First post

[Arian14]

Hello everyone.

I am on here because i have been struggling with anxiety over the last couple of months. I took time off work and saw my doctor who started me on some antidepressants and also recommended talking therapy. I feel bettet than i felt say a month ago but am still struggling especially at work. I work as a nurse sonits very demanding and sometimes i really strugle to cope with the work load which just increases my anxiety. I am really worried about losing my job. I suppose i am wondering if anyone has ever been through tjis situation and if they have any advice. Thanks.

[Zoea]

Can you talk to your employer for mental health support? If it's the NHS something is bound to be available!

[Arian14 in reply to Zoea]

I have talked to my manager and we decided at the moment to see how my treatment plan is working.

[Zoea in reply to Arian14]

Was that recently? Perhaps its time to try again and explain why you think your work may cause anxieties.

[Arian14 in reply to Zoea]

I think I will speak to her about how well am doing.

[Arian14 in reply to Arian14]

Thanks

[Clarebear86]

Depending on what type of antidepressants you are on you may find your anxiety is worse. Being a nurse you may know this, maybe you don’t. Don’t beat yourself up if you need to take time. I’m currently off work due to my anxiety / depression. Being at work was just too much to cope with and handle. I can’t even begin to think what you must be going through, but if you’re kept busy and distracted maybe it is helping in a way. I think that was one of my issues, I have to motivate myself with tasks and analytics, no real set routine. Are you able to talk to your work? Can they make any adjustments to your workload in order to help and keep you there?

[Arian14 in reply to Clarebear86]

I have talked to my work, they are not very helpful they think I am coping better than I think. We are really short staffed at the moment so it would be hard for them to lighten my work load. And I also feel guilty asking as am normally bad at asking.

[Clarebear86 in reply to Arian14]

Again I can totally relate. Do you have an occupational health service you can self refer yourself too? If yes and your manager isn’t listening to you I would advise you go to them to discuss or force the issue through your doctor. I hate asking for help, I would rather struggle through than cope, which is probably why I am as bad as I am.

[Arian14 in reply to Clarebear86]

Yes I am going to seriously consider going to occuptional health. Thanks for your advise.

[BabyLayla in reply to Arian14]

You will probably find your manager refers you to your occupational health dept, (if you work in NHS) as there is a duty of care to employees.

Please don't see this as concerning as at least in my trust OH have been extremely helpful and supportive.

There are many helpful books and public library's often have a self help section. The 'Overcoming"series ones are particularly good and recommended by NHS

Good luck anxiety is no fun

[Arian14 in reply to BabyLayla]

Thank you I will try the books and am going to speak to my manager.

[Arian14 in reply to BabyLayla]

I have been reading a self help book and its really helping me understand what is going on with me better. So thanks for the tip.

[BabyLayla in reply to Arian14]

You are welcome. Take care and remember one step at a time, and sometimes we slip down a step or stick on one for a while.

It's all about learning how to manage the anxiety.

Xx