Murdered friend and work absenteeism

[Shas]

Hi all,

Firstly, I suffer from ptsd and depression. Two and a half weeks ago I found out a family friend was murdered and it brought much shock to me. He was like an uncle and cared for me and my family. I work a fair bit as a casual, but since that incident I've started to slip from work, cancelling my shifts which I've never done before. My job is not easy, I sometimes deal with rude clients who makes me feel awful. My bosses will offer a lot of work and Ive been declining all of them which is not like me at all and I feel terrible that they may not give me shifts anymore.

I feel like I'm relapsing into depression again.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I just wanted to get this off my heart.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Shas,

Thanks for your post.

I'm so sorry that you've been through this and I can imagine that you would be feeling very shocked. It sounds like it must be incredibly overwhelming to go through that grief as well as deal with all the pressure you're having at work.

What sort of support do you have around you right now?

I'm also wondering if you've talked to your bosses about what's happened? Managers can often support workers in allowing them extra leave or time off; unfortunately as a casual it would be unpaid, but it might help ease the pressure for a little while.

[Zeal]

Hi Shas,

Welcome to the forum!

I'm so sorry for your loss. It is understandable that you are finding it difficult to work regularly. Grieving is a natural and inevitable process, and as romanticthief says, telling your employer and taking a little time off could help. Is it possible for you to get extra support, such as from family? Also, seeing your doctor (GP) about this loss and the feelings of depression that are returning is important.

It would be great to hear back from you.

Best wishes,

Zeal

[Sophie_M]

Hi Shas, welcome back to the forums.  Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your family friend, we hope it feels better to be able to talk about it here.

In your previous thread back in June, you mentioned troubles at work and several community members have given you a reply - are you able to pop back in there and acknowledge them for reaching out to you?

Workplace anxiety and triggers