Work anxiety. I can’t take it anymore

[Ollie2019]

I work as a veterinary professional and in the last few months I’ve been very anxious at work.

I work in such a toxic environment. There are so many backstabbing two faced people there and I’m constantly worried about what that day will bring. i feel like people are talking behind my back or that I’m not doing much work. Every time a meeting is booked I freak out thinking it’s about me.

ive never had this problem before and it’s only at this job.

i went to see my doctor last week because I am petrified going into work. She gave me a medical certificate and some sleeping tablets and I rebooked to see her in a week (which is tomorrow)

i have resigned the day after my medical certificate as I really don’t want to go back. I have 3 weeks left until my last day.

Can my doctor give me medical certificate for the 3 weeks? I can’t go back. I won’t. I can’t stop thinking about it and I feel beyond sick thinking of going back to that toxic place.

[jollydolly]

Hi Ollie,

I'm sorry to hear how you're feeling and it sounds really hard. I'm six days away from my last day as well, having resigned after continued stress, anxiety, paranoia, breakdown etc.

For me, I had to get a GP and a psychologist to complete documentation assessing my capacity for work, and I was able to get sick leave to cover some time off. I am battling now to go in every day until I finish, but I want to, for myself, so that I can move on from my fear and face down the enemy! I probably could get clearance to not come in again and keep getting paid, but I work for a large organisation with many HR professionals I can speak to and a strong enterprise agreement. If you're in a smaller place, you may need to speak directly to your boss or manager and just honestly outline the situation - say that you're not sure why you're having this reaction, but you're seeking treatment and are wanting to know what support the workplace can give.

I hope the GP has given some assurance to you that she can help. It may be necessary to see a psychologist to get the approval for continued leave until your last day, so perhaps she has made a referral?

I hope also that you will get what you want if you really feel you can't go back in. But your capacity will probably surprise you...I felt the same when I left to go and have a breakdown (I can't go back, I won't go back) and guess what? I did it. I was strong enough, and so are you.