Beta blockers

[2024i]

Just posting for traffic mainly

I don’t have any formal medical diagnoses but I’ve been off due to work related stress for 2 months. My manager has been sexually harassing me and I complained about him, nothing was done, and he’s proceeded to constructively manage me out and make up some lies about me. He’s been calling/texting daily for example threatening disciplinary action against me.

So I feel anxious, but as a natural response to the extreme situation at work. Prior to this, I never suffered with my mental health.

Therefore aibu to accept or decline beta blockers? I’m hesitant as it feels weird to medicate myself due to the inappropriate actions of someone else. Obviously I’d rather he just stopped contacting me and my complaint investigated. I don’t know how serious this medication is or if it’s addictive or how long I’d be on it, my GP just casually mentioned trying it.

They are used to control anxiety

Im on one now and its a great help, Im managing a lot better

I know you are going though a lot atm and do have a lot to be anxious about, but sometimes even when a situation is resolved the anxiety just doesnt go away. The fears and feelings stick with you. If your GP has said one might be helpful then go ahead. They aren't an antidepressant so aren't addictive

I’m not sure about high blood pressure as I don’t have a monitor, but I definitely get high heart rate, sweating and possibly a panic attack (it was my first so not sure if it was/wasn’t). It is debilitating at times, but it’s triggered by my manager contacting me when I’m off sick and actively trying to get away from him.

Thank you both for your advice and kind words!

My GP mentioned some antidepressants too but I’m not interested in that. Beta blockers seem a bit more temporary and in the moment which is more suitable for me.

I'm on beta blockers, I prefer them to anti-depressants - which I was also offered - as you can take them as and when you need them, and for me, they've had less side effects.

It just cuts off the physical symptoms so the anxiety is less likely to escalate.

@EilonwyWithRedGoldHair thanks for sharing. This might be a silly (or anxious!) question but did you face any stigma for being on this medication? I have security clearance at work and know sometimes your medical record might be requested as part of checks. Just don’t want to necessarily limit the jobs I apply for.

No I haven't, but I work for a mental health charity so you'd hope not - though I have heard things about other mental health orgs that would suggest this shouldn't be assumed.

I never had any issues with previous employers from having been on anti-depressants in the past.

There is no stigma attached to taking beta blockers. They control the heart rate and theres many many people with different diagnosis taking them. It just happens they are good for anxiety as well

Ive been on antidepressants of some sort or another all my adult working life. Never been a problem with work.

MH problems arent something to be ashamed off. What you are going through is horrendous and Im sure the strongest person in the world would struggle, so get the help you need

My anxiety was stopping me from being able to walk the length of myself at the start of August, I had done a Marathon in June and came in the top third, now Im back out there clocking up the miles

Do you have any family history of psoriasis? Beta blockers can trigger psoriasis. Just something to be aware of

They keep me sane. It means that I can work and do things I need to without being in a state of anxiety. I take them as and when I need them.

See a solicitor first , not a doctor! You may have a case for constructive dismissal.

Have you put your grievance in writing - a date by date account of cold facts - what was said / done by him to HR? Do now - send by registered post. Speak to an employment lawyer / ACAS / your union

Thanks everyone, he prescribed them for me to use whenever I need them.

Today I received some horrendous emails from work, lying about events, my heart was racing. So I thought I’d try the medication and just took my first ever tablet. I do feel a bit calmer but could be placebo as it’s only been 20 mins since.

Thanks. I’ve reached out to solicitors but they’re not interested until I place a formal grievance. I have previously complained, but the issue is now that I’m off sick, I can’t easily submit a grievance. Because it has to go through a manager, who then goes to HR, and my manager is who I want to complain about. My manager keeps thwarting any attempt at me getting an independent manager so it’s just going around in a circle. I have union support. ACAS were okay, but essentially my next step is to put my own grievances in.

If your GP has suggested them I would take them. They should hopefully take the edge of your anxiety and help you cope better with the situation at work. Put the grievance in about your bullying manager.

I was given them as an initial medication for anxiety. They helped a bit but not completely, and ended up with anti-depressants.

Please don't look at it as giving in or your colleague 'winning' by taking medication. I'd also recommend for the sake of your own health you find a new job. Might not be the right or fair thing. But better that than making yourself unwell. At the end of the day with just about any job, you are only ever a number in reality.

Thank you both. It’s weird, I didn’t feel that different after taking the tablet but I actually just went out and browsed around the shops. I haven’t done that in over 2 months - I usually just stay at home unless I’m running errands or socialising (rarely). So it lifted some of the fog I had, which was nice. Definitely feel exhausted now though.

They / their internal processes can’t stop you from writing a letter setting out a complaint to the head of HR/ the directors etc. whether you’re off sick or not. Just send it in registered post and see what happens. They will have to engage with you then. Very foolish of them not to.

Beta blockers work only when your heart rate reaches a high level. The rest of the time you wouldn't know any difference. See how you get on with them. If they help fantastic, if not there are other things to try. I was once like you and wouldn't accept medication. I let it go on too long and as a result made it worse for myself. Don't do that.

If you are signed off work and he is contacting you , well I’m sure that’s not allowed- atleast in the teaching profession it’s not. If you’ve got the proof in messages he can be bollocked for it You need to go to HR and tell them straight how it’s effecting you or email them. Personally though you need to get out this job pronto! No job is worth medicating yourself over ( I know from experience!)

Go above your manager's head and submit that grievance, document everything including the harassment whilst you're off sick. Include all evidence with it. You can't be stopped from doing this.

Don't see it as a stigma , OP . It's used for several things , I take it for high blood pressure .