Anxiety and time off work…

[RoundersAggy]

I’ve struggled with anxiety for the last 6 years but it’s always been manageable. I’ve not hit the buffers again and am feeling just dreadful. I have been to the doctors who suggested I self cert for a week but I didn’t.

I really feel I need to now, do you think I need to tell work how I’m feeling? I’m concerned it will get looked down on if I say anxiety. Some of it is from the job and some personal.

So unsure what to say? I never usually take time off for anything.

If its been 6 years then the time has come to really tackle the anxiety rather than just avoid it for a week. What daily practices are you doing to address it? Meditation, exercise, diet? CBT? Or are you on meds. Doctors will always prescribe drugs and sign you off work but will rarely help you get to the root of the problem. I've struggled a lot with my mental health and have had to put a serious plan in place to deal with it.

I have episodes of acute anxiety usually triggered by some life event. There is not a cat in hells chance I could work when I am unwell - vomiting, shaking, cannot get out of bed, too scared to face anything, become irrational, can drop a stone in a couple of weeks. For lower level anxiety I find physically forcing myself up and out actually helps because it distracts me and helps the feelings subside. I think only you can decide where you are at - if work related will it be any better when you go back? What coping techniques can you put in place? I feel for you it is a horrible feeling - I was off sick last year and was honest with my manager and told them I was not coping (major life event) and they were brilliant.

@Stepuptowardsinfinity @Fedupofdiets It’s only been since the work changes that it’s dipped so very low. I have coped, done what I needed to do but am left feeling exhausted knowing there is so much more for me to learn within my role. I’ve started on Sertraline just a week in. I’m also dealing with elderly mother as she has health issues. It’s been non stop since last October with appointments to doctors, hospital, blood tests.

I feel a mess but don’t feel by going in tomorrow I’ll be able to cope. I’m concerned about my job and what to say although I don’t know why I should be. I guess I have to be honest.