told my boss i suffer from anxiety

[zazzabeans]

i think iv made a mistake.... she was shocked when i said i was on medication for it.. what happens now?
can she request to see my medical records?
can i get sacked?

[Arcadia]

It is extremely hard for an employer to sack someone now because there is so much protection in employment law. They have to go through lots of hoops and do it properly, even in cases where people have done something wrong at work or the quality of their work is poor.
You should be protected by that law, and you suffering from an illness, whatever it may be, does not entitle them to sack you. In fact they should actually offer you support to make sure you can do your job.
I don't think that your employer has the right to see your medical records, but I'm not sure on that one.
You could also post on the employment board - some helpful people there.

[zazzabeans]

thanks for replying, would you tell your employer you were suffering anxiety? i feel iv made a mistake

[Arcadia]

It depends I suppose. I have suffered some anxiety/insomnia/depression since having DD 14 months ago (though fairly steadily improving) and haven't told work as it is quite a 'tough' working environment because of the profession I'm in, and I personally don't trust my boss so haven't told him. But I have confided in a couple of colleagues as i am generally quite an open person and sometimes you need the support.
I think so many people have these kinds of problems it shouldn't be a big deal.
Did you tell your employer because you felt it may affect your work, because you wanted support, or because you just didn't want to hide it?
Is it a large organisation or a small workplace?

But I don't believe in making mistakes. Things happen and we do things for the right reasons at the time. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but we are only human.

[zazzabeans]

dont know why the heck i told her
maybe i just didnt want to hide the fact that i suffer anxiety, i think my job contributes to about a quarter of my problems.
it doesnt affect my woek performane in anyway, i function quite well, my boss even said i didnt come across as a person with anxiety...
as it is, i feel the orozac are really helping me despite me being on them for only 2 weeks, may be pschological???? but i feel abetter than i have done in a while

[Arcadia]

I think a lot of us anxiety sufferers come across well and not anxious, though we're convinced it shows from the outside.
I think the good thing about anxiety (!) is that it can be energising. I rarely feel depressed but often feel 'edgy', but I seem to have lots of energy and motivation in my work and my life. It can be helpful to try and see the positive in apparently negative things that we suffer from.
I think anxious people can be good employees as they tend to be quite conscientious!

Glad the meds are helping you

[madmouse]

NO NO NO NO NO NO

Your employer has NO RIGHT AT ALL to see your medical records

let me just repeat that

NO RIGHT AT ALL

If your anxiety is such that it impacts on your work they can refer you to occupational health, where you will then be seen by a doctor or other professional who will advice your boss on how to proceed.

sacking you for it would be illegal.

[kizzie]

I eventually told my boss - after a long time hiding it. I felt exactly the same as you (what on earth have I done) but in the end I was pleased. They were very shocked/suprised because on the surface I seem so 'together' (oh how looks can be deceptive ). But it felt like a weight being lifted off my shoulders - and really if it was any other illnss then i would have told them.

Glad you are feeling better.

[FaffTastic]

Even if they referred you to Occupational Health your boss would only be able to see medical information if you gave written consent.

They can't sack you but depending on your profession they are entitled to make adjustments to you job if required i.e if you work with machinery or are in a profession with access to firearms such as the police.

Presuming you are not employed in the the above type occupation you have nothing to worry.

Will probably find myseld in a similiar situation soon enough as I'm on a waiting list through GP for counselling and the sessions will be during working hours so I'll have to offer some sort of explanation as to why I need regular time off.

[JustAnotherNameChanger]

I have worked for the same LA for 18 yrs and have suffered with Panic Disorder/Phobias/Agoraphobia for 20 yrs . They know about my 'issues' (I was once off work for 8 months when I couldn't leave the house).

My bosses over the years couldn't have been more helpful and them knowing has helped me manage the attacks. (I am a Social Worker)

[Dammyoucomfortzone]

I had to tell my boss in the end that I had problems about a year ago as my performance at work was being affected. I always remember the we have never had any problems with tasks and projects given to you but you have made some mistakes recently conversation. It actually helped me to tell them, it was shitty at the time.

Anxiety is awful, mine started after a series of terrible events in my life starting 5 years ago. The psychistrist said he was not suprised I had problems.

Be kind to yourself and I hope that you end up after the initial shock like me, which is relieved.