Walked out of work, no support
Posted , 11 users are following.
Yesterday I walked out of work and went straight to see my GP. I was already on my notice (decided to leave), but yesterday was the worst day in my career.
I was called for a meeting - assuming they wanted to discuss handing over my responsibilities. They know about my depression. Instead I was attacked with various accusations of how I had been upsetting staff, creating bad atmosphere, being unpleasant to customers. There were some awful things said and I was totally unprepared and couldn't defend myself. It took all my strength to hold it together during the meeting. I broke down afterwards and couldn't calm down for hours.
The thing is I now know I haven't been well. I did withdraw a bit and definitely lost my sparkle. But I have never ever created bad atmosphere or deliberately taken anything out on staff. I just about held it together - everyday was like playing a role.
there was a lot of personal things thrown in my face and I just couldn't respond. My direct supervisor said "I'd rather you weren't here with your illness".
So here it is. I walked out. Broken, patronised and undermined. I got signed off for the duration of my notice and this is it. I'm not going back.
Sad thing is that my January appraisal was "outstanding performance". Then I admitted to being ill and suddenly all shifted. I'm so sad. I loved that job. It was hard to decide to leave, but I knew my job was one of the stressors that had to be removed from my life in order to get better.
I haven't slept all night. I just can't turn the racing thoughts off. I'm devastated. Keep questioning myself - did I realy do that? Maybe I forgot - my memory isn't that great. I'm distracted. I have been so concious to be 'nice' with that fake smile you all know.
But I feel I was made to feel like a total nutcase. There was no support offered. It all made me feel milion times worse.
Sorry for the lenghty post. Yesterday for the first time in my life I felt so useless, total failure of a human being - I started to think of actually not being here. I'm scared of my thoughts.
3 likes, 29 replies
georgaline38435 jellyJo
Posted
You poor thing (not sure if you are female or male) but that doesn't matter. You sound like I feel right now. I am sitting wondering this past few days if this is my last day.
I was really depressed and tried to handle it on my own. I eventually got some help.
Now it seems when i have got on the right track my Husband of 32 years has gone down the same road , although he says he hasn't. Everything small thing has become a big thing, he doesn't care if people like him. So he has become hurtful. Says he feels numb. Can't sleep and has nighmares almost everynight. Nut won't see a doctor and i really want to help. He says things and then can't remember saying them so there is no good in reminding him of how what he said hurt me , he only seems to see me as a problem.
I'm so scared todaylike yourself and the tears won't stop. all i need is a friendly voice. you can talk to me if you want
jellyJo georgaline38435
Posted
jellyJo georgaline38435
Posted
georgaline38435 jellyJo
Posted
carole28488 jellyJo
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georgaline38435 carole28488
Posted
Is it possible for a person to still get and go to work everyday but still be depressed. he plays golf but again he is on his own alot during the game
jellyJo carole28488
Posted
I'm in a very bad place at the moment. Very tired and anxious. My little boy is with me so I have to put my happy mask on.
I don't know for how long I will be able to continue to do that...
georgaline38435 jellyJo
Posted
I only want to help
Rainboy georgaline38435
Posted
"Is it possible for a person to still get and go to work everyday but still be depressed".
In one word, YES! In two words, yes definitely! There will certainly be occassions when they can't due to a particularly bad day, or a particularly bad bout of depression, but I'm guessing you do mean in general.
Referring back to Carole's comment, it is remarkable how many depressed people expend huge amounts of emotional energy hiding their depression in the workplace because of stigma. Carole's experience is testament to that and it makes for heartbreaking reading.
If your husband has been "under cover", it's possible that he may have been putting a lot of effort into appearing 'normal' (I hate using that word - but you know what I mean). This will have been emotionally exhausting and whether depressed or not, would certainly be reflected in moodiness.
I hope you are able to get to the root of the problem and you have my best wishes for that. Make sure you take care of yourself too. That's really important.
georgaline38435 Rainboy
Posted
I had depression and just went on so I know how people can see your happy mask and not the real you.
Thank you again
Rainboy georgaline38435
Posted
anne240 georgaline38435
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Rainboy anne240
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archemedes jellyJo
Posted
It does really matter that you were forced to quit, in fact that is the very point of constructive dismissal.
When an employee is made to feel that their working lives are impossible then under employment law an employer has an obligation to try and find a way of making their lives easier at work.
jellyJo archemedes
Posted
They were awful. Used my illness against me. I'm not strong enough to face any of this at the moment.
festus88 archemedes
Posted
You had a previous good performance review and because your humanity showed, the company turned its back on you! Thats cruel and should be taken seriously.
All you need is to find a spark and never stop searching for anything that will make you happy once more.
archemedes jellyJo
Posted
An employer cannot under the LAW allow prejudice against or the persection of an employee at work, particularly where an employer has full knowledge of any form of illness or disablility, and particularly where an employee is forced to leave the said employment due to prejudice or being persecuted in any way shape or form.
I believe if you took this to court you would be awarded punative damages.
archemedes
Posted
Just take it straight to an Employment Tribunal and tell them what happened to you.
hypercat jellyJo
Posted
If you are ill then your employers by law have to make 'reasonable adjustments' to help you cope ie more breaks, different work etc. but bear in mind this is all subject to 'business needs'. They should have sent you to ATOS or somewhere similiar for a report from them on how to proceed.
They are not allowed to bully you out of a job.
I have been through this myself at work so know how you feel.
Have you kept any notes of the dates and times of 'abuse'? Why don't you seek a free half hours consultation with a solicitor (In the UK) to find out your rights. Or you can call ACAS who can tell you your rights. Google it. You might have ground to take it to an employment tribunal and sue the b.....ts. Let us know how you get on. Take care Bev x