Signed off with stress

[Zippidydoodah]

Anyone else? I just feel really lost and empty. The house is a complete mess but I’ve just sat staring at my phone since I got back from the kids’ childminder run.

Been there and done that.

You will recover.

But it will take time and do not beat yourself up over that or the house state or anything else. Take some time to come to terms with things and when you have, then try to look at how you came here and what you can do to get out of here and try and prevent it happening again.

Hopefully you are getting some help, but if not, there are a lot of good books out there which will help you understand what has happened and why and what you can do.

By the way, social media is not a great thing to be on when you are struggling. If anyone replies in a negative way (all to easy) then it can really knock you back. You can also (as you are) start mentally castigating yourself for "wasting" time. Maybe go for a walk (exercise, sun and nature) to get out of the messy house and the reminders and get some perspective and a chance to think or even just to zone out.

Take your time. Little steps. x

Thank you so much for your reply. I need to put the phone down and get moving. I hope you’re doing ok now 💐

Today I’ve booked a shopping delivery as it will force me to clean out the fridge. Baby steps. ☕️ 🍰 💐 to everyone struggling at the moment.

Can I ask do you go out? I'm a teacher, just been signed off with stress but I feel guilty leaving house- even school run as never usually do it. I don't want to be asked how I am or why I'm not in work. I'm scared to see a pupils parent. I feel like a fraud.

@Zippidydoodah well done- definitely baby steps. I've literally sat on sofa all day .....

I've recently gone back to work after 3 months off sick with stress. the first month I sat around doing nothing, wasnt interested int he house, kids or myself. Then I started going out for short walks and increasing my exercise and reading. I'm still not 100% but I'm certainly a LOT better than I was. You will get there but make sure you're kind to yourself, dont push yourself or think bad about yourself, baby steps.

Gosh, Bronze; I’m also a teacher! I’m worried about going out too. Just doing the bare necessities like taking the kids. Kids don’t know I’m not working and neither do my parents. Like you, I don’t want to discuss. Ive had a nap this afternoon. Thanks for your replies x

@subolooo How did you feel going back after three months? Did you encounter any negativity from colleagues? I’m glad you’re on the mend 😊

Sorry, that was a name change fail. I’m the op. I was going to report it but then wondered what was the point! I’ve done it twice on this thread 🤦🏻‍♀️

@BrutusMcDogface I managed to get help through my GP and Talking Therapies too and my workplace was also very supportive. My colleagues were brilliant and continue to support me when I need it, going out for lunch time walks, practising mindfulness etc.

They sound lovely 😊

And I'm a teacher too who has had to finish notice period with stress. All I crave is sleep

@smalbert sorry to hear it 💐

I think sleep heals.

This could have been me writing years ago. When my GP realised this is how I felt she told me that going out was part of recovering. Please don’t sculk indoors feeling guilty - it’s an easy trap to fall into especially as a teacher.

Recovering from stress needs time and understanding. Take some time outdoors each day, find a hobby - both are self care and important, eat well too.

@Craftybodger thank you, good advice

@Zippidydoodah keep going,I think I'm done teaching I'm not sure I can go back

Just wanted to show solidarity. I'm a teacher too. Lots of teachers in my school off with stress at the moment, and I'll be joining them before too long if teaching carries on the way it is.
💐 to you.
X

I was thinking about asking to be signed off ... elderly parent is coming towards the end after a long Illness and I'm struggling... but how do you cope not earning money for 3 months?

@HerbalTeaAndCake I'm signed off for 2 weeks. Full pay for now.

That was a question for @subolooo OP. Sorry should have specified.

I think my LA pays 3 months full pay and a certain amount after that of half pay. I’m hoping to make it back sooner than that though. I’m realising how much I really needed this time.

I’m also signed off for two weeks.

Hi, just checking in. Everyone ok? 💐

Same here . I’m a nurse in Ed .
I have actually asked a similar question to you . I don’t know how long to be off for because it’s been 4 weeks and although better I’m still a mess . Just starting to get some good days here and then .
you aren’t alone . But I think it’s not a quick fix once you reach the point where you need to be off . I think we’ll get better but from what I have read it’s more months rather than weeks .