Don’t know what to do next - lifeline call

[DannyG]

Hi everyone i’d appreciate any advice on what to do. I have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety. I was having panic attacks at work and was prescribed sedatives to help manage these. My GP has since stopped these as he says I can’t take them long term. So now my panic attacks are back. I’m afraid that I will be fired if I can’t stop them, but without the medication I can’t control the panic. I phoned life line crisis support today and I did not find them helpful. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can do? Thank you.

[DannyG]

Hi Sophie_M I am feeling very overwhelmed today. I feel that I am not able to control my panic or my emotional outbursts. I fear that my inability to do this will cause me to lose my job. I fear that my employer may already be in the process of ‘getting rid’ of me. Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[Sophie_M]

Hi DannyG,

Thanks again for reaching out to the forums. We are so sorry to hear about your anxiety regarding your job. Its horrible feeling like you cannot control your emotions. Try to take things hour by hour and take some breaks to help ground yourself. 

If you get some time at work today, it might help to speak to one of our counsellors. They are available 24/7 by phone on 1300 22 4636 or on Webchat 3pm-12am AEST on our website: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport  One of our friendly counsellors will be able to talk through these feelings with you which might help you in the moment with your feelings of panic and emotional outbursts. 

Take a look at the tips on our website for some anxiety management strategies that might be helpful for you today. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety/anxiety-management-strategies 

Good luck in getting through the day.

Kind Regards. 

[Tangney]

Hi DannyG. I think you could go back to your doctor and explain the impact of you not taking the medication ie. it's ruining your life and you need medical help. It's not ok for you to be left to your own devices. It seems counter productive for you not to take it, even if it may cause a dependency. What would be the risk of dependency versus the risk for you not taking meds? I have been on prescribed drugs for anxiety that may cause dependency, but I've been mindful of only using these drugs, as advised by my doctor, when I really need them and not all the time. This minimised the risk of dependency. I'm also aware of people who've been weaned off when things become more stable for them. In saying this, I'm sure there are lots of medications these days that are very helpful for many people and are not drugs of addiction. The loss of a job at in these times cannot be a good outcome for you for lots of reasons and may add to the difficulties that your already experiencing. Maybe you could get a second medical opinion?

[Tay100]

Hi DannyG

Oh that medical disclosure form seems like a red flag indeed...what's the situation like now? Once again, it seems like you could benefit from some third party advocacy- maybe the union has some advice about how you can support yourself whilst still taking care of yourself? Could you transfer to a lateral role or cut back your hours?