, but they are legally obliged to pay it to you via the same means as you usually get paid. (I used to do payroll for a small charity so know a little about it)

Hope you get some sleep, and that work goes ok.

[dangermouseisace]

note- for sick pay you need to earn at least £112 per week before tax