Anxiety and Work

This is my first post, so please bear with me...

I have had anxiety/panic disorder for several years now. Most of the time, everything is fine with a hiccup now and then. Last week, while at work I had a huge panic attack. One of my worst. Unfortunately, I have not been able to go to work ever since. Every time I get down the road in my car the anxiety starts up again and I have to turn around. Yesterday was particularly bad.

My question is, is it appropriate to ask for some time off work to get these attacks under control? I am leery about how much to divulge to my boss. I work in healthcare and I think she would be understanding to the situation, but I don't know about those above her.

Thanks for any and all help!

It is absolutely okay for you to take time off to deal with this. It is a medical issue just like if you had cancer or some other type of illness. I am just going back to work tonight after being on a leave of absence that was just over a month. At first I wanted to try to stay working but it became clear that wasn't going to work out.

In the beginning I thought I had a heart issue and that is what my employer thought. When I found out it was really anxiety I wasn't really wanting to share that with everyone because so many people think it's bs. I finally ended up saying screw it because I realized I have nothing to be ashamed of. So I have been very open and honest with everyone. So far it has been great for me. Now who knows if people say different things behind my back but that's not for me to worry about. If someone wants to judge me that is on them. I felt like by hiding the truth of my problem I was just adding to the stigma.

Now having said that there are other places I've worked over the years where I absolutely would not have shared the truth. Some employers and people just are not understanding. You have to just sort of feel out your own situation and go from there. For me it was a bit empowering to say you know what this is what is going on and I won't be ashamed of it. I totally get though that it won't always work that way for everyone.

I would say though that you have every right to take off to help deal with this. For me I don't know how I would've gotten through it while working and I only work part time. You body and mind need to heal, you deserve that. If you broke you leg or had some disease you wouldn't even ask yourself if it was appropriate to ask for time off so don't question it now. I always thought that you could take medical leave at any job but I may be mistaken. I wish you the best and please keep us posted!

Thank you all! I sent a detailed message to me administrator (I work for a hospital and her background is a nurse). She just messaged me back and it was very kind. She is going to call me to work something out. I will let you all know what happens. I am so thankful I found this forum! It really helps to know I am not alone.