Work

[HeraCosmo]

What am I supposed to do if my panic/anxiety disorder will not allow me to continue to work in my current profession??

[TrustnGod]

Hello HeraCosmo. That’s a really tough question. You have 3 choices though. Stick it out, take a leave of absence, or leave.

When my anxiety first began, I had a lot of problems going to work. My previous job was a 40 minute drive from my house and I missed a lot of work because I wouldn’t be able to get out of bed in the mornings. While I am no longer with that company, during that time I did let my boss know what was going on. She was very understanding (thank God) and would allow me to leave early if it became too much or I was also allowed to come in late. So if you do stay make sure your boss is aware of what is going on. You can also try to take a leave of absence to work on yourself and your mental health. Just, no matter which option you choose, don’t overdo yourself.

~Lia

[TheBlackdog]

I agree dont overdo things as it is for me I think why my anxiety creeps up every now and then. I have been well on medication for 1 year now (new medication). Only three or so days ago I felt dizzy and light anxious symptoms and later feeling unreal. I went to the doctors and upped my dose as with these things you cant leave them to worsen which is something I am still learning. I am staying strong and distracted so as not to let it get hold.

I do talk to my boss and hope that they remain supportive as I need to work and pay the bills like anyone else. It's better to tell than keep it secret because that doesn't help you deal with it all either.

I work as a physical therapist and not sure what I would do. But I would work at most jobs to bring in money if I had to leave.

Fingers crossed for you

[kvolm2016]

Do you feel like you are at this point now or just concerned that this might be an issue in the future? And is the work itself or the work environment a source/trigger for the panic/ anxiety?

I agree with the others that if you are dealing with this now, you must let your supervisor know what is happening so they can assist you to the fullest extent possible. Some companies/departments can make accommodations for you.

Also, if you have medical benefits through your company you will want to see what kind of resources your insurance plan will cover.

[HeraCosmo]

It is an issue right now. It’s not the job itself it’s the work environment I.e isolated locations and about 9 hours from where my family lives.

I have thought about requesting reassignment to a different position and closer to home as a reasonable accommodation, but I want to give therapy a try first. I am currently on FMLA so that I can attend counseling and manage my medication.

[kvolm2016 in reply to HeraCosmo]

Glad to hear that you are able to use the FMLA benefit to focus this time on your health needs! Sounds like you already have both the medical doctor and counselor working with you for a solution. Do you feel like there is progress?

[HeraCosmo in reply to kvolm2016]

Well it’s only been 1 week. I am hoping to see some improvements in the next few weeks.

[kvolm2016 in reply to HeraCosmo]

Hope so!

[HeraCosmo in reply to kvolm2016]

Definitely feeling better. Going back to work next Monday. I’ll know for sure how far I’ve come once I go back. If I’m still not great. I will request reassignment closer to home as a reasonable accommodation.

[kvolm2016 in reply to HeraCosmo]

Thanks for the update. Glad to hear that you are feeling better! I'm sure the time away has been a helpful component. Were you also able to get what you hoped for with regard to the medication and the therapy components?

[HeraCosmo in reply to kvolm2016]

Yes I feel pretty great when I’m in my hometown, but my job is 8 hours away. So I’ll know where I stand once I go back. A little nervous to be honest.

[kvolm2016 in reply to HeraCosmo]

makes sense that you would be nervous. Were you able to get some tips from counselor about relieving the anxious/nervous feelings?