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OCD and return to work

MattyContributor22 Aug 2015, 9:16 pm AEST

OCD and return to work

Hi there this is my story

I have severe ocd and have been off work for the last 8 months.

My OCD is environmental with myself scared to leave the house at times due to

what could be floating in the air.

If I smelt any smoke or strange smells I would shut or windows and doors of the house immediately .

If I was driving and I see dust floating across the road or smoke I would have a severe anxiety attack and stop

the car and turn it around trying to find another away around it.

I lost 15 kilograms of weight in 6 months due to myself being scared to touch food in case I contaminate it and the OCD

sometimes making me not even care about looking after myself.

I refused medication believing I could beat it myself but failed miserably.

I started taking medication and noticed a difference after around 3 weeks, I got my appetite back and would wake up

with plenty of energy keeping myself busy for most of the day.

I still had OCD thoughts however they would usually disappear after 10 to 15 minutes compared to days of previous reoccurring thoughts that would not go away.

i am due to return to work and have been on the medication for 2 and a half months problem is my anxiety levels are risiing rapidly again with OCD thoughts staying with me and I am wondering whether it is the fear of returning to work or is it possibly I have become used to the medication

Any advice or similar experiences please let me know

Thankyou

35 replies

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In response to: OCD and return to work

MattyContributor25 Aug 2015, 4:39 am AEST

Re: OCD and return to work

Unfortunately we all have things in the past that we wish we could change and life is full of learning experiences and each day we hope we grow a little wiser through the lesson of life .i believe we need to be positive and look to our future and be the best person that we can be and my motto has always been treat people the way you want to be treated and enjoy life day by day as we do not know what holds.
Anyway another sleepless night wondering how to move on with work.
The boss has asked me to return the car I picked up from Melbourne to our local workshop .
I said it is doing nothing just sitting in my driveway and if he gave me a week I would try set it up with tools and be ready for work next week.
However they want it back immediately and would like to speak to my psychiatrist before I return to work something which I disagree with as it is private.
The writing is on the wall but if I don't return to work soon the pressure at home will escalate which I don't want to happen
However I do admit I have cold feet about returning and I am afraid of having an anxiety
Attack at work which would cost me my job.
I want my mind to be 100percent ready and I believe it is only at 60percent.
Anyway I might try get some sleep and see what tomorrow brings

In response to: Re: OCD and return to work

AppleblossomSenior Contributor25 Aug 2015, 2:37 pm AEST

Re: OCD and return to work

I would have thought it completely inappropriate for your psychiatrist to talk with your boss .. breach of confidentiality ..Is it possible to negotiate with them at all? Can you negotiate reduced working hours? Or a prearranged code that you are reaching a tipping point that boss will be able to listen to and respect and not lose a valued worker? A little more self time might help you mentally to be able to deal with attacks.

Tradies are often not at the leading edge of best practise re MH. Can employer contact SANE and get generalist information about helpful strategies and attitudes to emplyees MH .. mods???

In response to: Re: OCD and return to work

Unknown userMember25 Aug 2015, 3:32 pm AEST

Re: OCD and return to work

Those are all great ideas, @Appleblossom! To answer your question, yes - both employers and employees alike are welcome to contact the SANE Helpcentre on 1800 18 7263 to discuss workplace issues involving mental health / mental illness. SANE Australia also run a specific training program that aims to educate, equip and empower managers and staff to appropriately manage mental health issues in the workplace. You can learn a bit more about it here and here 🙂

In response to: OCD and return to work

MattyContributor25 Aug 2015, 5:09 pm AEST

Re: OCD and return to work

Than you all for your replies
My boss sent another worker around today to
Pick up my ute
He also asked me to return all my work shirts
And trousers and work boots that the company has purchased for me in the past
Plus all service and workbooks.
They are a business and I suppose they have to look after there own interests first
And they r probably trying to find an easy way out.
With regards to them speaking to my psychiatrist I realise they have an OHS obligation to make sure I am able to return to the work place safely however confidentiality is important to me so I am refusing.
I have been open and honest with them and I am not hiding anything from them so I believe they should trust me.
I will probably talk to SANE chat line I probably need to talk to a psychologist however with no income and large family cannot afford it but I will find a way past this
As when we get knocked down we need to get back up and comeback stronger than we were before

In response to: Re: OCD and return to work

AppleblossomSenior Contributor25 Aug 2015, 5:54 pm AEST

Re: OCD and return to work

Sorry, to hear that he wouldnt even give you a go, but it seems his mind is made up .. which is part of the reason that SANE has work to do to reach into the workplace.

