Member-only story
It is not being helpful or encouraging.
It has been almost two months that I have been off work for a mental health problem: severe generalized and social anxiety disorders. I had thought I had the condition beat and then after a recent vacation that allowed me to actually relax for the first time in years, I came home and one day found myself unable to leave the house and go to work. The mental wall I had built to hold back the fear had been torn down and I found myself defenseless.
That first day I called in sick. The next day I started to drive in and without even choosing to, I turned around and drove home. I tried every day to go but would sit on my couch and feel like I was about to drive to my death instead of to a day at work at a job I actually enjoy.
Thankfully, I am extremely blessed to have worked long enough for a good company that allows me to take the time off that I need (and in a country that requires them to). The process of getting it approved was not the easiest, but it has been worth it.
The time off has really helped. My doctor put me on medication that reduced my anxiety. It has not been a miracle cure. The medicine makes me sleep a lot, and I still have a hard time with most social situations. But, I am not a ball of fear in the corner of my couch…
