I Don't Know What To Do!

[MedicAsh]

Lately I have had a lot dumped on me in a short amount of time. I was working yesterday and I came to realize that if we had something major happen I am not sure how I would react. This made me thinking about taking a leave from work for 2 weeks. I this would give me about 3 weeks off of work to just deal with things mentally. I am very torn between taking off the time and just working. I don't know what to do. We are short handed at work and I feel if I take this time that I will be letting my coworkers down, but I am worried if I don't do this that I will put myself, my coworkers, or a patient at risk.

My next thing it I am not sure how to go about this. In order to make it happen sooner than later, I need to have this an excused medical absence. This means I need to go to the doctor get a note that I have to take the time off. I am just very confused at the moment. Has anyone had experience with this? Or even have any ideas or advise?

Ash

 

[Lucycat]

It is a very hard decision to make. I can't recall if you are already seeing a T, if so it would be good to discuss with them.

If you are worried that you are not safe in the event of a crisis at work then you probably should not be there. However I know it is really hard to go to a doctor and ask to be signed off. I guess it depends somewhat on the relationship you have with the doctor and how sympathetic they are to your needs.

Recently my friend Laura was feeling a bit like you. She is a Police Officer and was struggling. The doctor basically told her to either take the antidepressants she was offering or just get on with it. Laura continued to go to work until she cracked and was sent home. I suggested that she should get an appointment with the GP I see, who seems more familiar and understanding of stress and mental health related conditions. To my relief she signed Laura off for 2 weeks and is organizing counseling for her. Laura is returning to see the doctor this week but is already coming to terms that she is not ready to return to work. Really she needs the counseling to start first and that should happen. As police they have access to another group of therapists outwith our usual NHS.

I guess what I am saying to you, Ash is that I think it important that you are proactive and do not leave things until it hits a crisis. You are already aware of that or you would not have started this post, I believe. Taking time out now may prevent a much longer absence later.

 

[MedicAsh]

Thank you for the reply! I am currently seeing a T. I will see her Tuesday, but I am also back to work on Tuesday night. I am on antidepressants and its not that I am depressed, but I am overwhelmed. I am more worried about how well I could think on my feet at work. I also am worrying about what those at work will think of me. Will they think that I can't do my job anymore? I know I can handle the job but I feel like maybe I need time to just work through things so I am not as distracted. By taking this time off I could open up to my T a little more and not have to worry about it really distracting me more from work.

I am really considering this option. I think what I need to do is see if my doctor has an appointment Monday or Tuesday. I know she would do this for me if I could just get over my fear of asking for help.

Thanks again Brucielucy for your reply.

Ash