Taking time off work with asd issues

It's one hundred percent okay. I'm only 22 years old but I've currently been signed off work for over a month because of my fear of throwing up is causing me anxiety to the point that I cannot serve customers on the till without feeling sick or having intrusive thoughts that I'll be sick. I live with my parents currently and they have been supporting me well. I'm also scheduled for a talking therapies assessment and trying new medication. You are not alone in struggling, and I hope you have since been able to find a support network to help you :). I struggle with the stigma of being off due to my mental health being a guy, but I thought to myself - screw that. I'm a human being who struggles like everyone else. So what if I struggle with anxiety and emetophobia, people have all kinds of struggles. I would take time off work if my leg was broken or my asthma became worse, how is it any different when it comes to my mind?

Kenny_1622 said:

Does anyone ever take time of work with issues relating to ASD,

I find this tended to kick in after about 3 years in a job when the company had realised that I was a sucker for giving ever more tasks to, until it go to the point I was being chased for stuff all day and evening which meant I never got to unwind.

My approach would typically be to quit - I would take time to find another role, agree a joining date that gave me some break time then resign and leave as soon as possible. 

I did a lot of contract work so had short notice periods, plus was in a in-demand field so had no problem finding another role and could get away with this.

It took some time to realise that I was never addressing the root of the issue. Once I learned how to say no to the demands for extra responsibility, the unpaid overtime etc I was able to get enough space to start working on myself and develop my mindfulness, meditation and assertiveness skills to help me cope much better with the workplace.

After that it was only really the kickback from my diagnisis disclosure that caused real problems in the workplace, but by that time I was able to retire early (mid 50s) and have moved to being my own boss, often working with my hands and taking much more time to enjoy life.

Kenny_1622 said:

Do you think its ok to take time off work with asd issues ?

I would say if you really have issues then there is not really an option. When burnout hits hard you become almost unable to function in the workplace so you have to take time off to recover.

What is more important is if you take steps to be able to reduce the chances of this happening again. Simply repeating the cycle is pointless and damaging.

I would advise working with psychotherapist who has a track record of helping autists in the workplace as this is going to give you the best possible results in the shortest time. Only my opinion of course.

Thankyou 

Yes of course it's ok, as they affect your mental and physical health. I used to suffer from anxiety when I was working (I'm now retired) and that also caused high blood pressure. Plus stress lowers the immune system and makes us more prone to viral infections.

If you don't feel comfortable saying you're taking time off for ASD issues just state the health problems it is causing such as anxiety and depression, viral infection, etc.

I would also suggest you speak to your GP about this if you haven't already done so.

I wish you well.