Off work for mental health and anxiety has kicked in

[TwilightAb]

After quite a long time of struggling along I've decided that it's time to take some time off for my mental health. I'm a Mum of 2 and have been feeling increasingly overwhelmed lately and just utterly burnt out. I've been struggling along with work just about. My eating habits have gone to shit and I've not ber6n looking after myself, feeling permanently exhausted. I got in contact with my local mental health team a few weeks ago who said I have moderate depression and have advised cbt sessions which I start soon. I phoned in work today who have been brilliant and advised me to take as much time as I need (I work in a similar line of work to mental health) and I have a GP appointment tonight with a view to look at starting anti depressants. However my anxiety today has hit and I feel guilty for not being at work and like I want to go back. I know that I can't carry on as I have been for the sake of me and my family, however I just feel so anxious! I have suffered with anxiety in the past and developed IBS, something which I managed to get over and have been OK with for a number of years. It's just today that my anxiety has really flared up again. Is this normal? Thanks for reading.

Anyone?

I think it is normal with anxiety to keep getting waves of panic! You know you've done the right thing. Honestly.

You've phoned in work, they've been supportive and you are waiting for treatment. These things will take time. Don't go back before you are ready - if you are in a 'health' role then you know it's like taking antibiotics - don't take 2 days and then decide you are 'better'.

With MH issues don't start to improve and immediately decide you should be back at work! Give yourself time. Also, remember that antidepressants will take time - maybe 2/3 weeks to kick in and start to work.

Hi OP just to bump the thread I am not a expert in this sort of thing but you sound amazing your a hard working mum we all hit burnout sometimes, take some time out concentrate on your own self care you need to take this break it will do you the absolute world of good. ❤

Thanks both for your lovely responses. Been to GP and prescribed sertraline and will take a couple of weeks off to try and get back on track.

I'm glad to hear it, OP. I hope it works for you, but remember that like any other illness you need time to recover. No one would expect you to get over cancer in a couple of weeks, and so take us much time as you need. I highly recommend the book, Burnt Out by Selina Barker - it's really reassuring, practical and helpful. It talks about the reasons we get burned out by stress and work and what we can do. It's currently about £4 on abebooks.co.uk.

Hi op
How're you feeling now ?