Information please

[QueenOfSpades]

I have suffered anxiety for many years now. Last year I experienced a severe mental breakdown and have been recovering from the person it turned me into. I am doing a lot better but there are random days when everything hits again. I was borderline agoraphobic and had a lot of time off work. I discussed every detail with my employer and we cooperated to assist us both in the best way. However, now when I wake up to the terrible feelings of overwhelming panic attacks and complete sadness, I just message them on the company phone to inform them I won't be in that day. I don't want to talk to my partner or family on these days let alone work colleagues or bosses. I physically can't bring myself to communicate in the moment. Different people answer the phone at work each week and I am uncomfortable discussing it with everyone. The confidentiality is seriously lacking with many people there and I don't trust them enough to tell them what they think they're entitled to hear. Legally I know they are not. So I just message in the hope to not deal with that or the hostility some people get with those that do call in sick, as if anything worse needs to be added to a day like those ones. Is there anything I can do to get through to them? Legally or morally? i see it as, at least I am letting them know in some form that I won't be in. I know it's extremely unprofessional and it does look bad, but surely considering the circumstances (that the boss knows every detail) that maybe they would understand a bit. Any advice is appreciated, thankyou everyone.

[Nikkir]

Hi QueenOfSpades,

Thank you for your post, we are really glad you reached out. Wow it certainly seems like you have been through alot and are exhausted on many levels and there is obviously alot going on for you. Have you always felt like this at this job or has something or someone triggered this ? I think you are absolutely right about not disclosing your personal issues and feelings to people who do not need to know. It is a violation of privacy and of your human rights so the less you say to those that don't need to know the better I think. It would be great if you could take some time off? Do you have any leave or any way you could do this so you could take care of yourself? In the mean time I do suggest self care, do something each day for yourself and get in to see a GP and therapy if possible. You can easily get a medical certificate and I don't think you need to say anything at all after a DR has issued one. It sounds to me like you need a break from the pressures and then maybe you might get some perspective and clarity. When this has happened to me where I don't want to face work there are usually one of two reasons. One - the job is not for me and I just haven't had the opportunity or courage to change jobs or two- there is alot going on for me personally and I need time out. I hope that this has been of some help, either way you are not alone. Best Wishes Nikkir x

[losingit04]

I just want to say kudos to you for pushing on and trying to fight this horrible condition.

Is it possible for someone else to call on your behalf? That may be able to take off some of the pressure.

Alternatively, if your boss knows what is going on and has a full understanding of the situation, I think messaging in should be okay. It's not any of the other worker's business about what's going on, so perhaps if it comes up just say you've discussed it with your boss.

I hope this helps in some way.

[white knight]

Hi queen of spades, welcome

Unfortunately, how l describe it is....80% of adults dont and wont understand mental illness. 10% try. 5% care for sufferers and understand and 5% are sufferers.

Thise figure might be inaccurate but having read them, would you now tell your work colleagues your problems?

Do these colleagues tell you their financial problems? If they have bowel problems? You owe them nothing and nothing but negativity comes from sharing MI. Maybe 100 years from now it might be different.

Sometimes with those with MI perform better in two part time jobs. Variety can stimulate us and we arent facing a marathon of 8 plus hours with the same people.

Here are some relaxing threads and sites you can google

Topic: meditation, he helped me for 25 years, Maharji- beyondblue

Topic: advice please, my bucket is full- beyondblue

Topic: when emotions take over logic- beyondblue

Topic: seeking the origins of anxiety- beyondblue

Topic: the balance if your life- beyondblue

Topic: know your limits- beyondblue

Topic: meltdown, back to basics- beyondblue

Topic: they just wont understand- why?- beyondblue

Happy reading

Tony WK