"Mental Health in the workplace"

I began this journey many years ago. It has been a long battle to try to work out what was wrong with me. After suffering with PMDD for many years, which resulted in a full hysterectomy. I still struggled with my moods and due to other events, my anxiety had begun to increase. 

After a GP referral to the local mental health team, I was given my first appointment. I attended regular appointments and received 2 diagnoses. One of which is severe anxiety. My anxiety was at its peak and work was not going well. I desperately want to leave my career of over 25 years.

My mental health nurse put me in touch with Futures Positive - The Employment Support Service.  As soon as Tina arrived at my house I felt comforted by her warm and caring nature. At the time I met Tina I was signed off work with stress and anxiety due to work related issues. Tina listened to my worries and reassured me that she was now there to support me. I felt a weight lifted instantly from my shoulders. 

Tina not only helped by understanding and supporting me with her kind words, she made me feel like I was strong and could work through things in such a way that would allow me to get back to work. Tina helped me compile an email to my employer to arrange a meeting with the a senior leader to discuss how my anxiety was being affected by uncertainty at work. She negotiated with my employer new terms and conditions that would take effect the following academic year. This was to alleviate further anxiety. She got me back to work!

Since returning, Tina has been with me every step of the way. She has organised and attended other meetings as new Senior Leaders have taken over the Heads role at school. She has made her presence known and my employers are aware that I have the backing of someone who works for the NHS to help me with my mental health.

Now that I am feeling more stable in my job, Tina has begun supporting me with my ultimate aim - to leave teaching and change career. This is something that heightens my anxiety as I struggle with change. She has worked with me to look for potential new careers; how I might achieve the transition; what new qualifications I might need. She has talked and worked through the process of investigating the area of work I am contemplating changing to. This is something I would never have been able to do without her, as every time I thought about beginning to research I would be far too anxious to begin.

I cannot thank Tina enough for how she has helped me and the support she is continuing to give me in order to reach my goal.