Work related stress

[FirePlaceLion]

I have a chronic illness which is massively flared by stress. Since Halloween I have been the target of some very unpleasant behaviour by parents in my KS2 class. A document was given to me of a list of complaints which the HT said you’ll probably laugh at some of these they are so ridiculous!

They were pretty shocking think things like I don’t mark work, I make fun of children with special needs utterly outrageous since I have 3 sons with severe SEN.

Anyhow the stress of it all has triggered a huge flare of my chronic illness and I’ve been given a sick line for 2 months by my GP who was horrified at what I’ve had to put up with. I’m scratching the surface here for privacy reasons.

my problem is I’m worried about the reaction by HT when handing in the sickline.

The stress and worry is making everything worse, if of this makes sense what do I do?

Poor you! Try not to think about work while you take time to get better!
Think about if there is anything that can be done to make the situation at work more sustainable, so that it doesn’t become a vicious circle of stress - flare - sickness. Ask your HT to help.

Hopefully your head understands the law, and will react sensibly to you handing in your sick note. You can always soften it by saying you will come back sooner if you feel able.

Perhaps your head should have protected you better from these complaints?

If you have a chronic illness, you may be protected under disability legistlation?

I think your head could’ve handled it a bit more sensitively. Complaints are never funny as they feel like personal attacks. Your head should’ve supported you with the complaints, and will now need to support you with you WRS.

Your head will be used to dealing with staff off sick. Unfortunately, working in education he/she will almost certainly be used to sicklines relating to stress or anxiety too. I'm sorry you're in this situation and sympathise; my most stressful period as a KS2 teacher was dealing with a parent who emailed lies about me every Sunday night to the head. Like you, the head knew they were ridiculous but it feels awful when you have no right of reply. Do you teach a single year group? If so, this child really won't be in your class for long (I know it doesn't feel that way!). You'll get through this.