what will happen if I don't get a sick note?

SeaLion_2

I'm really sorry to hear of your horrible problem. You have my sympathy. Well done on facing up to the fact that this is ruining your life and you can start to take control back again.

Obviously you will be better off in another line of work, same as an alcoholic is better not to work in a pub. Is there much chance of finding other work, any kind of work?

I think you can assume that the managers will have been told of your problem, not in a gossipy way but simply because you are like an alcoholic working in a pub. People need to know you have a problem.

I absolutely agree, give your mum your money AND all your cards, whether or not you tell her about your problem.

Takeaway_Addict

have you found ur nearest GA meeting yet?

Yorkie1

OP, I guess at the moment it feels as though things have spiralled a little out of your control? Well done on being able to post on here and putting your problem down in black and white.

As others have said, you're unlikely to be the first or the last employee of this company which has had a similar problem, and they may well have an employee assistance programme. Your managers should know about this.

I would also say that whilst this is, of course, a huge deal to you, for colleagues I'd think it is likely to be something of a five-day wonder. Just think how quickly those high-profile celebrity stories in the tabloids become chip-shop wrappers (so to speak). Things may feel very dramatic and shaming in your mind, but you're probably the only one thinking that way.

So, what might I suggest you could do?

Firstly, go and see your GP. You are describing physical symptoms as well as some mental distress. You describe this being a relatively long-standing issue and you could do with a medical overview. This forum does not allow others to provide medical advice, but the GP can.

Secondly, try to identify how you can take a little bit of control back. Don't be surprised if this is rather overwhelming to face; just make a list and try to tackle only one thing at a time.

- You've said that you need to get onto DVLA for starters.
- Put blocks on phones etc as advised by others.
- Look up your nearest GA meeting, or a phone line.
- Look at your finances to see what is what.
- Go onto the debt free wannabee forum on here to see where you might be able to make savings in your current outgoings.

I know it might feel scary to go or speak to GA but you've already done a really hard part of admitting the problem by writing it on here. You could just read out what you've written here, if you wanted. They are there to support you. It's a really important step in getting the support you need; your GP can help with the crisis stuff but not this.

It also shows to your employer that you appreciate the situation you are in, and are prepared to take steps to start addressing it.

Finally, don't stop communicating with your employer. If they know what's going on, there is a reasonable chance that they will bear with you on the driving licence front and supporting you back to work. If you stop talking to them altogether, it's far harder for them to do that - and you've said you don't want to resign or lose your job.

Once you get back on your feet a little, you can then start looking for a replacement job or other changes in your life - but it's far easier to do that from a position of having a job and feeling in control of your life, than from a vacuum personally and workwise.

All the best.

tir21

I would have thought a betting shop is the best place to work to avoid becoming a gambler, when all you see day after day is losers