Learning to walk before I run

QueenJess

Sounds like the right choice - you need to look after yourself. 

Greying_Pilgrim

Hey ed - totally agree with beanie - you must put yourself and your loved ones first. Well done with being honest with yourself and taking steps towards change.  I actually hope you get support from those people who are in a position to help you help yourself.  

Greying X 

pavlovs_dog

be kind to yourself Ed x

Cheery_Daff

Big hugs ed xx Absolutely sounds like the right and necessary thing to do xx

KajiKita

Tough call but from what you have shared here, it sounds utterly necessary. 

When will you see the GP? And have you kept records of what has happened? If you end up leaving without something to go to you might have grounds for constructive dismissal. (I think you are a union member so they would be best placed to advise.) If it’s just that you need time out and a breather before resuming, presumably with the role somewhat restructured, I hope that happens smoothly for you. 
Sending hugs and good wishes to you and your family.

KK x

Watty1

Great advice from KK

Mental health is so fragile.  I have spent weeks still working while barely able to function.  Simply describe it as high functioning but on the verge of a breakdown to GP.  They will get it.    

edinburgher

@KajiKita - I'll phone them tomorrow - they're usually pretty good at slotting us in on the odd occasion we need an appointment.

I don't have a plan yet, I just need a break from the stress and anxiety and some time to think what's next. Don't think my future lies with current org but could potentially swap some duties in the short term. The main difficulty is that my employers view us all as interchangeable units, requests for minor changes lead to total refusal from bosses.

KajiKita

edinburgher said:

@KajiKita - I'll phone them tomorrow - they're usually pretty good at slotting us in on the odd occasion we need an appointment.

I don't have a plan yet, I just need a break from the stress and anxiety and some time to think what's next. Don't think my future lies with current org but could potentially swap some duties in the short term. The main difficulty is that my employers view us all as interchangeable units, requests for minor changes lead to total refusal from bosses.

Good luck with the appointment. Hope they can fit you in swiftly. 

It sounds like the attitude of the bosses to see everyone as interchangeable units that don’t need or merit any flexibility in duties, may well help make the next decision for you …..

But all that’s a way off for now. 

Once you’ve made the call and got your sick note, what will ‘feed’ and restore you?
Some house organising and straightening? (Your rounds of chores in the house *so* impress me! 😊) 🧼
Lots of trips to the park and playground with your daughters? 🛝

Some exercise? 🏃‍♀️ 
Lots and lots of sleep? 🛌 

Perhaps a bit of cooking from scratch? 👨‍🍳

A whole pile of interesting novels or other reading that you haven’t had the head space for? 📚
Whatever it may be, may it bring you some R&R. 😊🌞

KK

South_coast

Good for you, Ed. Your description of the impact on your personal relationships sounds exactly like me pre-redundancy (I'm still amazed BF and I survived it). It was making me ill and I knew it, but I still didn't feel as though I could step away, because I was sure I could "fix" it by just doing a bit more. Needless to say, the harder I worked, the worse it got! 

I wouldn't overthink how to spend your time, just take each day as it comes and give yourself time to recover x

edinburgher

@South_coast - thank you - I was feeling guilty that I have no idea what to do with time "off".

I'd like to reconnect with immediate family and make myself useful. Probably home cooked meals (not crazy projects) and more DD2 drop offs to try and lighten the load for the supportive Mrs E.