Depression and my job?

[Rosalieemily]

Hi all, this is my first time here so I'm sorry of this is in the wrong place.

ive had depression, anxiety and anorexia nervosa for about 10 years now with periods where it was under control and some where it was not.

i just started a new childcare traineeship, I'm about 2 months in but I've already missed a lot of days due to "episodes". It's not the job cause if the issues, I love my job but it's getting to the point where I can't even cope with day to day living. I'm constantly in tears and in a panic.

ive had a doctors certificate every time, but I had a meeting with my manager yesterday saying that head office wasn't happy with me and that I can't take anymore days off.

i have a 3 monthly evaluation coming up in which I know there is a chance I'll get sacked.

my boss is also been supportive and trying to communicate with head office what is going on, so if I leave I'll feel absolutely terrible about that.

my question is, do I resign before they sack me and try and get better before I look for another job?

advice will be much appreciated.

thanks

[white knight]

Hi and welcome

Yes you posted in the right place.

Its a very good question.

I have questions for you

Would you be able to go part time?

Would part time resultin less days off.?

No matter what you should never be afraid of honesty. Consider a meeting to suggest part time as you are aware you cant maintain full time work.

I hope we can support you here.

Tony WK

[RandR]

Hi Rosalieemily and welcome to the forums,

I'm sorry to hear what you have been enduring.

I'm really glad to hear that your manager is being supportive and trying to help and communicate between head office.

Like Tony said, you should never be afraid of honesty. Perhaps speak with your manager about seeing if part-time is an option and you mentioned you love your job. Might be worth you letting your manager that too (if you haven't already).

Best of luck and let us know how it all goes 🙂

Here to help.

Regards,

Raman.

[MarkJT]

Rosalieemily, welcome to the forums and well done for coming here and posting what you have. You are in a very supportive and non judgemental place so once again, welcome.

I remember some time ago that a person within my work place was in a very similar position to you. Taking days off due to mental health conditions and upper management not being overly happy with it. I remember saying that there are others in the area that have similar amounts of time off for physical ailments and not a question is being asked of them. I think it is quite discriminatory to potentially sack you because of this.

In saying this though, you need to ask yourself at what cost is the job having on you. I note that the actual job is not causing your symptoms however would you be better off stepping away from work at the moment until you have a handle on the symptoms?

Clearly I have no idea about your financial situation and if this is achievable. Getting back to work can be done. I was off work for a while (as was hospitalised) and then undertook a return to work program where i gradually increased hours until i got back to full time. Story is - it can be done.

Are you currently being treated? Have you been officially diagnosed?

I think it is a big call to make to resign so lets have a chat about this and see if we can work something out.

Hope to hear back.

Mark

[Rosalieemily]

Hi everyone thanks for replying.

yes I have been diagnosed and I am in treatment.

going part time probably wouldn't be an option since I'm a trainee.

since I've only just started I feel like if I resign I'm going to let down my boss because she's been so supportive, but my head is all over the place, I can hardly function

[topsy_]

Hi Rosalieemily

I have been in a similar position where the work was well within my ability & only 10 hours a week. It was perfect, except I couldn’t cope. All I did at home was sleep, eat & cry.

The longer I stayed in the position, the worse I suffered at home. Eventually I felt I had to resign.

I have severe depression & PTSD. It felt like to me that I just couldn’t cope with all the sensory input coming at me from all directions.

I am much older than you so my needs & ambitions will be different to yours. I have accepted now that I can’t work & stay mentally well.

Sometimes I feel sad about it but it’s so much better to do less & stay more well for me.

I hope you can work something out. Perhaps a different, quieter job might suit you better.

Sending you my nest wishes, Lyn.