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Being signed off work for anxiety and depression.

Posted , 3 users are following.

leanne96316
leanne96316

I've been signed off work for two weeks from the doctors due to having panic attacks and my anxiety being bad at the minute, I'm waiting for counselling but my assessment isn't until 8th December, I'm due back to work 7th December but I'm having panic attacks just thinking about it. I get no sleep because I'm up over thinking everything like what people think of me at work. I get about 2 hours sleep I'm exhausted. When's best to go back to my doctors and do you think I need more time? I've been given medication to help with my anxiety and help me relax but I feel like it's not done anything. 

2 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • kelly55079
    kelly55079 leanne96316

    Posted

    The medication takes time to work... Try some kind of exercise-- walking or jogging may help.   If you can't go back to work on the 7th, then don't.  Call HR sometime before and let them know your assessment is on the 8th.   You could even call to see if you can be seen sooner.

    • leanne96316
      leanne96316 kelly55079

      Posted

      Hi Kelly 

      Yes the doctor mentioned about exercise I have two dogs and have been taking them on nice long walks, I feel like that's the only time i feel positive and I feel like I have no worries. 

      Thanks for your advice 

  • Digsby
    Digsby leanne96316

    Posted

    Hi Leanne,

    Take the time that you need & try hard not to push pressure on yourself....it will slow your recovery. What would you think about a work colleague who needed some space to deal with anxiety? I'm sure you would have a compassionate response so credit your colleagues with the same attitude towards you & have self-compassion for yourself. They want you to get better & you need to take care of yourself. You don't want to get to the stage where the thought of work continually brings with it negative emotions. Think positively about getting back, keep your manager informed, but don't rush it. Take care x

    • leanne96316
      leanne96316 Digsby

      Posted

      Hi digsby 

      I feel at the moment I'm not sure what I want to do with my life and me being 23 I feel like I should have my life planned out and a job I love, and I feel like I have none of that. I'm finding it hard to find something I enjoy and am good at. Thank u for ur advice 

    • kelly55079
      kelly55079 leanne96316

      Posted

      I feel like this and I'm 48!  With me it's  my job--it's was a nice job but now it's so fast-paced that it's getting to me.  Just take your time and think about what your interested in..  If you need to find another job, do it.   Life too short to feel like this. Talk with your family and close friends as they can offer suggestions also..

    • leanne96316
      leanne96316 kelly55079

      Posted

      Yes I think that's the case with mine. Think looking for a new job is a must at the moment. Like today I was meant to go see my friend but I got up I was so anxious and had this feeling something bad was going to happen to me. So I've stayed in all day. It's a horrible feeling and I wish I didn't feel like this. I use to be so confident just feel like I've lost myself. Thanks for your advice going to set one day next week for applying for jobs 

  • maggie19158
    maggie19158 leanne96316

    Posted

    Hey leanne96316, I wanted to reach out to you because I was not to long ago in a very similar situation and nothing seemed to work. Since this is your job it's a tough situation to be in and often times there isn't anyone to talk to. Taking more time off can make work situations worse but if you are not ready it seems impossible to go back. I'm guessing you want to go back but haven't figured out a way to deal with the overwhelming emotions of being back? Meds don't always work because sometimes they aren't the answer. Not saying that's for sure what's happening to you but when I was going thru this kind of situation all I wanted to do was numb myself because I was overwhelmed and didn't know how to deal with what I was up against. I felt like I just couldn't win. But I have a family to support and I heard someone say that your success rate is 100% against every obstacle that you have come across so far. This is no different. You will overcome this mess. See if you can pin point exactly what or who it is at work that is triggering you to feel like this and come up with a plan to kick it in the balls! I can tell you are strong because you didn't quit. Take the time you need to regain your strength. Don't beat yourself up because I am absolutely sure that there isn't anyone at your work that is perfect or knows everything or walked into their position knowing everything they know now. Give yourself credit for making it this far and fight back! Try listening or watching motivational speakers and find your inner champion. You can do it. I hope my words help, please accept my internet hug 🤗 and please reach out to me if you want to talk more.

    • leanne96316
      leanne96316 maggie19158

      Posted

      Hi Maggie. Thank you for your reply means a lot. I do want to go back to work but I'm wondering if maybe this job doesn't help with my anxiety due to it being so busy and demanding. I feel like everything is a rush and I'm never fully satisfied with things I do. I work shift work and when I have one day off here and there I find I have a lot to cram into it and if I get to a certain time and I haven't completed a lot of stuff I start to over think things and go into hiding in my room and trying to plan when I can next do it. I am good at over thinking things and I think i always convince myself everything is negative. I believe counselling will help me a lot as I've had it before. Thank you for your kind words and advice. Means a lot x

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