Anxiety Costing me my job

[Concerned_local_Gov_worke]

My names daniel and im 28 years old i have two children and i work for local govronment

Today I received a letter from my manager stating that my application for leave at the end of this month had been denied. I needed the time off work for a wedding i'm to attend and in this letter its stated that i could loose my job if i'm not at work.

Since july ive had around 60% attendance, due to depression and anxiety. The way my workplace is centered around control and punishment left me unable to leave the house most mornings. I would be unable to steady my breathing my vision would get hazy or in my worst moments i would become incredibly defensive over the smallest things. Id shut myself down because i wanted to lash out. I even left my workplace after an altercation because i couldn't calm down. I saw a doctor who recommended me to seek help and I saw a physiologist regularly. Ive also been taking medication and i feel that ive returned after being so low. I have made it back into work these past two weeks.

With no leave left I had to apply for an accrued RDO and to swap another later in the month, I arrived at work on my rdo and my manager told me to go home.

• I feel like i'm being punished for being sick, that i should of just stuck it out and sucked it up. My manager has stated that "operational need" is the reason why i was denied. But they are going to fire me if i don't show up. I'm completely loosing it, i'm the best man for the wedding and its an ultimatum that i cant win no matter what i do
• am i wrong in thinking this is a clever worded and covered up way to fire me for having a mental illness ?
• has anyone else been in a situation like this ? its like i should never have told anyone i wasn't ok

Does anyone know who to talk to about these sorts of things im completely lost

[Adrienne87]

Hi Daniel,

i don’t know if I’m much help. But January this year I started to experience what some call the beginnings of a nervous breakdown from intense pressure from work - unfair and unequal treatment and workloads. I went to my manager who brushed it off and come July I ended up having the breakdown and have not yet returned to work.

i continually pushed myself for work and did everything they asked (even missing out on well deserved leave).

I think a big lesson I have learnt is that you must be in a supportive work environment for the sake of your mental health and really try to put your needs and happiness before those you work for.

If you are feeling like this already and anxiety is getting worse, maybe it’s not the right role for you? I know I should have left my job long ago however I had a mortgage and my husband is an apprentice (both in our early 30s). I felt I had no choice but to push myself and I am paying for it.

Legally they shouldn’t be able to fire you is you have a doctors certificate to cover any days off. And if they have a problem with that your doctor and psychologist can write letters to them.

Are you a part of a workers union? Some Unions can be really helpful if you feel you may be being descriminated against at work for having mental health issues. Keep a diary of things that happen with work and any correspondence they give you. These are things you can share with your Union (they can get you free legal advice usually). Just to know where you stand. It’s helped me a lot.

It’s a really horrible suitation to be in especially if you feel you struggle day to day - without the extra pressure from work. Some people just don’t get it unless they’ve experienced it themselves.

i hope it all works out for you 🙂 And know you’re not alone.

[blondguy]

Hi Daniel

Welcome and good on you for having the courage to post in this difficult situation you are going through
As Adrienne87 posted above 'sometimes we find ourselves in a role that we are not suited for'

I understand what you are going through as I have been in the same situation....and yes its awful. I have had chronic anxiety followed by depression for a long time (under management) and being in a workplace that doesn't recognize mental health problems would be bad news when we arent well

Can I ask (if thats okay) if you could elaborate about your visit to your GP? Only so we can provide you with better support 🙂 Good on you for being proactive with your health by seeking assistance and taking the meds too

From what you have posted there are some classic anxiety symptoms happening.....which would make anyone's workplace a huge problem

Anxiety symptoms are no different to physiological symptoms....They are the same except with anxiety our employer cant see them..unfortunately

As a sufferer of anxiety/depression we really need the frequent counseling to help us help ourselves recover. You cant be terminated by having an anxiety or depressive illness.

How often do you see a GP/Counselor?

I really feel your pain

Paul

[Whazp]

Hi Daniel,

I also work in government and have had lower attendance whilst i have been going through this. Luckily my management knows whats been happening and have been very supportive.

As for the letter that you received noting that your employment would be terminated if you did not attend work. I haven't read the letter however i think your employer is on dangerous ground here threatening termination after you submitted an application for leave. If you feel that you have been bullied or harassed you can seek advice from a union rep about what avenues are available to you. As per Adrienne87 advice its a good idea to keep a diary and also ensure you avoid 'verbal' agreements. Its best to have everything in writing / email from your management.