hi about 2 and a half years ago i was signed off for a while and things had got better they hadn’t gone away but were managable now im at the point where i feel like im back to square one again i felt like i couldnt cope anymore so went to the doctors this morning and theyve signed me off for 2 weeks and gave me different meds im just so fed up of feeling like this and the guilt of having time off work makes it that much worse
advise welcome
first dont feel guilty about time off. you need it . your health comes first. i took 2 months off.
is your job stressful? talking TO A counselor can help.
i changed jobs. it was too much.
unfortunetly anxiety can come and go, so i have to just make the best of it.
Don’t ever feel guilty for taking time off work. Just because mental ill health might not be visible, it doesn’t make it any more manageable. Have you tried CBT, meditation, yoga, counselling etc alongside medication?,
thanks for your reply
hi i had cbt a few years ago and it helped a bit i try and do meditation as often as i can
Can you tell me what medications that you changed from and to? And, did you say you did feel normal while taking you medication for 2 and half year?
hi i was on seetraline and i didnt feel normal for the 2 and a half years i still thought about it every day but it was managable theyve put me back on sertraline but also gave me blood pressure tablets to take up to 3 times a day
Thank you. I would like to know because I am on Cymbalta for 7 weeks. My doctor said if I don’t feel normal, I need to add another med. I am going to see him tomorrow.
I know the feeling. I was signed off too around 2 years ago and advised to claim benefits until I get better. I can’t live on this money it causes more financial worries than it’s worth. But, I also can’t leave the house and with my anxiety all over the place I don’t know if I could commit myself to working.
I work in software development, and I’ve tried getting remote work to work from home. But, on bad days I crawl into bed and remain there because I just can’t deal with work while I have anxiety going on.
It sucks so bad. 3 years ago I was earning £45k a year. Now I’m on benefits. This just makes anxiety a whole lot worse when you’re worrying over money.
I work the same thing as you. I can remote to work, but I did not because I feel more depressed. I did not signed off work because of financial problem. So, I took some days off when my anxiety problem just started. Since I am on medications, I am able to go work every day. I have to take xanax 2 times/day to help me.
I had xanax and they helped me a lot but doctor took me off them as “not a long term thing”. They were meant to do the same with diazepam but I’m still on them for some reason. They really do help but I don’t want to be dependent on them because when the doctors stops them it’s back to square one.
I’m currently awaiting therapy so I can get back to work. I’m glad you still manage to work. Finances are important. How do deal with panic attacks at work?
I don’t have panic attacks, but I have anxiety all the time. When I think writing codes, I get chest pain and more head pain, so I need to take break very often. Also, I chew peppermint gums or candies all day to distract my pain. I heard peppermint helps anxiety, but not sure.
I just take 1/8 amount dose of Xanax that my doctor gave me. He said it is fine until I find a long term medications.
Hello, The feeling of guilt because you’ve been signed off is something that I can relate to also. Very much so in fact. It’s easier to focus on this than to focus on getting yourself better (feel like I’m a fine one to say this as worrying comes most naturally to me and by the sound of things you also). I’d say try your very best to focus on getting better. Good luck.
sorry for the late reply . its so hard isnt it im deciding what to do my sick note will run out next week but i feel like i need more time than the 2 weeks that ive had the dr told me to go back for another sick notw if i need one but i just feel so guilty still
Are you able to work 1/2 day? Maybe that would make you feel less guilty.
I’ve been off sick on a few occasions. It’s important to take the time to get well because when you do that work is easier and better. I missed 3 months once and was fully supported by work. I would ask your doctor for another month off. Then join a gym. Swim. Go for walks. Those physical activities really helped me when I was off. Work will still be there when you return.