I was signed off work for 3 months last year with "stress-related illness" - work thought I was exhausted but actually I have anxiety and agoraphobia. Occupational Health know the details of my illness but not my line manager.
I did CBT intensively while I was off and made good progress and was declared fit for work. I went back full of hope & positivity but sure enough within a few weeks I was struggling to leave the house again and having quite severe panic attacks.
As of last Friday I am on medication for the first time, 50mg of Sertraline daily. I feel ok about starting on tablets, as I feel I have explored all other avenues and not really managed to overcome my anxiety.
However, the Sertraline has given me a couple of side effects (nausea, shivering, locked jaw) and I really can't cope with going to work today. We have the kind of culture where it's "ok but not encouraged" to work from home on a regular basis. So I'm on the sofa dialling in to meetings today and feeling like SH*T. I am so guilty, thinking I'm letting everyone down blah blah.
I don't know what to do. Should I try and get in to the office to this afternoon's meetings, or just stay put? Tomorrow I have an all-day meeting that I have got to attend. Oh the indecision is paralysing. Help! 