Struggling at work, mental health

[Pegs11]

Hi, I started my new job only five months ago, after two years out of work with mental and physical health problems. After three months in this new job I passed my probation with flying colours and everything has been going swimmingly since then. However, a few things have happened in my life and yesterday I had sort of a breakdown, involving acute anxiety which hasn’t gone away. Doc has given me a few diazepam but I know it’s not enough, and I’m struggling to get the doc to prescribe what I KNOW I need to get through this. I was unable to work yesterday so took it as sick leave. I am trying to work today but struggling. I’m worried about taking more time off and how that might look - I’ve already had five sick days since I started. I don’t want to seem flaky and unreliable. I’m working but it’s going so slowly because I keep losing my concentration. I don’t know how much I should tell my line manager, and how (or if) I should ask for some help with my tasks until I feel better. I really don’t want to lose this job or even come across as someone who can’t manage. Any advice?

Have you got a union rep OP? Could you ask them for advice on how to approach this with your employer?

I'm sorry you're struggling at the moment @Pegs11 but you've done incredibly well to get into a new job and pass the probationary period with flying colours.

Well done and don't underestimate how much you've recovered in order to do this.
And you will recover again, this is just a blip. As you said, a few things have happened in your life to cause this blip.

You need to take a 2 pronged approach. Go back to whatever worked for you before in terms of therapy or meds. Make GP aware you need this help NOW or your job may be in jeopardy (even if it isn't just lay it on thick)

Also do speak to a trusted manager in confidence. No need to give them loads of details or a big medical history but let them know you are struggling with your mental health right now, tell them you're actively addressing this with your GP, and let them know what will help you in the workplace and what support you need from them. I think you'll find they will want to support you to stay at work, you're obviously a valued colleague.

Good luck

I'm going to reinforce, please speak to the manager, or someone else you can trust in the workplace. I'll be ruthless here - in my workplace you'd have already triggered absence processes, and I have NO discretion over those if I don't know what is going on. It's understanding what is happening and what I can do to support you that allows me discretion to make allowances. So please talk to your manager.

Thank you all for your helpful advice and supportive words, which have been really helpful. I have been honest and transparent with my line manager about my mental health condition, and specifically what has caused it, because my current situation is very much interlinked with the practicalities of how I’m able to work, and the extent to which I’m able to work productively. I suggested a plan of action too and made clear the kind of support I will need. They have been absolutely wonderful about it. I feel much calmer just knowing that I am valued and supported and that I don’t have to be afraid of being unwell.

Oh that's good news @Pegs11
I'm glad they're supporting you well at work