Signed off for stress

[junkfoodaddict]

Anyone been signed off work for stress? Just wondering how long for?

Having a REALLY bad time of it lately since returning to work (teacher). I am not coping with the workload, the OFSTED stress we're put under, the Head becoming an evil bitch since our return five weeks ago and trying to be a wife and mother at the same time. (As well as pregnancy worries due to a terrifying late pregnancy and labour last time).

I have had several breakdowns at work. Another colleague (4 weeks ahead in pregnancy) has went on sick leave due to tiredness.

I honestly think I cannot cope much longer and may need to be signed off, but just wondering how long for? I know depression/stress is unique for every individual and you can't put a 'time' on it, but wondering because the longer I am away, the harder it will be to re-establish myself as the 'good' teacher I have always been for years and years.

How far pg are you? What strategies for dealing with stress do you already have in place?

Are reduced hours an option? Have you been feeling more stressed whilst pg?

I am 16 weeks. Mood have been crazy since about 5 weeks but have got steadily worse. Saw a MW on Friday (not my usual) at a VBAC clinic. She made all the right noises, asked me my job (and sighed!) and said despite seeing so many teachers at breaking point, there was nothing she could do!

I haven't seen a GP yet. Took this weekend 'off' from marking and planning. I am out from 7am to 6:30pm, have an hour with my toddler who I seem to stick in front of the telly whilst I frantically mark books, have a snack when he's gone to bed then plan, resource and mark until bedtime - I stop at 10:30pm latest, regardless!

I used to dance, but due to the workload I have had to stop, including my toddler's dance class on Saturday mornings as too shattered. I'm lucky I have time to have something to eat never mind stress techniques.

I don't know of any!

DH not in favour of reduced hours. Reduced hours will affect my maternity pay and need to keep toddler's childcare going as will loose the place, so that is not an option, until after mat leave, for me anyways!!! I want to go 4 days max or 3 days min on my return but DH NOT supportive.

I don't have any expert advice or personal experience of being signed off for stress I'm afraid, but I have been in a highly stressful job in the past so I know how you feel.

I'd advise you to speak to your GP ASAP and see what he/she advises. It's tempting to soldier on through stress but it can just get worse until it gets to the stage where it starts to seriously affect your physical and psychological health, and I can't imagine it's very good for your baby. Your career taking a temporary knock isn't a price worth paying for good health (in my opinion). I didn't realise how bad it could be until a colleague got signed off for it, pretty much indefinitely, after trying to tough it out. In my case I ended up leaving my stressful job, and when I look back on it I realised that I would have been better of dealing with it a lot sooner.

And big hugs for you. Hope things get better soon.

Do you drive to work every day? If so, sing sing SING as loud as you can. Show tunes are great foor this. It released a hormone or something. This is my one coping mechanism!

OP - I was in a similar position at 8 weeks - I took 2 weeks off work and it was the best thing for my physical and mental health. I was getting so emotional, crying all the time, couldn't face the unbelievable pressure my employer was putting on me. Please see your doctor, a break away could just be what you need.

I had a bad day yesterday. My lesson observation didn't go well. Even though many colleagues (and DH) are saying that things that have been said and done indicates that she is pushing me out (she is quite dogmatic, unemotional, tough and has no idea how to show an ounce of GENUINE concern), I have no real evidence. So yesterday afternoon I made the decision to take the rest of the week off. It wasn't an easy decision as I had been soldiering on for the last two weeks. I see the midwife tomorrow. Can she sign me off or do I need a separate GP appointment?

Not sure to be honest, might be worth phoning your doctors surgery to double check :)