Feel completely trapped and hopeless at my job situation

[bankholidayblue]

I've been at my current job for around 9 months. My mental health has been really negatively impacted, particularly in the last few months.

I've got a stressful period coming up with lots of presentations/public speaking coming up, which I haven't had to do in my job yet. My job likes to push their employees to the next job band for promotions etc.

I really struggle with public speaking and always have done, but recently I think with how my mental health is they seem completely impossible. I've been constantly crying and feeling really depressed and trapped.

I need to leave this job for the sake of my mental health, but my notice period is 2 months so I'd still have to give all of the presentations. I feel completely trapped and like there is no way out.

I've spoken to my GP and have been prescribed antidepressants but they take a while to start working.

Have you applied for any new jobs? I would do that immediately.

What would happen if you said no to the public speaking? Do you have a nice manager or someone you can speak to and explain that you are terrified of it.

If it’s that bad, could your GP sign you off with stress?

Ask for training in public speaking, it's not an unreasonable request,

I've been applying to a new job and have been in touch with recruiters too

I don't think saying no is an option, I could try and mention to my manager how stressed and anxious I am about them, but they will probably just brush it off and tell me I'll be fine

I have thought about asking my GP to sign me off for stress, but I worry about my attendance affecting me getting a new job

Get signed off from work immediately. It won't affect your new job, they are not legally allowed to discuss it. I was off work for 2.months, didn't affect new job at all. You have a genuine need to be away from work or you will make yourself ill.

I think that is my only option right now