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Calling in sick/quitting job??

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Posted 2/16/2012 1:30 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I just called in sick to my cleaning job this morning, said I could come tomorrow.  I hate doing that!  But what if tomorrow comes around and I'm feeling panicky and I head out of the house and have a panic attack??  Then I'll know I'll need to quit my job for a while.  I've had 1 panic attack at my job so it may not happen.  I'll probably talk myself into one though.

Does anyone call in sick from work because of panic?  What do you say? 

What about having to quit your job?  If you've had to because of panic/anxiety when did you know you had to?  And do you feel good about your decision?

Just curious what all of you have gone through.  I'm in the process of making these decisions.

Posted 2/16/2012 2:30 PM (GMT 0)
Good Morning,

I would venture to guess that those of us with Anxiety/Panic disorder have all called in sick at one time or another.  When I called in sick I simply said I was sick and did not go into a long explanation.  As a manager over employees who were union members I did not question why someone was calling in sick unless there was a pattern and then I sent the issue to Human Resources.

However, when my staff called in sick and started to give me a long indepth explanation of there flu sx it felt like they were trying to justify why they could not come to work and often it was TMI  smhair  

I would caution you to not make any rash decisions re your job as your in a rough spot right now and that is when we tend to knee jerk and make decisions that may not be the right one. 

In making your decision I would question if you can afford to not have the income ?

Whatever you decide  we are here to support you.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 2/16/2012 2:50 PM (GMT 0)
That is so true what you said...when I was having my last panic attack I was telling myself the whole time, "make it through this and get home and I will never put you through this again, you can quit everything".  I was so desperate to soothe myself I guess, making promises to myself.  Just a couple weeks ago I was thinking of looking for another cleaning job....what a change.  I wish I could take a vacation.  I wish I could somehow, legitimately take some time off.  I just had time off last week while they were on vacation. 

I could cut back on some bills.  It'd still be tight though and I hate to put more pressure on my husband.  I just wish I didn't have to deal with the feelings of, "am I going to panic today or not, what excuse will I make up this time".  I guess when I feel this way(so much panic and anxiety) I just want to be...not have to explain my actions to anybody, just do as I need to do to get through my days and weeks.  It relieves stress definately when you don't have to answer to anybody or worry what people are going to think of you.  That's what I want I guess. 

Posted 2/16/2012 6:48 PM (GMT 0)
Anticipating another panic attack is a natural reaction for panic disorder sufferers. However, it can have the undesireable effect of bringing stress levels up, and actually bringing on the thing that you most fear!

Visualizing a panic-free and postitve work day might help. The more you can keep your mind focused in a good place, the more likely it is that you won't panic, because you are self-calming, simply by thinking in a postive way. Your brain chemistry is actually altered by negative/scary thoughts...that can bring on panic. Conversely, positive thinking increases the good chemicals/hormones that control well being!:)

I hope that you can give this a try, and that it will bring about a good experience. The more that you can prove to yourself that you can do this, the more empowered you will feel...and that is a great step towards recovery!

Calm, positive and peaceful thoughts be yours today!

S.C.
Posted 2/19/2012 8:57 AM (GMT 0)
My workplace is aware of my PD, they also know i only call in sick when i've had a really rough time and i don't have to proove it cause i think i've scared the daylights out them when i've had attacks at work in the past. sometimes honesty does help. Remember though each time you call in sick your attacks will get stronger cause there winning, they don't want you to live a normal life :)
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