To go off sick?

[greenbluewho]

I'm an adults social worker and as I've been lying awake most of the night worrying about my cases and trying not to cry I realise I just can't do it anymore.

Not right now at least.

It's hell at the moment. Crazy busy. Complex cases. No care around because of pinging and Brexit or whatever other reasons.

My brain won't switch off. I just can't.

I could go sick - but I'm one of those who never has sick, last time was a few years ago when my appendix ruptured so I had no choice,

I think if I do this now feeling like this I won't be going back ever. My team is already struggling with sickness and short staffed due to being unable to recruit. I'd drop them in it with my 25 or so cases from hell.

Part of the reason I'm feeling like this is because I've had other peoples' awful cases dropped on me when they've gone off.

I really need some time but I don't want to drop them in it. Crying just typing this.

AIBU to just call in sick and let my manager worry about it? He's not done my supervision for 3 months anyway so maybe if he had I'd be in a better place.

@greenbluewho

I made the call!! Actual manager predictably offline so spoke to his manager instead. Thanks everyone. Will have to see how it goes with my five days grace. Feels so weird.

I'm so glad to hear you've done this. I would also ask for a referral to Occupational Health as soon as possible. Good luck.

@minisoksmakehardwork nailed it. Your managers are failing to manage - that is what they are paid to do. You personally are not letting your clients and co-workers down - there are limits to what people can take in terms of pressure, expectation, workload - you have to look after yourself if you want to have a long term future in the job - this is lack of real man management is a big driving factor why so many teachers leave the profession within 5 years of qualifying - something like 40-50%. Social work is another very stressful area - a good friend of mine retired early from a very senior role in social services - I think it is only now that he starting to deal with consequences of all the responsibility and pressure he's been under for years and I don't think he is dealing very well with life ATM even though he has retired - a compassionate, open minded and even handed man who enjoyed his job has now become slightly unhinged and argumentative IMHO - he seems angry and frustrated with the world.

You stop now, take stock of the situation and quite possibly, you live to fight another day - I think you are right to stop when the pressure gets too much - don't even feel ashamed about that or let anyone put that on you; the job has failed you not the other way around - and by "the job" - I mean the hierarchy of management above you.