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Work anxiety

Confused93New Contributor08 Aug 2016, 1:58 pm AEST

Work anxiety

I've recently swallowed my pride and gone to my dr for help with anxiety and depression. I've been on my medication for two weeks now but leading upto the breakdown that lead to this I took unpaid sick leave from work.
I've been having anxiety attacks at the thought of returning back to work. My boss has just called me up today to tell me that I'm required to attend a meeting tomorrow about my employment. He hinted that I am getting fired. And I'm not sure what to do.
This increases my anxiety and depression to the point I've been crying all day and am physically sick at the thought of going in tomorrow.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated

4 replies

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In response to: Work anxiety

SaharaSenior Contributor08 Aug 2016, 3:26 pm AEST

Re: Work anxiety

Hi @Confused93, I suffer from anxiety, too.

Please, for your own good, can you take someone to the meeting with you as a support and as a witness to what is said to you by your boss? A union representative would be ideal, but any reasonable adult would be fine.

Your boss cannot fire you for taking sick leave!! It just isn't legal.

Perhaps even call the Fair Work ombudsman for some advice on this.

It depends a bit on the job and what they are like there- but they will have to try and come up with a legitimate, legal reason to fire you. If they are smart, they will have sought legal advice on this.

Also, your boss has no right to ask you to come in while you are on sick-leave. You might be best to tell them you are too sick to come into the meeting and get a doctor's certificate to prove it. Or get someone else to call up your boss for you, so you don't have to personally speak to them at this time.

If you are so stressed with anxiety that you are feeling physically sick, then you are clearly not up to attending a meeting. To do so would not be in your best interests.

I am no expert but I have been through the whole thing- dealing with ruthless, unreasonable employers and going to the Fair Work Commission to argue my case.

I hope it all goes well for you... but remember you have rights and you are entitled to your sick-leave.

Please let us know how it goes.

In response to: Work anxiety

pipSenior Contributor08 Aug 2016, 4:43 pm AEST

Re: Work anxiety

Dear Confused 93. Sahara is right to a point. If you specified anxiety/depression being the reason for the application for leave, your boss HAS the right to ensure you can resume work duties. Under this act he also has the right to request a mental health assessment. He can't actually 'fire' you without first being told of your capabilities of resuming work. I also go along with Sahara in advising you to take an independent 3rd party, preferably a union rep with you. I would actually, if it was me, go to the meeting with your boss if nothing else to prove you are capable of doing the job. If you refuse, you may get a 'please explain' request. You could look at getting advise from workplace health and safety. Over how long a period was your sick leave granted? If you were granted 6 weeks, and the 6 week period is not 'up', your boss IS not allowed to request a meeting. If it was 6 weeks and it's been 6 weeks, your boss does have the right. Have a look at the request form and ascertain the length of time you were granted. He can't 'fire' you without good reason, but for his safety and yours, you need to know how long you were given for leave.

In response to: Work anxiety

Confused93New Contributor08 Aug 2016, 5:46 pm AEST

Re: Work anxiety

Thanks for replying 🙂
The union can't get someone to come to a meeting on such short notice.
I've been advised not to say or sign anything but I'm still anxious and nervous.
Working for a hospital where they don't acknowledge their own staff member's health is draining 😞

In response to: Re: Work anxiety

pipSenior Contributor08 Aug 2016, 6:55 pm AEST

Re: Work anxiety

Dear Confused 93. That sounds typical for a hospital. They move Heaven on earth as far as taking care of patients, but when it comes to their own, they suddenly don't wish to acknowledge. You're in the 'too hard basket'. If you attend the meeting and they try to force you to sign something, tell them you need time to read 'carefully'. Ask for time, about a week. Concentrate on your breathing. Think carefully before responding. No matter how much they try to pressure you, play them at their own game.

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