Published on 12, July, 2020
i started a new job a few months ago and I’m not going to manage. My mental health is worsening and I didn’t disclose my aspergers when I started so I’m not going to disclose it now as it would feel deceitful. They’ve pulled a fast one with my shift pattern so I cop most of the respite admissions - this, on top of my usual responsibilities is too much - they’ve put an extra staff on to help me, but I couldn’t even find her.
If I go sick, can I hand my notice in and cease employment then continue on ssp until I decide what I need to do? I’ve worked all my life (30 years) without signing off sick so it’s not something I would do lightly. I’ve made a mistake and I want to put it behind me.
I can’t sleep properly, I have nightmares when I do sleep, I’m shaking and sweating at work, meds aren’t helping and I’m having thoughts of self harm. I wish I could break something then I wouldn’t have to go in.
Can you turn your thoughts round a bit? I’m not working now but the process of going through dismissal or redundancy due to health isn’t pleasant. Things were going ok before the changes? I don’t think it’s decietful per se not to declare your Aspergers but if you are going to leave in the way you said surely it’s worth giving yourself the chance to keep the job if you liked it before. They chose you for your qualities and if you explain your situation they may be amenable to making changes that you can cope with. Give yourself a breathing space before you make a big decision. You sound to be in a pickle and I expect a few of us have been in similar situations. I don’t think ( I don’t know for sure ) that ssp and giving in notice works quite like that. You need to speak to occupational health. Maybe someone can be more specific than me. Maybe you have kept going for 30 years and your stamina is reducing so less able to cope with this situation which you might have managed before. You may benefit by being open about the Aspergers and if not they may give you a quicker way out of the job .... Or if you go sick to get a breather they may resolve the issue whilst you’re off because it sounds as though the work load would be heavy duty to anyone. Awful living dreading the next shift when you know you are struggling.. been there a few times. Hope you get sorted.