Hi,
I started a new teaching job in September and was promised lots of support. I'm basically the HOD although not on paper. I have a line manager who is really sweet but has had a lot of her own issues to deal with so not the easiest to pin down or get advice from.
My department had been really neglected so I spent a lot of time over the summer going in an preparing SOW etc.
Right from the start of term I could feel the pressure building, I felt overwhelmed with no one I could ask for help who knew much about my department. It just seemed to get worse. I had a bit of a melt down at school and was told I would get help but over the next three weeks nothing changed. At half term I realised just how stressed I was and resigned from the job. Of course as it's in education I have to give 3 months notice. I went to see my GP who signed me off for 2 weeks. She has signed me off again but now it is coming to an end and I am trying to work out what I do now.
I haven't heard anything from my employers so it feels like nothing has changed. The idea of walking back into the same thing fills me with dread, I feel tearful and physically ill again.
I'm getting breathless, headachy, heart palpitations and stomach cramps. I wake up really early in the morning an it's all I can think about. I'm exhausted even though I've had 3 weeks off.
I feel so guilty too that they are all having to deal with the Covid situation as well as my absence. I can imagine that if I go back the reception I get may not be too warm.
My union aren't replying to my emails and not answering the phone.
So do I get signed off again? I feel so bad about doing it and I've got a lot of notice to work. I think the longer I'm off the worse it will be if I go back.
Or can I ask that they terminate my contract now. It would mean I don't get paid but I feel the stress isn't worth it. I'm not even sure if that is even an option.
Is there anyone who has been in a similar situation? Or can offer any advice?
Any help would be so appreciated.
Thank you.