Palpitations and anxiety

[imzi]

Since I have been off sick from work I have developed very bad anxiety, the thought of going back to work gets me up and night and I can’t sleep. Knowing that when I go back to work I will be the only one out of my friends that will be behind on trianing. How will I be treated when I go back? I have a fear of work now it’s horrid.

What helps with anxiety? Since I have been off sick I hate having to go out I find it a burden.

Lupus really takes over your life 😢

[misty14]

Hi imzi

So sorry to read how anxiety has made you frightened of going back to work !. Horrible suffering like this. I'm just wondering if your going to do a phased go back which would be kinder to you?. Have you also got an understanding line manager you can talk to about getting the training you've missed?. Is there a n HR dept that would help you with all of the above?.

You can get help from your GP re anxiety !. A talk to him about how your feeling might well come up with some temporary solutions just while you find your feet again!. It's a huge thing going back to work after a period of illness and easy to worry about whether wd're going to cope or not!. I've found being ill does affect your confidence badly and it quickly goes!. Not so easy getting it back which can be a long road but with baby steps in sure you will do it and feel good at yourself.! Hope I've made some helpful suggestions and best of luck . Keep us posted. Happy Christmas. X

[imzi in reply to misty14]

I spoke to my manager and recommended a phase return but I will have to use my holiday, I’m just glad that he agreed.

My manager is wanting to arrange to meet up before i start back at work which is reassuring I will convey my worries to him.

I have been referred to speaking therapy I’m hoping it helps me to speak about my worries etc.

Being unwell really does take away your confidence and your life. I’m glad you understand.

Thank you so much for your advice. I really appreciate it. I hope the new year is good to you xx

[misty14 in reply to imzi]

Hi imzi

I'm pleased your manager wants to meet you before you start back at work and has agreed to a phased return. Sounds like a supportive boss but tough you will use up holiday entitlement, not very fair!.

In case you want some advice after this meeting I can recommend you talk to citizens advice who have employment advisors that can help. Tel: [phone] open from Tuesday onwards.

I do hope the speech therapy helps with your anxiety and you soon regain your confidence. Hope your going back to work goes well. Keep us posted how it goes.

I'm hopeful of better treatment in 2018 after undergoing some tests first thanks for asking. Happy new Year to you. Hope it's a healthy one for you. X

[Kevin53]

Good advice from Misty14. Once step at a time. If they don’t do a return to work plan (which they should) you can request one. Your doctor could put some information about this on your “Return to work”, note. Best wishes Kevin

[imzi in reply to Kevin53]

Thank you for your reply. My manger has agreed to a phase return so hopefully getting back to work will be a bit easier.

[Cas70]

I went to my doctor as I am a sole carer and started to have panic attacks as my Lupus and Sjogrens impacted on what I could do for my husband. She put me on a low dose of Sertraline which really helped me cope. Talk to your doctor. We are all alone in our heads with this illness. Good luck

[imzi in reply to Cas70]

I’m sorry to hear that you were having panic attacks. Thank you for replying x

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK]

Hi Imzi,

Sometimes, certain situations can be overwhelming which is why talking to someone can help relieve worries and anxiety that you may have. If you would like someone to speak to, we can provide you with LUPUS UK contacts who you can chat with over the telephone. These contacts are volunteers who mostly have lupus themselves; they are not medically trained but are there to offer support and understanding. If you would like a contact to speak to, you can email me at [e-mail]

We published a blog article on ‘coping with depression and anxiety’ which you can read here: lupusuk.org.uk/coping-with-...

If you need information about lupus and employment, including information about your rights and what support services are available, we have two booklets that you can read and download at lupusuk.org.uk/working-with.... If you need physical copies sent to you, please email me with your name and address.

Stress is an important trigger of lupus, we published an article on our blog about stress management and relaxation which I hope you find useful: lupusuk.org.uk/stress-manag...

Please let us know how you get on, wishing you all the best.

[imzi in reply to Chanpreet_Walia]

Thank you so much for your reply, your links are very helpful I really appreciate it. I will send you a wee email as I think maybe speaking to someone might help. As I’m really struggling with my mood and anxiety.

Thank you once again.