Time off for anxiety. Just delaying the inevitable?

[Hippopotas]

I’m having episodes of panic attacks and depression which are particularly triggered by the thought of going back to work after a brief illness.

I am on sertraline and think maybe I should go to the doctors see if they recommend upping the dose or changing the drugs and taking some time off to get my panic attacks under control.

My husband thinks this is just delaying the inevitable and will cause me more panic attacks and issues when I finally go back to work.

I don’t know what to do 😢

Anyone?

I would definitely go to the doctor OP.

I had 3 weeks off work before christmas because of my depresson and anxiety. I convinced my GP that I could go back the week before christmas - I did one week before christmas and one week after and I've now been signed off again. I can see now I was completely driving myself into the ground and I was putting myself through so much pressure trying to stay at work and it really wasn't doing anyone any good!

Being off work might also help trigger something to offer you more support at work? My headteacher (work in a school) has referred me to occupational health to try and work out what they can do to reduce my anxiety at work - so this is something that could happen for you too?

You definitely need to be doing some therapy and getting a plan in place with work to improve conditions there as suggested above is a good idea. Just staying home without any therapy i think could be counterproductive as you are avoiding what is making you anxious and that can increase the anxiety. Has anything at work been making you feel anxious or was there any bullying involved?

There is a very toxic culture of work that is sexist, homophobic and racist. I’ve made complaints but the bulk of the office operate as if I’m the one with problem. I am very much an outcast just things like whole office getting invited out except me, comments I’ve overheard about me etc.

That sounds awful I am not surprised you are unhappy. I do think some therapy would be helpful for you to learn to cope better even in unpleasant situations. What is the chance of leaving and looking for a better job? I would make plans to leave.

I’m such a fucking disappointment to my DH and a bloody neurotic screw up. I’ve been up all night feeling sick and having a panic attack about going back to work. DH is unhappy that I have decided I just can’t go back today as I can’t cope and I feel like such a failure.

Don't let this make you feel worse OP. What you need to do is learn to feel less upset by people's opinions. I know that sounds easier than it is! But start with your dh, and don't let his opinion have so much importance. Is he a mental health expert- no so he knows no more about it than you and you are the one with the most knowledge on your symptoms so if you feel you should stay off work and see the Dr then you are the one whose opinion counts. Worrying too much about other people's opinions is part of what got you feeling anxious and depressed because you just can't control other people's thoughts about you and sometimes trying to do so can lead you to do things you don't agree with. It's basically impossible to please everyone and keep your integrity and look after yourself. So you are setting yourself an impossible task then beating yourself up for not achieving it, no wonder you feel bad! So make your first step trusting yourself and letting go of any worry about your DH opinion.

Maybe it's not the right job or environment for you

Ask for a beta blocker, propanalol or what not. It will help stop the physical symptoms of panic/anxiety.