Shall I hand in my notice…anxiety advice pls!

[Anon3837]

Hi all,
sorry it’s a bit long, pls bear with me.

So I struggle with anxiety. After a long time out of work I started a job earlier this year. It is school term time only and I’ve had the Summer holiday off - due to return to work at the start of school term, with mostly different staff and students. My anxiety is through the roof! I feel really low. I’m wavering between returning and seeing how it goes or just handing my notice in and trying to focus on my mental health. I currently still only have to give a week’s notice. I don’t know if I’ll feel better for it or regret it and hate myself for giving up! I’m not sleeping, I’m so down. I don’t hate the job, I just have a lot in my plate personally and family wise, a lot of worry and this just feels a lot. But, it also boosted my self-esteem starting the job (some days)…others I feel useless and hard on myself that I could have done a better job. It is exhausting, on top of everything else and I feel there could be some stressful family circumstance changes coming up…I don’t feel mentally and emotionally strong. It does feel like a job which is worthwhile and makes a difference though, but also a lot of responsibility and can be emotional. Due to some personal circumstances perhaps even more so.

Im on Citalopram and needing Melatonin to sleep. I wonder if I should get a Drs appointment…usually takes weeks around here.

Sorry, it’s long. Any thoughts much appreciated. Thank you!

Hi OP, sorry to hear that things are so tough for you at the moment. Could you get signed off by your GP for a few weeks to focus on your MH issues? It seems a shame to hand your notice in when there are some positives about the job and you might regret it if your anxiety reduces.

I'd stick at the job.
It sounds like it's doing you some good.
Sometimes having time work to focus on takes your mind off family worries - which in effect helps you.
Worrying itself never solved anything.
( it like sitting in a rocking chair and expecting to get somewhere).
But when you focus on something else, useful ideas can pop up in your head unexpectedly.

Op, it can be hard returning to a job when you have been off work (even for the summer holidays).
it is natural that your anxiety increases at this time.

the more you can understand your anxiety and how best to help it, the easier it will be.

your worries may fade after the first day, as you get back into the swing of working.
is there anyone at work you get on with? Can you focus on the positives of work? There will be another break in 6 weeks?

Hope you feel better soon. Of course if it’s right for you then leave, but many people find work a distraction from their worries

Thank you all, you’re right. I’m going to give it a go - see how it goes. I’m just feeling so incredibly down at the moment.

Good update.
One day at a time.

Everyone truly feels like this at times, especially in the scenario you describe. Life is like that, but then you just get on with it, and wonder what all the fuss was about. The fear of doing something is almost always worse than just doing it. You're overthinking it. Just prepare ahead all the practical things that will help, get organised and focus on the good things from it, the money from it etc. Have a few treats planned for after work the first few days. That's it! Don't overthink it!

Thank you ☺️
very low today

Can’t you get signed off by your GP OP?

Unfortunately, I had time off earlier in the year for a physical health issue - which is ongoing. I don’t think it’d go down too well if I took more time off.

Don’t worry about whether it would go down well with your employer OP. MH issues are just as valid as physical health ones. If it is the choice between getting a sick note or resigning then what have you got to lose by taking some time off sick You could still resign further down the line if the sick leave doesn’t help.
Good luck xx

There is a 3rd choice, which is to go back to work, perhaps with some psychological support, and see if it's as bad as the anxiety is making it feel, before making any life changing decisions.

Will you be OK to support yourself and your family without the work OP?

I’ll go back. I’m so anxious, not sleeping! I’ll give it a go. May look at counselling.

Don't make a decision based on speculation about a situation that you aren't actually in.
The reality may be more manageable than the scenario your thoughts are projecting.

The amount of fear you feel is not proportional to the amount of actual danger you are in.

Does your employer offer Employee Assistance program? They usually have free counseling sessions.
Counselling might get you through a tough time.

Going back to work after the summer IS a big deal and it IS stressful so it's relatively normal to have sleeplessness.

So, update…I left. I think maybe the right decision but I’m feeling so low and tired.