Have resigned but thinking about asking to be signed off- anxiety?

[stressfulsituation]

Have also posted this in Employment issues, but thought I would also post here as I would be grateful if anyone can identify with these feelings- would it be classed as anxiety?


For several months now, I have realised that my job is getting on top of me. It doesn't suit our family life which in turn caused me to become stressed and upset. As a result of my feelings, my DP and I worked out a way in which I could leave the job. Because of the job I do, whilst I have handed in my notice, I cannot actually leave until December. Ordinarily this would have been fine and I suppose I would have spent these last few weeks just enjoying the fact they would be my last in the job.

However, over the last couple of weeks my stress/anxiety levels have gone through the roof (no specific trigger). My symptoms are- a constant mega-nervous feeling- like just before a driving test for example: a heavy feeling in my chest, sweaty hands, thumping heart. I am dreaming constantly about work- then waking, then dreaming again. I'm a tearful at home and irritable with my dc.

I have tried to rationalise with myself that I am not there much longer, but it is not working.

I am considering going to the GP, but am worried that I will build myself up to ask to be signed off and he won't agree and I will be left in a worse state.

In a routine Dr appointment several months ago, I mentioned that I was feeling a bit stressed by work and the GP mentioned yoga etc to keep on top of stress. very valid suggestion, but feel it has gone past that point now.

And advice would be great.

[stressfulsituation]

I should add, I have always been a worrier- it's just that more recently the worry has revolved around work. But I stress about my health, and more so the health of my immediate family- I panic if anyone mentions a symptom and convince myself it is the worst case scenario. feel sick until I hear otherwise. I also find it difficult to answer the phone unless it is my dp, or answer the door.

[borntoberiled]

Hi. Firstly you have my sympathy. Itsa truly horrible thing to suffer with and you can't live Luke that until December.I personally would go to the gp. Not necessarily to be signed off, but to consider all options. Online cbt could help too. good luck.

[reallytired]

You have my sympathy. It is horrid to have to leave a job because of health. I left my job and I am still recovering 3 months later.

I think its perfectly reasonable to ask your GP to sign you off, even if it just a week. Its a long time until december.

[madmouse]

It does sound like work is just what your anxiety is currently latching on to. Mine does that too - I tend to be anxious about what is foremost in my mind, usually ds's health but can be other things too.

Not much good to just ask to be signed off - I think you need treatment for your anxiety as a whole, ie CBT or other counselling, plus if you and your doc find it appropriate medication. Signing off can be considered as part of the package. But it's no good in my view to present this to the GP as a work issue as that is simply not all.

[TeamDamon]

Did the yoga help your anxiety at all? I suppose if you have been doing yoga for several months and are still experiencing these symptoms then you do need to look at the next stage of help - maybe CBT or another form of counselling. As madmouse says, getting signed off from work won't help if it turns out that work is not the root cause.

[reallytired]

I think that if you get signed off for a week then you will see if work is causing the anxiety. If you feel better after a week then you know there is no underlying cause.