Anxious about going to work in Friday's heat

[Infinity07]

I work in a public sector job, it's very demanding, fairly physical and carries the responsibility of others.
I have a long term anxiety and a panic disorder (under treatment) which work are aware of but it's not really an issue there. However, I do have certain triggers and one thing is when the weather is extra hot like it's predicted to be on Friday (33°c here in the SE). The heat really makes me panic as I get anxious about how it physically makes me feel. I have health anxiety. The older I've got, the worse I seem to experience this.

So I'm debating with my conscience whether to take Friday off work or maybe part of the day off. Work will not accept my anxiety reason regarding the weather, I just know what they're like. So I'd have to say something else.

It's only Tuesday and I'm already getting so stressed about this. Don't know what to do.

Also, no air conditioning at worry unfortunately.

Honestly given the forecast is so brief I'd ask for a day of annual leave for an appointment (if you must give a reason)

I am the same and it's horrific in my office when it's even slightly hot out. Awful.

I don't think taking the day off will help as that is avoidance and what happens when the next hot day occurs? You can't keep going off sick.

Work out what it is that you are actually scared of, be very specific, and then work out some coping strategies.

But there could be other hot days this year. What will you do then?
I use a cool towel when it’s hot. You can get personal fans too. Dress accordingly. Stay hydrated.
The treatment for your anxiety isn’t working if you need time off for it though. You need to address that.

At least you're not collecting troliies for 7 hours in a supermarket car park.

I think it’d be more beneficial to try and find a coping mechanism, what will you do if we have a few weeks of hot weather?

Hell, now public servants will have days off due to a hot weather? Give me a break

Take a lesson from people living in hot climates. I’m sure you’ve got A/C in your place if work

If you don't want to work it, take a days annual leave. Simple.

Op has clearly said that there's no a/c. What's actually wrong with taking a day's leave? Is annual leave only allowed for certain things?

i could have actually typed your post! There is something about hot weather that really sets off my anxiety, it just makes you hyper focus on your body and physical sensations so I can totally understand! Taking the day in the short term will help but it the long term it will likely make the anxiety worse. Could you take some ice packs and keep taking breaks to cool down? If anyone questions you, you could say it’s menopause/hormone related? I know how hard it is to get workplaces to understand the symptoms of anxiety.

Crikey. I used to be a head gardener and it was alot hotter in a polytunnel on hot days. I used to take a small fan, lots of drinks and dress appropriately.

I feel the same as you, the very high temperatures make me feel really unwell. Racing heart, headaches, panic attacks and far beyond just a bit uncomfortable, it’s really exhausting! Summer anxiety is fairly well documented but unfortunately most of us just have to suck it up at work and smile through gritted teeth others are commenting about how glorious it is.

There are plenty of jobs which are just as bad in the heat, with the description she could easily be a cop running round in body armour with full kit on for 10hrs!

YABU. You need to find a way of coping; avoidance is just going to prolong the problem and won’t help at all.

Those making snarky comments about having it worse you realise it's not a race to the bottom dont you? I have anxiety and totally understand that certain triggers will.stres you out even though it's not necessarily rational (I.e. you know people have it much worse) but it's the fact you know you dont cope well with that trigger. Also OP isnt saying she will call in sick ffs she can take AL for whatever reason she wants...shock even in the public sector 🙄🙄🙄

Why do you need a thread to ask if you can take annual leave. Is there any reason why you think your annual leave won't be approved?

I do sympathise OP, hot weather really does affect people differently. Don't listen to the really nasty sunseekers on this thread. Do what you have to do. If you have enough annual leave, take the day off, or ask your work if it's possible to mitigate e.g. more breaks,.more shade,.different uniform, more water available, whatever would make it easier. Of course.people faint and have trouble in the sort of heat being talked about on Friday and you have to be cautious - this is aimed at some of your sneerier respondents!

I'm actually a teacher. I didn't really want to say that as I know mumsnet doesn't favour the teaching profession in general. So no, I can't take annual leave. I've taught through many a heatwave, whilst heavily pregnant too but I think there are other factors stressing me out this time.
My anxiety has been pretty bad since having dc2 last year and I haven't been back at work long. I am getting help, I'm on meds and I'm fully aware of not wanting to go down the avoidance road. However, my current class are so tough. I'm in a year group I've never taught before, lots of behaviour issues and no LSA. I've always taught younger children which I find easier and there's usually support. The stress of my own anxiety plus teaching is tough anyway and then the heat in a classroom just makes me feel total panic. It's obviously a responsible job and I don't want to be in that state. Senior management will not be sympathetic at all. I know that.

Honestly if it's that bad take it as annual leave, if my employees tried to pull a day off because of heat I would not be impressed. What are you going to do for the rest of the summer? What have you done before?

Oh, well done you! Here's your round of applause

I feel for you. What has worked in the past?

Exactly, it's cold for the rest of the year! Fgs, suck it up. What are you going to do for the other hot days?

I don’t think you can take time off for heat though? Not with 3 days notice as a teacher

what will you do the next time it’s warm? It can be 30 degrees every day until the end of September.

Have a plan, travel earlier than usual when it is cooler, water available.

Agreed! Polytunnels are phenomenally hot.
The people I sympathise with are Chefs
imagine cooking in 33 degs plus heat.