Urgent work related advice needed!

Hi hettie,

             At the end of the day you are working for your benefit and not your employer, if the work gets so bad it makes you or anybody ill, that is not a good thing.

You have a number of choices and it depends on what you actually want.

Have you been diagnosed with depression at all? Your employer has a contractual obligation to help with any form of disability.

Have you approached a supervisor at all? If you feel you are having problems of any type, you need to tell somebody. As you are training as a team leader your employers will be looking at how you tackle problems. If you can approach them with possible solutions as well as initial problems that will put you in a better light.

If you do have a breakdown you will be no help to anyone and be unable to work and there isnt a lot anybody can do about it!

Please dont self diagnose depression, if you are having unwanted mood swings that is generally a sign of something not being right and needs checking out.

If you need anything else please give me a shout

all the best phil

I think you need to talk to your employer and tell them what is going on, and that you have to be able to sleep between shifts etc. I also think you should visit your doctor or other medical professional and tell them exactly how you're feeling. Don't diagnose yourself; you need an outside view as we don't often have the perspective to analyse ourselves.

As for taking time off sick... If you have a breakdown you will have to take time off. Mental illnesses are just as valid a reason to call in sick as physical illness is, people may just not understand it. That's why I would start by talking to your boss/employer and explaining the situation. They may be more understanding than you think. Also if you don't get anywhere talking to your boss/employer there is the option for the doctor to sign you off sick as it appears to be your job causing the issues.

Good luck and take care.

Hi Hettie, I completely agree with the above comments. Your health and mental well being are the most important factors here. 

You will be no good to anyone if you do not address this issue now. Looking on the outside in, you and your employers can't expect anyone to give 100% working such long hours with so little sleep. All employers have a obligation regarding your welfare.

You really do need to chat to your employers/HR regarding what is happening. A GP appointment really is advisable. Be totally honest with the GP; tell them exactly how you are struggling etc; especially regarding your emotional swings etc. I too thought that I was coping. It came to a point when i thought how easy it would be to walk out in front of traffic; that was when I had to admit that I wasn't coping and needed help. I am not saying that you will ever reach the point that I did , but it is better to get help now before you will have no option if you have a full blown breakdown. 

I would seriously consider looking for a similar, less stressful job .

I do hope that you look after yourself and get help.

Keep us posted. 

Big hugs, xx