To work or not to work?

[LaBelleSauvage123]

I feel horribly panicky this morning at the thought of going into work. Literally can’t bear the thought of it. Just the thought of ringing in sick is making me feel calmer but then I feel guilty for not going. Is it best to just forge through it, accept the panic and go in? Or take more time off? ( I started sertraline 3 weeks ago, had two weeks off and went back to work last week which was generally OK but my anxiety has really ramped up this week for some reason). I know no one can tell me what to do but I just feel better writing it down.

Facing your fears is the best, quickest, possibly the only way to overcome them.

You did it last week, you can do it this week. Breathe slow and steady, remember that the anxiety will have lessened by 9.30. Go for it!

It's up to you but agree with facing fears if possible. Are you getting support / therapy? It can really help. Also good to build up to tasks slowly, e.g. half days at work, leaving early etc. Are work being supportive?
Sounds like you are doing well as you managed last week... well done and good luck!

If you don't go in, the problem won't go away. The same thing will happen tomorrow.

No therapy ( I’ve had it in the past) just meds at the moment. I’m doing meditation and relaxation myself at home which is helping at every time except the mornings. I think the increased anxiety is probably a side effect of the sertraline. Can ask about building up slowly at work -it’s a very stressful job.

Hiding away from these fears feeds them. This is the starting point with how people end up isolating themselves and, in my case, with agoraphobia. You feel safe at home, away from people.

However, sertraline can make you feel edgy and anxious before it starts to work, so acknowledge that this feeling is your meds, not your issue getting worse. If they don't start to settle in the next couple of weeks, go back to your GP, because it's not for everyone.

Good luck. It's very hard. 💐

It's the sertraline I think. It can make you feel worse before it gets better at around 8 weeks. Is your work place sympathetic? Can they refer you to Occupational Health do you can work part time whilst the meds work through? Sometimes GP's prescribe diazepam or lorazepam very short term whilst starting anxiety meds to see you through the early days. Could that be an option to take the edge off?

I only work part time anyway- so feel as if I should be able to cope! Work are being very sympathetic but I know I’m leaving them in the lurch as they’re very short staffed. I’m seeing the GP on Friday for a meds’ review so will talk to him then - he’s very good.

It's great that work and GP are supportive & it sounds as though you are doing all the right things. I know it's easier said than done but try to go easy on yourself - 2 weeks is not a long time to have off for what is quite a serious illness (despite being beefy common) and you could easily take more leave for a bad bout of flu or an infection...
Work will find a way to manage and before you know it you'll hopefully be in a much better place.
Keep going! X

KarBB I really hope so!

The anxiety will be worst in the morning because that is when you are thinking most about going to work.

What are thoughts that go through your mind? What is it you think will happen?

It’s partly the drive - I worry about having a panic attack in the car and being ‘trapped’ ( which I know is irrational) and partly a stressful job where I never know from one day to the next what’s going to happen ( don’t want to be too specific for fear of being outed).