Anxiety/ Work

[Elda01]

Hi. I’ve recently been really struggling with anxiety and my job has been a massive contributing factor. I’ve only been there about 4 months but the nature of the work means I deal with a lot of angry people which has made my anxiety worse. I’ve never seeked help for anxiety but I am at a point now where I need to and I’m going to see my GP this week. I informed work about my mental health and basically my work told me thy were suprised I’m only bring this up now and that they will talk to HR but I’ll probably need a fit to work certificate and not just a medical certificate. They were really unsupportive about the whole situation. I basically just want to know my rights, am I entitled to take a week off work and do I have to provide I fit to work certificate?

[white knight]

Hi Elda and welcome here

My understanding is that if you are unwell for whatever reason you can take time off work. However, I'm no longer in the workforce so things might have changed.

I've had severe anxiety and fully recovered-

google-

beyondblue forums topic the origins of anxiety

beyondblue forums topic running around trying to save the world

beyondblue forums topic meditation - words of wisdom- helped me for 25 years

I also had conflict at work many years ago over my anxiety and the things that affected me the most was mini corruption or wrongdoings. I had to relearn how to accept that life isn't so black and white, that people are in the grey area of many shades.

Such relearning usually needs therapy rather than just meds. Such therapy is needed to reprogram us to put our thinking back where it should be. Then we can relax knowing we make right decisions and more importantly, we get things into perspective.

Finally, combatting management in the workplace sounds noble. In a world where honour and nobility is wanting, when we take steps to uphold our rights that doesn't often download to benefitting us. It simply doesn't work like that. Being in a job for such a short period, a job that you would be aware in the early stages is a pressure job dealing with angry customers...that doesn't mean you will get a lot of help from the likes of unions or compensation quarters. At the end of the day if your job is adversely effecting you then find a calmer job....as a priority. Also bare in mind that a future employer will contact your current employer for reference. It will be harder to get a job.

My recommendation based on experience is to actively look for a better job and when you resign from this one you admit to your employer that you weren't suited to the position due to the pressure. That way you just might get a written reference and keep you work record clean.

I hope I've helped and you get something from the threads I've listed.

TonyWK

[PamelaR]

Hi Elda and welcome to our community

It's good you've made your way to forums and I see TonyWK has given you some great ideas about managing your anxiety at work.

There is one question you ask that I maybe able to help with.

.... am I entitled to take a week off work and do I have to provide I fit to work certificate?

It will depend on who you work for and the conditions of your employment as to whether you get a week off work. I'd be very surprised if the conditions didn't allow for a week off with a medical certificate. The requirement for a fit to work certificate is not new. It's been around for quite a few years now in some industries. When I had my breakdown and started to return to work on limited capacity - it was a requirement for the doctor to give me a certificate to state I was fit to work so many hours/or days per week. I had a 'Return to work Coordinator' who checked in on me to make sure I was okay.

It's unfortunate you think your work place doesn't support you, especially if you are providing a service to 'angry customers'. My thoughts are there is a duty of care by your employer to look after it's employees. But as WhiteKnight says - perhaps it's just my noble thinking.

You're not alone Elda. Keep reaching out here if and when you want to. No pressure.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[Over1t]

Don't quit your job.

Take some time off to thing things though, if you have a medical certificate you can take time off.

Can lodge a workcover claim in situations like this, it gives you paid leave, free treatment and access to training etc.

I'm not sure what state you are in, as the legislation varies a little state to state but in my state the legislation states 'if work was a significant contributing factor' then you have a claim. (I've worked in workcover for 5 years).

Take time to think things though.

Best wishes to you..

[CoraC]

Have you looked into any access to EAP, employee assistance program? Many workplaces have them. They offer a limited number of short term counselling sessions. Generally free and might help to set you on the right path.