Off sick, stress and stuck!

Tilda1987
Tilda1987 Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
in Work

Hi,


Apologies for the long post, I hope it makes sense and if anyone has been through anything similar or can offer some advice I’d really appreciate it.

I have adhd, anxiety and depression and have been in my current job for four years.

I’ve always really enjoyed the role but struggled with the toxic work culture, staff’s abuse of power and lack of compassion towards the clients and serious issues not being addressed by management.

I’ve stayed there hoping it would get better and often questioning whether I’m the problem as only one of my colleagues shares my views so we’re a minority.


Over the years I’ve tried but failed to manage my stress levels, have always been open with my manager about struggling to cope and have had occupational health recommendations put in place.

I took the opportunity to reduce my hours thinking this would help but every week by the time I’ve “recovered” from work, I spend the rest of my days of feeling anxious about going back in.


Then six weeks ago I hit breaking point ( I don’t know how else to describe it) then was signed off by my GP. 

I’m still not mentally well enough to go back but feel like I can’t go back to that job even short term till I find something else. My current fit note runs out next week although occupational health have advised that I shouldn’t be thinking of returning to work until I’m “better” 

A friend has suggested that rather than hand in my notice now, I stay off sick long term then hand in my notice when I’ve got a plan in place but the thought of doing this makes me very anxious.

Any advice would be very welcome

Thank you! 






Comments

  • Alex_Alumni
    Alex_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,538 Championing
    Hello there @Tilda5811 and thank you for taking the time to reach out, I appreciate this is a stressful situation, so I hope we can do our best to support you :) 

    It might be worth enquiring with Scope's Employment Support Services, like Support to Work,  we also have information on Disability-Friendly employers too.

    You've mentioned being signed off by your GP, are you getting support for your mental health and wellbeing at the moment?

Categories