Requesting referral to occupational health

[Somanycuddlybears]

Evening all,
I’m really struggling with stress at work.
Panic attacks, vomiting, random bursts of tears, insomnia etc etc

I have told my SLT that I’m struggling. It’s mostly classroom management but I’ve been teaching for ten years and never had this problem before.

I am not getting any support but have been given advice on grouping my class. As if I didn’t already do that.

Today I had a panic attack at lunchtime and have decided enough is enough. I’m waiting on a call back from my union but wanted to know what people’s experiences of occupational health are.

Would it be career suicide to request a referral?

Not at all. I would suggest speaking to your GP first though - referral times to OH can be enormously long.

I've been to OH twice in about thirty years. The first time I was immediately signed off for two weeks; the second supported me with a health issue.

I asked to go both times so I don't think it's detrimental to your career.