Work related mental health issues

Scared55

Hi all
I am after some advice please. Please be gentle as Its taken me some time to pluck up the courage to ask you all for your thoughts.
Unfortunately my mental health is badly suffering in my current job (been there 10 years), to the extent that the doctors have prescribed medication and have signed me off long term sick with depression/anxiety. i won't go into too much detail except to say that it is all work related.
The sensible part of me knows that I cannot stay in my current role as the requirements of the job have impacted me negatively, but I still need to earn a living somehow. But the thoughts of what I can do moving forwards (if I do leave) is leaving me very scared and frightened.
I know that there are some of you that have taken the step to leave a job that is causing you health issues, but I'd like to know how successful were you in finding a new role. My big concern is my age (55) will go against me and its a fair few years till the state pension kicks in
Thanks in advance for any advice you are able to offer.

Comms69

Scared55 wrote: »

Hi all
I am after some advice please. Please be gentle as Its taken me some time to pluck up the courage to ask you all for your thoughts.
Unfortunately my mental health is badly suffering in my current job (been there 10 years), to the extent that the doctors have prescribed medication and have signed me off long term sick with depression/anxiety. i won't go into too much detail except to say that it is all work related.
The sensible part of me knows that I cannot stay in my current role as the requirements of the job have impacted me negatively, but I still need to earn a living somehow. But the thoughts of what I can do moving forwards (if I do leave) is leaving me very scared and frightened.
I know that there are some of you that have taken the step to leave a job that is causing you health issues, but I'd like to know how successful were you in finding a new role. My big concern is my age (55) will go against me and its a fair few years till the state pension kicks in
Thanks in advance for any advice you are able to offer.

The simple answer is that eventually you will leave, voluntarily or otherwise.


So instead of worrying about it, look into alternative careers / training

eamon

Having work place stress & depression can be a dreadful and debilitating place to be and well done for going to your GP for help. Hopefully you are part of a large organisation. Find out if they have any employee wellbeing services. It can be a fast track access route to mental health services e.g. counselling. Are you in a trade union? ask them as well.

Try not to worry too much about your finances just now, concentrate all your efforts on getting well.

Crazy_Jamie

The fact that you have realised that you can't stay in your current role is a positive, as plenty of people in your position fail to acknowledge that. However, whilst it is entirely natural to worry about the financial aspect, the reality is that concentrating on that is just going to pile more worry on you. Your focus must be on getting better. Your GP will hopefully be able to provide some guidance on that, but given that this is work related the obvious major step to take is to find alternative work. If you can do that whilst still employed all the better, but either way an obvious first step is to start the process of looking for another job.

applebite

Are you able to access occupational health and see if they are able to assist and assess whether there would be other positions within the company that would be more suitable?

Scared55

Many thanks for your replies
Although I work for a large company I am not in a trade union and the company do not recognise them or have anything to do with them.
My doctor has asked me if I am in the right job which after some soul searching I have had to admit they were right and the job is now not for me.
As a longtime lurker on this forum (under a different name, so company will not recognise me if they read this) I have been cutting back etc to see where finances can be helped. It also gives me something to concentrate on.
I don't feel up to looking for a new role just yet, so will ensure I take note of doctors advice and see what counselling et. I can access
Once again thank you for your time and responses

Undervalued

Scared55 wrote: »

Many thanks for your replies
Although I work for a large company I am not in a trade union and the company do not recognise them or have anything to do with them.

My doctor has asked me if I am in the right job which after some soul searching I have had to admit they were right and the job is now not for me.

That doesn't stop you from joining a union although they will not generally help with employment issues that started before you join.

If you have decided to look for alternative work it may be wise to be in a union in case you need their support further down the line.

These situations are not easy and it is a balancing act between the stresses your current job causes compared with the realistic alternatives.

Whilst the doctor is no doubt right to question if you are in the right job, he of course moves on to his next patient without having to find you an alternative one that will be more suitable!

Are you financially able to take something far less stressful, presumably lower paid, at least for a while?

Generally it is better to stay occupied, even if there isn't a financial necessity, than to be off sick long term. Early retired is great, if it is a possibility, but only with something structured and satisfying to do.

All easier said than done I'm afraid.

All the best....

elsien

Firstly, don't be pushed into resigning.

I was in your situation a number of years ago. I stayed within the company but moved to a different role. All worked out in the end. Although that does depend on whether it's the job role or some other factor which is the issue.

Sea_Shell

Do companies have a duty to make "reasonable adjustments" for you in the same way as if you'd suffered a physical disability? Eg, agree to change your role / move departments to alleviate stress?

Undervalued

Sea_Shell wrote: »

Do companies have a duty to make "reasonable adjustments" for you in the same way as if you'd suffered a physical disability? Eg, agree to change your role / move departments to alleviate stress?

Only if the OP's condition counts as a disability.

Under some circumstances the condition described could cross the threshold but generally not. It would be a close call and sadly the debate about that, if the firm were difficult, could be a further cause of stress.

Fireflyaway

I resigned last year due to work related stress. It was the best decision, I'm now in a job I enjoy with nice people.
Spend some time getting your cv in order and start looking. Taking steps to address the situation felt quite empowering for me. It was quite exciting to know I could be out of there soon.
Given many people are now having to work into their late sixties you are not old at all. Just ensure you have the skills required to keep up (whatever that may be). The sooner you take action the better you will feel. I do understand that stress and depression from work can knock your confidence but remember it's not always because you have done something. It might be you have had unreasonable expectations placed on you or you are the victim of bullying. Think back to all your successes inside and outside of work. You are still that person. Don't doubt yourself because of this tough period, you can come out the other side.