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Struggling with Autism Related Anxiety in Work

stressmonkey13
over 4 years ago

I am working full-time and I am struggling with high levels of anxiety on a daily basis, and taking medication as a tool to help me manage this (with variable success).  This is my 1st full-time permanent role since my diagnosis in 2015 at the age of 50.  

I have had 2 Access to Work workplace assessments and a National Autistic Society specialist workplace assessment.

My employer has implemented some reasonable adjustments (after a long drawn out fight), but my line manger is still refusing 2 others.

One of these adjustments was recommended by the National Autistic Society specialist workplace assessment and the other is recommended in a Mind Wellness Action Plan (WAP) for employees with mental health difficulties.

This has dragged on for 3 years now - ever since I started working for them.

I have just got my union involved to support me, but things are so slow and my mental health is really struggling.

Does anyone know of any mentor / buddy type schemes that might be able to help me manage my mental health better whilst all of this is happening?  It would need to be someone with a good understanding of autism.  Failing that can anyone recommend a solicitors who specialises in employment law and who understands autism and can give me some advice?

Thanks in advance.

Parents
  • over 4 years ago

    Be prepared to walk away from the job if it is having a severe impact on your mental wellbeing.  Its probably not what you want to hear.  But if having a job requires you to take meds to cope with having a job, then  it probably isnt the right place for you.  Sure you can force the issue with tribunals and soolicitors, but I can guarantee that down the line someone will make your life a living hell until you leave.  I've been in the same position many times and fought it only to then have things start happening, like all the air in my car tyres was let out, which also happened at the same time the cctv on site wasnt working.  I had peanuts left in the locker room (ii have a nut allergy), someone was smearing peanut butter all over the office at one point and I trigger on touch and smell, as well as consumption.

    I involved all and sundry regarding the situation, but in the end had to leave.  I suspect I am blacklisted somewhere as any joib I have applied for in that industry I have never managed to get to interview stage rregardless of qualifications, where as before the problem I was being actively headhunted.

    So be aware of the possibility of fallout if you do  push it down a legal route.  Obviously it also depends on the company.  Mine was a national supermarket.  I do something different now and I have a zero bullshit tolerance.  If I start getting any grief off anyone, I quit and go find a different contract.  Life is far too short to waste time on fighting things.  But as ever, YMMV.

Reply
  • over 4 years ago

    Be prepared to walk away from the job if it is having a severe impact on your mental wellbeing.  Its probably not what you want to hear.  But if having a job requires you to take meds to cope with having a job, then  it probably isnt the right place for you.  Sure you can force the issue with tribunals and soolicitors, but I can guarantee that down the line someone will make your life a living hell until you leave.  I've been in the same position many times and fought it only to then have things start happening, like all the air in my car tyres was let out, which also happened at the same time the cctv on site wasnt working.  I had peanuts left in the locker room (ii have a nut allergy), someone was smearing peanut butter all over the office at one point and I trigger on touch and smell, as well as consumption.

    I involved all and sundry regarding the situation, but in the end had to leave.  I suspect I am blacklisted somewhere as any joib I have applied for in that industry I have never managed to get to interview stage rregardless of qualifications, where as before the problem I was being actively headhunted.

    So be aware of the possibility of fallout if you do  push it down a legal route.  Obviously it also depends on the company.  Mine was a national supermarket.  I do something different now and I have a zero bullshit tolerance.  If I start getting any grief off anyone, I quit and go find a different contract.  Life is far too short to waste time on fighting things.  But as ever, YMMV.

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