taking time off work

[elgrande]

Hey guys

I've been feeling a bit low lately and my work has is making me anxious. My tension builds during the day and by the afternoon my head feels like it has a vice around it and I get agitated and can't concentrate. My P is also starting to creep back. It all started around new year and so took a weeks annual leave in January to get some rest and relaxation. Unfortunately it only provided temporary relief and I feel like I'm starting to struggle again. My mind races at night so I'm not sleeping well and my normally good appetite is poor. Basically I think I might need to take some time out from work and get signed off which I've never had to do before. Not really sure what to do but was thinking about making an appointment to see my GP. One thing I'm worried about is getting signed off and then finding it difficult to go back but then again I think that if I do carry on I'll end up making myself more ill. Not sure what to do!    

[kat.chloe]

Hi elgrande.

I was in a similar situation but for different reasons.  For me I was getting so sick from the meds that working became a massive struggle.  In the end, after battling through for 12 months at work and taking all my sick leave, holiday leave etc in dribs and drabs over the 12 months just to get through, I finally said enough and when my contract ended I decided to take a few months off to simply get well.  My GP signed off on temporary sick leave which entitled me to social security for 3 months.  Not much and realistically doesnt even cover the mortgage, but it gave me breathing space to concentrate on my health. 

One thing I did notice over the 12 months when I tried to work through it though, was that I just got sicker and sicker as my body became run down.  I do think that it was something I had to do.

I think going to your GP to discuss it is a really good idea.  As you are feeling mentally low, he or she may be able to help you with that which may alleviate some of your problems.

It is not an easy decision to make whatever happens, and I wish you well.

Kat

[racheld]

hello

I was signed off work in Nov due to a really bad flare. I spent 2 weeks getting myself sorted and returned to an incredibly stressful work situation. I was struggling to sleep and was really strugglin as emotionally I was so tired. Couldn't wait for Fridays but by Sundays I was ill all day. Dern was suprised I went back and still thought I should have been off when he saw me 2 weeks ago!

I had 2 weeks annual leave at start of the year and again I destressed and began to feel human but just before I went back to work the horrible feeling overcame.

Thankfully on the day I went back there had been a re-jiggle of areas and I ended up with a much better work load and situation and I actually feel so much better. I spoke to my boss and she was worried that the stress of what was I had gone through for the last year and was was continuing to happen was going to make me really ill.

Speak to someone at work about it all and see if there is anything they can do to support you. Good luck.

[babyblue]

Elgrande,

Brilliant advice there from Kat and Racheld.  Make the appointment with the GP ; some time out from the work environment may provide the respite you need.  Before you take time off as Rachel says speak to work in relation to the stress you are feeling.  It is obviously a trigger in relation to P and as you reflected yourself if you carry on indefinitely you may just become more ill.

Don't be scared about taking time off and wondering about going back; cross that bridge when it comes, meantime focus on getting well soon.

Big hugs
BB

[hels]

great advice Kat, I've taken time off work when It's  got bad only for a few days but I then obsess with my skin and sit and worry all the more.
doctors are not always sympathetic but  if you find a good one they are great, no easy answers as always but hang in there, hope you find a way through
being on here only for a few days and connecting with others is a def a good thing
let us know how you get on and hope you are well
hels x

[elgrande]

Thanks all, might head along to the docs in the morning and see what they say.

[elgrande]

Seen my GP this morning who was quite understanding and suggested I take the rest of the week off and go back and see her on Friday. Said she would sign me off for 2 weeks if things hadn't improved by then. I just hope my work is understanding as I missed 4 days work at the start of the year with an ear infection and had a weeks annual leave recently as well.

[riaY]

Hiya sweetheart, I'm glad you went to see your gp and they were understanding. You seem to have a good work record and haven't been off sick much so work should be ok. Have you thought about asking for a refferal to see occupational health? They were very helpfull to me. I don't know where you work or what the rules are but at my ex place you could ask for a refferal even if you hadn't been off sick but were struggling. You do really sound as if you need a "break" from the stress. As has already been said worry about going back when you have too. I've been in your position pm me if I can help at all. Good luck

[Joan J]

I felt exactly how you do at work - I kept on going in until my P got so bad that I was forced to stay home for 3 months to get it sorted.  The stress at work caused the outbreak.
I am getting a bit that way again - the stress is building up - so I have a permanant headache and my skin is flaring up.  I have a few days off next week to see if I feel any better - if not I am thinking of going on the sick again.  I work in HR and asked for a referal lasy year, but they would not do one because they knew it was their fault.  If I go off agin I am going to insist.
Listen to your GP - you have to care about yourself and your family - because ultimately work will have to manage without you
Take Care
Joan

[elgrande]

Thanks all. I guess I just don't want anyone from work thinking I'm weak for taking some time off. It just seems easier to have something they can see like a broken limb. Hopefully I'll feel better soon.