Do I stay or do I go?

LegacyUser

I don't know what to do right now, I have medical problems induced and maybe even caused by my work. But its so hard to get a job right now that everyone around me is telling me to wait and get another job before I even consider leaving. This job has put me in hospital though and given me anxiety so bad I've been going to a councillor. Is my health a price I have to pay at the moment just to pay my bills or even when there is a recession do you have to draw a line in the sand and say no more, no job is worth this.

LegacyUser

What kind of work is this? Is the counselling helping at all?
Its hard to advise here, the only thingI can tell you is being unemployed carries a lot of stress and anxiety with it as well as other negative feelings.

The_Mermaid

I don't think that any job is worth sacrificing your health.
I know times are tough now, but the fact is, if you stay unhappy and unhealthy you might end up with anxiety that is even worse.
There are jobs out there. It's difficult, but you need to be positive in your attitude if possible. And besides, maybe some time away from work could help you? But that depends on your finances etc.

Acoshla

I left a job earlier this year because the stress was making me sick, I'm only almost recovered now, it takes time to get over it. I would say leave if it's making you ill, I definitely don't regret it, it has taken me so long to feel better and I still have a few lingering problems, no job is worth ruining your health.

LegacyUser

I was in a job that caused me to have terrible anxiety a few years ago. I had physical symptoms that I didn't even realise were simply because of the job - mainly the way I was treated by my boss not the work itself. Anyway, I went for acupuncture and it really helped so I just thought I'd let you know. I don't know what exactly about the job has brought the anxiety on but it just might help to tide you over...get through each day until you find another job. Its just a suggestion...

Dudess

My unequivocal advice would be: leave it, sign on and do voluntary work until you find a new job. Where I work, people are leaving in their droves - and they're going to new jobs, so it looks like things are picking up (well I guess it depends on what sector). But don't jeopardise your health - it's worth far more than any job.

Zen65

AnxietyLady wrote: »

I don't know what to do right now, I have medical problems induced and maybe even caused by my work. But its so hard to get a job right now that everyone around me is telling me to wait and get another job before I even consider leaving. This job has put me in hospital though and given me anxiety so bad I've been going to a councillor. Is my health a price I have to pay at the moment just to pay my bills or even when there is a recession do you have to draw a line in the sand and say no more, no job is worth this.

You're really asking for advice that is best given by a medical professional. You don't know that it's your job that is causing this medical condition (you say your medical problem is "maybe even caused by my work" and later you say "this job has put me in hospital though and given me anxiety so bad I've been going to a councillor"). But you really don't know if there is a link, do you?

The right advice really depends on identifying if there is a link between this job and your medical condition. It's possible (for all we know) that any job could cause you stress or anxiety or other medical condition, and maybe running from the job is the wrong thing to do.

I honestly think you should ask for this thread to be closed and see a GP.

Be at peace,

Z

LegacyUser

Just make sure if you leave the job that they will let you sign on. I don't know if you leave voluntarily that they will let you...Maybe you're entitled to jobseekers benefit anyway but I'd check it out first. Or maybe you wouldn't have to tell them you left voluntarily - and maybe you have medical reasons for leaving anyway... I really don't know how it works but I knew someone who had a lot of hassle because she left a job and then tried to sign on.

LegacyUser

Thank you all for the replies.

The work itself isn't the problem its the people there. My councillor feels my illnesses are manifestations of the stress and my doctors are of the opinion that they are stress related but because there is no test that says definitively that yes this stress caused by this area of your life is the problem they can't say "yep its your work".

I'm being treated for anxiety issues that have only begun after certain events in the job. So we know that the psych issues are directly attributed to the work.

I'm still having tests done at the moment but my consultant has told me "We're in a recession right now so I can't come out and say you need to leave your job to reduce the stress levels so that you get better but....if that's the only thing in your life causing you stress then maybe that's what you need to do."

Thanks Spadina I wondered if anyone else out there was in my shoes, I've been told the negative effects from the stress can take up to a year to get over and seeing your post brings that message home.