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Work is taking a toll on me…

Work is taking a toll on me…

I work in health care and have done for 12? Years.

Over the past 3 months I have began to struggle more and more due to an increased work load and a number of complex clients.

I have a history of CPTSD, ADHD, anxiety & alcohol abuse.

I’ve reached out to my manager, to my managers manager and finally to HR.

I’ve been promised help and it hasn’t been provided.
I’m weeks behind in my work.

I took 3 days off on stress leave and emailed my boss for assistance - I didn’t get it and instead returned to 3 days worth of work not completed.

After breaking down yesterday with my psychiatrist, she sent a letter to work.

They’ve emailed me today with all the ways they have claimed to help (none of it has actually been actioned) and turned it around to ask me if something has changed for me to mean I can no longer complete the tasks required for the role….

I feel like a failure.

I feel like they’re not listening.

And I’m at a loss as to what to do.

My nightmares have increased, my anxiety has increased and I’m constantly on edge.

Im not sleeping properly - and when I do I wake up from nightmares.

Some have said maybe I need a new job; I don’t think it’s that easy. I feel like I’m going to face challenges where ever I go because depending on the day, I may need support with my role.

I’m good at my job but when given the workload of others and I get behind, I struggle to get on top.

if I could get help with the over due work, I’m confident I can maintain my role. But I’m not getting the help.


I’ve also asked for flexible work arrangements to attend my mental health supports and they reluctantly said year said no other flexible arrangements would be considered.

I feel broken and defeated and have no idea what to do next.

Im wondering if this is all worth the fight?

26 replies

21 - 26 of 26

In response to: Work is taking a toll on me…

Re: Work is taking a toll on me…

I’ve spent 3 nights in hospital after landing in emergency 3am Sunday.
I was discharged yesterday.

they said connect with services in the community and left it at that.

I am broken.

Everyday I am crying.

I don’t know what is next.

Everything feels like so much effort; eating, moving, showering, changing clothes, existing.

I am exhausted.

In response to: Re: Work is taking a toll on me…

Re: Work is taking a toll on me…

Hey @Neuro_Spicy ,

I'm so sorry to hear about what has happened.

It sounds like you have been left without supports.

Was there a follow up appointment made (ie. to their outpatient clinic)?

In response to: Re: Work is taking a toll on me…

Re: Work is taking a toll on me…

Nope.

The entire time I was admitted, I only saw the nurses for meds.

Despite several moments of being visibly upset, I got no support.


I asked a nurse for help with routine; waking up at a proper time and have my meds on time.
that didn’t happen.

The drug & alcohol worker said to connect to a service in the community and that was that.

The psychiatrist discharged me with no follow up.

I asked the nurse about the CAT team just before I left and she said that the psych needs to do a referral which he didn’t do…

I don’t see my psychiatrist for 5 weeks - but I am on her cancellation list.

In response to: Re: Work is taking a toll on me…

Re: Work is taking a toll on me…

I'm hearing you @Neuro_Spicy . It sounds so challenging.

You can only do what you can do. I hear you and my heart breaks to hear what has happened.

We are here on the forums to support you. You are not alone.

In response to: Re: Work is taking a toll on me…

Re: Work is taking a toll on me…

So sorry to hear of that experience @Neuro_Spicy, that is a hugely challenging time. This community is here to support you.

In response to: Re: Work is taking a toll on me…

Re: Work is taking a toll on me…

@Neuro_Spicy I'm so sorry, that is so irresponsible of the hospital and the psychiatrist at the hospital in particular.

I want to do something practical to help, wish I could contact a support agency for you and book some support hours, but these forums are meant to be anonymous, which means not giving out information like where we live.

I've been in severe burnout, and I did get through it, and I believe you will get through this.

Just wish we could organise practical support for you now -- someone to come to your home and help you have breakfast and have a shower, talk with you about something pleasant or neutral, do your laundry, help you get groceries...

21 - 26 of 26