I’m a teacher and have now come to the decision the job just isn’t for me anymore. I’ve developed anxiety at work, started having panic attacks, constantly worrying about work, heart rate through the roof just from being there etc. I cried after work the other night, I’m so stressed I’ve started getting tinnitus in one ear and had the worst migraine alongside it. I’ve been on beta blockers for 2 years for my anxiety/panic attacks but I’m now pregnant with my second child. I can’t take the beta blockers while pregnant and they weren’t doing enough for me anyway as I’m still constantly on edge. I’ve never had a single day off sick in my life but I’ve come to the point where I feel backed into a corner, with more and more deadlines heading my way, violent children, observed lessons and stressful events coming up that I’m just constantly worrying about. I’ve gone down to part time but it’s all I think about.
Ive been in touch with the doctor a few times about all of this and she suggested antidepressants for the anxiety last time but I was reluctant to go on them. Now I’m pregnant I really don’t want to have to but feel like I can’t face work without doing something. I know they are technically ‘safe’ but there is still some level of risk. The alternative is going off with WRS and taking a very early mat leave at 29 weeks then find a new job while I’m off. I feel like I should do this because I didn’t put my first child at any increased risk by taking anything while pregnant but also don’t want to have to hide for 6 months in case anyone sees me out looking ‘fine’ 🤦🏼♀️
What would you do? I just want to be free from all of this!