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I think I need a mental health day.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

I work in a very stressful job. I teach kids with severe behavioral needs. I also have anxiety issues. I have had a hard time making myself go to work the past few weeks and this morning, I broke down crying as soon as I got there. I NEED a day off to regroup (and to get some applications out to find a job that isn't going to seriously damage my mental health). I feel terrible taking that day off because I feel like I am letting other staff down because of my absence. However, I know I am no good to anyone if I am there and so out of it due to anxiety. I am trying to figure out if I need to stay home tomorrow or not. My fiance...who is normally a very "Suck it up...you'll be okay. Get through the day." person has even said, "Babe, I think you need a day off."

What would you do?

Me being out causes staff to be pulled from other classes to cover my absence. However, anxiety attacks in a job where you have to be hyper-aware at all times isn't good either.

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By *iamondjoeMan
over a year ago

Glastonbury

Take a day off?

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

That's what I am wrestling with.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Can't carry on like that. You might not be able to work at all if it goes too far. Just chill and recharge. Even Batman puts up his feet and has a beer occasionally

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It's ok to put yourself first sometimes, especially if not doing this is causing you harm.

Do exactly what you need to do. And don't feel guilty about it. You're important too.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Can't carry on like that. You might not be able to work at all if it goes too far. Just chill and recharge. Even Batman puts up his feet and has a beer occasionally"

Thank you. I do know this. I just hate admitting that I am about to lose my shit if I don't take a break.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It's a sick day just like any other.

Put it this way say something happens and you can't cope and that leaves the kids unsupervised for a time, you'd blame yourself.

So don't risk it phone in take the day or two or as long as you need.

Good luck with the career move BTW when you've got anxiety issues finding the right job makes a major difference.

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By *jandjbCouple
over a year ago

Nr Manchester

Remember you only live once. No job is worth risking your health for. Take time. Give yourself permission to look after yourself. You are one of the most important people in your life. Xx

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

Thank you all for the advice. I just felt selfish doing it. I decided at 5 this morning, after not sleeping most of the night, to take a mental health day after all. This doesn't mean I am relaxing. I have a list of things to get done that I just haven't had the time or energy to do. However, getting them done so I don't have to worry about them any more is also good for my stress level and mental health.

Have a great day!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I work in a very stressful job. I teach kids with severe behavioral needs. I also have anxiety issues. I have had a hard time making myself go to work the past few weeks and this morning, I broke down crying as soon as I got there. I NEED a day off to regroup (and to get some applications out to find a job that isn't going to seriously damage my mental health). I feel terrible taking that day off because I feel like I am letting other staff down because of my absence. However, I know I am no good to anyone if I am there and so out of it due to anxiety. I am trying to figure out if I need to stay home tomorrow or not. My fiance...who is normally a very "Suck it up...you'll be okay. Get through the day." person has even said, "Babe, I think you need a day off."

What would you do?

Me being out causes staff to be pulled from other classes to cover my absence. However, anxiety attacks in a job where you have to be hyper-aware at all times isn't good either."

book some leave and get another job you probably are very good at what you do but if it's depressing you why continue with it ,start applying for jobs and organise interviews in the leave that you take xx

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

Applying for another job is one thing on my list today. I have been doing that every time something opens up. However, teaching jobs are difficult to get here. I am damn good at it. I have 2 degrees (which actually hurts me because schools have to pay me more). I graduated with honors with both of my degrees. I have all kinds of experience. I just haven't had any offers.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Applying for another job is one thing on my list today. I have been doing that every time something opens up. However, teaching jobs are difficult to get here. I am damn good at it. I have 2 degrees (which actually hurts me because schools have to pay me more). I graduated with honors with both of my degrees. I have all kinds of experience. I just haven't had any offers."
hey you've got the qualifications people will want you just take a week's leave for your sanity I would xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Applying for another job is one thing on my list today. I have been doing that every time something opens up. However, teaching jobs are difficult to get here. I am damn good at it. I have 2 degrees (which actually hurts me because schools have to pay me more). I graduated with honors with both of my degrees. I have all kinds of experience. I just haven't had any offers."

Good luck lovely woman. Wishing you all the best and hoping your fortunes turn around in your favour. Hugs x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I suffer from depression and anxiety, the depression began after my marriage break down but the anxiety has always been there but more noticeable when everything was falling apart.

I was in a job at the time that if you had time off, the shift wasn't covered by anyone else (I was a cleaner in a care home at the time) so it wasn't too stressful for my bosses when I was signed off for a month over Christmas, which was probably my worst time; I was no good to anyone at work, crying all the time and i just could not function, I wouldn't say the time off helped really because a month off is also another worrying thing because the monies not the same.

However I decided that the job was too much for me and quit (not always the best move) but I'm glad I did because I am much happier now.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"I suffer from depression and anxiety, the depression began after my marriage break down but the anxiety has always been there but more noticeable when everything was falling apart.

I was in a job at the time that if you had time off, the shift wasn't covered by anyone else (I was a cleaner in a care home at the time) so it wasn't too stressful for my bosses when I was signed off for a month over Christmas, which was probably my worst time; I was no good to anyone at work, crying all the time and i just could not function, I wouldn't say the time off helped really because a month off is also another worrying thing because the monies not the same.

However I decided that the job was too much for me and quit (not always the best move) but I'm glad I did because I am much happier now. "

Thank you all. I really wish I could quit...but until I find something else...I can't afford to. The search continues.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

have you talked to your manager about this - i work with severe dementia, emi and brain injury patients - 12 hour shifts that leave you drained and feeling just like you described - our managers have had so much experience they come and chat to us and we can go to them to say how we feel - there may be a way of keeping the job you so love doing but relieving some of the pressure

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"have you talked to your manager about this - i work with severe dementia, emi and brain injury patients - 12 hour shifts that leave you drained and feeling just like you described - our managers have had so much experience they come and chat to us and we can go to them to say how we feel - there may be a way of keeping the job you so love doing but relieving some of the pressure "

I have. And unfortunately, as much as I love my students and the people I work with...the job itself is just not a good fit for me.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

How are you feeling now OP? I guess it's about lunchtime there.

Have you tried looking for something different to what you do now? Perhaps in a similar field but a different environment. Go wild and pick another role that will give you a break for 12 months or so.

x

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

Well, I am getting some stuff done. One of the things I had to do just added more stress and I have to figure out how I am going to make it work...but I am okay. Thanks.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It sounds like you did the right thing taking a day off. Your mental health is as important as your physical health, especially when you're doing a job involving working with people.

I'm very lucky in that I can work from home occasionally so when I feel everything is getting a bit too much I can do that for a day or two.

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