I posted something on here a few weeks ago, concerning worries around finding lumps etc.
I visit the doctors, and he referred me to a counsellor for my anxiety.
Since having this referral, I've found that I'm feeling worse - I'm not sure if it's because I've accepted it more.
I'm having moments where I get angry / have a shorter tolerance level and get upset over random things.
I also feel like I'm always on the edge of panic attacks.
I went to the Doctors last week, and was put on the sick from work for 2 weeks. So would be due to return on 23rd March, even now I know that I'm not going to be ready to go back to work.
I don't feel safe at work, put this is part of my anxiety - I'm terrified of dying and I run through scenarios in my mind too much.
How early can I go in to ask for it to be extended?
I was given a beta blocker last week (I don't want anti depressants) but I'm genuinely scared to take them as I know they slow your heart rate down, and have a horrendous fear of them stopping my heart....extreme and a bit of a stupid thought I know!
So I'm thinking I should go back to the doctors to see if there is anything else I can take / do to help calm me down.
But think it's too early to ask for another sick note, it's making me feel ill thinking about having to go back to work - as I feel like I will be back to the beginning.
I'm really sorry to hear about your anziety and fears, its a terrible thing to have to go through. I am bipolar and get anxiety with it, but unlike you, I do take an anti-depresant, citalopram, though to be honest, whilst it did wonders for my depression it did nothing for my anxiety. I had something called Human Givens counselling which was wonderful, but eventually my counsellor retired and I didn't want to start all over again with another councillor. She taught me how to stay calm in stressful situations and its a skill I've retained to this day, maybe look it up as an option. I also have access to diazepam 5mg, but don't take it every day for fear of tolerance and dependance.
Thanks - I'm having a telephone appointment with a counsellor tomorrow, so that should hopefully give them an idea of what I need etc.
Yeah - its a horrible feeling. I'm now getting myself worried over having my sick note extended e.g what if they refuse...
I'm going to go back tomorrow (if I can get an appointment) and discuss the beta blockers - I have a low dose of them but think its more the reassurance I need (my gp is going to be sick of me!).
I'll probably bring up having my sick note extended instead of waiting till the end of the week - it just continue to worry otherwise!
I hope you get your sick note extended. I'm retired now but I had loads of time off sick when I was really ill with bipolar and I know what its like hoping to get that note. I was very lucky as my employer had a very enlightened attitude to mental health problems. I've never taken taken beta blockers but I hear they can be very good for soem people. With meds it alweays the case of finding the combo that suits you and your lifestyle.