Maybe other things will develop that will better suit where you are at .. If your kids have been well cared for they may want to take up a bit tof the slack and give you a little legroom.

Fathers are not machines to provide food, shelter and stuff.. they are people with wide range of genuine needs just like kids, but not less entitled than kids.

You maybe you over compensated your kids already for not having a father yourself, and maybe they can expect a little less and give a little more etc. Hope I am not out of line.

Take care .. good luck

In response to: Re: OCD and return to work

NikNikSenior Contributor25 Aug 2015, 9:48 pm AEST

Re: OCD and return to work

Hi @Matty

I don't think we've "crossed paths" yet - So hi 🙂

I'm not sure if anyone has shared this link with you - It's to our Topic Tuesday from last week regarding mental health in the workplace. You may find it useful.

Have you had a chat to your psychiatrist as to what they would tell them and how much detail they would be obligated to give?

Your psychiatrist can't report anything without your permission and you have a right to know what they will and won't say.

Nik

In response to: OCD and return to work

PeppiPattySenior Contributor25 Aug 2015, 10:28 pm AEST

Re: OCD and return to work

Hi @Matty
.. Are you a union member ?
As you write : they are a business first and they have to protect their interests ;
You need to protect yours and can you think of the best thing that would protect you ?

In response to: OCD and return to work

MattyContributor27 Aug 2015, 7:41 pm AEST

Re: OCD and return to work

Thanks to all for all-your support and comments
I have read topic Tuesday from previous week concerning work issues and the conversation is very informative and interesting and will certainly help me on my journey.
I used to be a union member but since I joined this company 5 years ago they had their own EBA so I pulled out.
I have since spoken to my boss and they have agreed to give me 1 more chance.
They will give me 2 days trial under supervision and if I cannot cope they have suggested a resign and find another job that I can cope with.
It is extreme pressure to remove myself from my environmental OCD and a clean house to a dirty dusty noisy environment but then again if you don't face your fears the questions of whether I can beat this OCD or not will be left unanswered.
I have also spoken to Fair Work Australia and they have given me advice.
Also to answer the question what extinct animal I would bring back I would love to see a T Rex but in a controlled environment with reinforced fencing and also my old dog Toby who the kids loved but sleeping behind my work van while I was reversing at night was not a great way to go.

In response to: OCD and return to work

PeppiPattySenior Contributor27 Aug 2015, 8:56 pm AEST

Re: OCD and return to work

Dear @Matty

Wow.....Pleased with you ......
And also, surprised how you are working through this.
But ..... Rome wasn't built in a day ....
When I decided to cut down from work it was an eye opening experience
Do you feel there's a need to see your GP and ask for his suggestion concerning work ?

You are motivating ......
Perhaps you can keep a diary like a work journal of incidences that you are confident in. What do you think ?

In response to: OCD and return to work

MattyContributor27 Aug 2015, 9:29 pm AEST

Re: OCD and return to work

I have tried making an appointment with my GP however he is booked out for several weeks.
So I thought to myself I have to stop making excuses for myself just to play it safe and stay home
I am the breadwinner for the family I have to stand up and take charge.
I am not sure if I will give it a go this Monday or next but it will be like starting school when I was 5 it will be a big adventure.
I will keep a diary and let you all know how
It goes.
What I have learnt the last few months while I was at my worst is that everyone has there own problems and you r in charge of your own destiny and if u don't help yourself you can't let others fight the fight for you because you will lose the battle
All this positivety hopefully I succeed but if I don't the old saying one door closes another opens

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