To ask about stress and being signed off....

[KM99]

Short story. Worked at a company for long time, good performer. Since last year I've been covering two jobs with too small a team and I've warned my management the wheels would come off if we didn't get another person in before big projects kick off in January.

Nothing has been done and my stress levels have been on the rise every week. I'm now at a place where I have manic days of work, but more days where I can't function, feel emotional, borderline panic attacks each morning and overwhelmed, have to hold my breath not to scream at people, feel like I'm walking around in a fog. Everyone around me at work agrees the situation is not good for me.

I've had a complete meltdown tonight and made an appointment to see my GP tomorrow. Problem is I saw same GP last week about perimenopause. I'm not sure if she will take my stress seriously and think it's more hormonal.

I've never in my 20+ years working been signed off. But I'm just really worried she won't sign me off and I honestly feel one work day away from a breakdown.

Guess I'm looking for advice on how to approach the appointment. Maybe write down everything going on?

7.30 Tonight prog on now about Stress

It sounds like the issue is your workplace - have you considered trying to find a different job? Good luck tomorrow at the GP OP. [Flowers]

Baconmaker I've worked for this very large company for 20 years in a few different roles. This is the first time I've had such a bad situation. I'm actively looking for other roles with the company as it's generally a good company to work for. Just the team I'm currently in are not good.

I think I would start by acknowledging your previous appointment but that you don't believe the two are related.

Then tell her what you've said here.

Your symptoms could be related unfortunately e.g. the stress making your perimenopausal symptoms worse.

I think this is starting to become a problem that the NHS are having to deal with when they shouldn't.
You say that you've worked there a long time, been a good performer etc and as most jobs do, I'm assuming yours had a manageable level of stress until these new developments.
You've also coped with covering another job and a team that's too small, and warned them that it won't be good for this project to keep going the way you are - and they've totally disregarded that (probably because another person would reduce profit) and now the stress for you is unmanageable. If it weren't for this situation would you feel like this?
What I'm trying to say is that employers push and push and then the only way out for employees is to make the stress stop by seeing a GP and getting signed off - when actually if the employer just did something about it it wouldn't happen! That impacts the employees health and the NHS purse and the greedy employers still have their profit margin - I think it's totally wrong. Don't know what if anything could be done though.

As for you OP, you have 7 days self cert to start with, and it doesn't matter if the GP does think it's hormone related, you know it's not, so as long as she signs you off then you're going to get the break from the stress induced by the workplace you so desperately need. Whether it's hormone related or not you're not fit to work at the moment.
That said I think I'd be pissed off if in your circumstances my GP said it was hormone related and not the fact the employer is an arse.
Good luck and I hope you feel better soon X

You might find GP won't sign you off immediately as you have 7 days to self certify first. Have you made an appointment with someone senior at work and clearly spelt out your concerns? I think that would be the place to start and say that you cannot cope indefinitely with these stress levels. You have my sympathy. Workplace stress is awful.

Thanks all. Yes, spoken openly to my boss that my stress levels are progressively getting worse. She has been pushing her boss to recruit and they have finally agreed this week (too late to dig me out of current shit).

I've never had this type of workload before, literally a lot of work for two people. I've always coped with stress and busy times well and I'm known for getting shit done. Hence why I think they've taken the piss about of me a lot in throwing on more and more.

It isn't the doctors place to say if you should or shouldn't work. You tell the doctor that you're too stressed to work and they will give u a line as long as you need.

I remember feeling the same when I went to the GP. How would I convince him that I was really stressed? Well I simply burst into tears and couldn’t stop. They will believe you, promise.

Thanks for all your advice. I pretty much broke down the minute I walked into the room. GP was lovely. She's signed me off for a month to start but did tell me not to be surprised if I need longer. I go back for a review in 3 weeks.

Good for you OP - it is essential to recognise stress and 'rest' from it, before it gets too hard to deal with. Take care.

Well done you! You have some breathing space now.