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.

Whatever happened to the good old fashioned quality of fortitude?

I understand how you feel, I work in a special school as a TA and it's an extremely physical, busy job as I work with young children with autism. We have no air con in the classrooms, and can't even keep doors open as the children would run away. It's going to be disgusting. I'll be drenched in sweat by 9am. I absolutely hate working in the heat, but there isn't really anything you can do about it. Could have two weeks of heat in July or September, what will you do then?

Agreed!
I have panic attacks when breathing warm/ hot air, but have to do 6.5 hours of back to back cleaning on Friday.. no choice, plus i sweat like a pig, being of a certain age..
All we can do is try to keep as cool as possible, and drink shedloads of water!

They hate it when you go home sick in the day because someone will have to do emergency cover. They prefer notice to contact the supply agency.

I'm a nurse, the tenon my ward will be well over 30 degrees on Friday. I have MS exacerbated by heat. I'm dreading it. But no way would I take the day off because of it!

If the school you’re working in hasn’t got an AC I feel for your @Infinity07 but what about them poor 25-30 kids in the class?

Isn’t it like a health & safety hazard?

perfect teaching weather!

🏅

Do you suffer for anxiety??

Those cooling towels really work though.

Ahh op that sounds really tough; MH issues, back to work to a new year group and difficult class and unsupportive management. I hope things improve for you soon All I can say is put your own health first, you are no use to anyone if you completely burn out.

You're right! No lessons outside!.

It was between 38 and 43 for us last week, and the few weeks before that. Not at all usual for this time of year.

My tips (as well as the excellent ones already on this thread, and apologies for any repetition) - whatever your boobs are like (mine are 'generous' ), consider leaving your bra off, or wear a simple cotton one without wires; remove any metal jewellery, and put a bowl of ice in front of a fan.

And obviously, hair up; loose, cool clothing and tons of water. You'll be okay, OP.

I do genuinely feel for people who carry out physical work in the heat without shade/control of their working environment and so on. It can be brutal.

Good luck all!

Buy a big fan and stand it beside your desk

Nope. Just have to sweat it out.

Nothing useful to suggest OP, but I do sympathise. I detest hot weather (anything over 25 degrees) especially if I have to use public transport. It's not helped by other people (invariably hot weather lovers) being dismissive about your plight.

I’d book the day as AL if you can. Or ask to work a short day if you’re not able to. Have a chat with your manager now in advance

Why not read the thread before posting your oh so original crap.

Have you read the thread?

Where I grew up the average temperature in summer was over 30. No one had days off and all teachers just got on with it, as the schools did not all have air conditioning in every classroom. Stop being so pathetic and get on with it.

She's a teacher. She can do neither.

There’s some really horrible people on mumsnet. That’s a fact. I suggest many of you go and give your heads a wobble

Some of these responses are absolutely horrendous. I often do think posters should be utterly ashamed of how unkind they are. Definitely take the day off, get a bit of leave if you can. If you're public sector do you get rest days in lieu from overtime etc? Anxiety and panic aren't quite as simple as facing it etc, there's a time and a place and once that seed is sewn that you're going to struggle with a certain day or event it's really hard to shake. I hope you're okay, please don't be discouraged from coming to mumsnet if you need help in the future, we're not all dismissive and mean!

Even if the air is warm the building won't have had time to warm up. Take a personal fan and ice packs in a cool bag.

What time do you stop teaching? I bet it's not that late.

Before having a go at others, maybe RTFT. OP is a teacher so no doesn't get adhoc days off.

@ilovesooty no I don’t sit on mumsnet waiting to leak sarky comments like some. I didn’t read the thread no, I now have including all the really horrible comments including pathetic ‘have you read the thread?’ predicable responses. That ok with you?