Work worry

[twiglet59]

I work for the NHS and made a mistake at work last week. It is administrative so no patients were hurt in anyway. I am going through the menopause and have been struggling with sleeping, night sweats and forgetfulness etc.

I work with other secretaries and I feel that I am the only one who seems to mess up. They say they do, but I feel not as much. I have heard the way that some colleagues comment when someone else makes a mistake and they can be quite bitchy. I have been really beating myself up about it as I have made a few other mistakes and do not want to be labelled. I have really low self-esteem which does not help. I sometimes think I would be better off getting a really easy job, just so that I would not get things wrong. I am dreading going back to in case they say they say I may need to be monitored. I am driving myself crazy over thinking it all.

None of us are super human, and that means we will sometimes make a mistake. It doesn't sound like you do it regularly.

It sounds like you have more going on than low self esteem, you sound quite anxious. Would you consider talking to your GP? How you are feeling could be related to the menopause, and HRT might help.

Everyone really does make mistakes. They really do. Bitching about others behind their backs is also a mistake! That person must be really stressed.

It sounds as though the system isn't set up sufficiently to support you. I'm so sorry you're feeling bad

It sounds like your anxiety is taking over. It's always hard when you're not sleeping well, I think your mind starts to think more negatively - at least mine does. We all make mistakes sometimes, you're just more aware of your own than you are of other peoples.

Your own mistakes always seem huge compared to other people's.

Life is messy and we all get things wrong. Give yourself a break - you're doing the best you can, like everyone else.

The fact you are worried about making a mistakes suggests that you are very conscientious and that's a good thing. Everybody makes mistakes - seriously - they do. Just that some people can maybe fix the mistake before it's noticed or don't worry about it (if it's the latter that's more a cause for concern).

If they are all bitching because someone messes up it says so much more about them than you.

Take care of yourself and love yourself, if you are doing your best and learning that's all you can do. Don't try and ind an 'easier' job - you could end up going through the same thing.