stress

[dodger71]

hi all
i have been unwell suffering from stress/depression anxiety attacks for quite a while ...start of this year ...i have been with royal mail for 20 yrs plus...i returned to work and it was suggested that i come of my duty to relieve the pressure on me on a temporary basis....and go on a walk ...but every time they are short staffed they throw me on my old duty.....and i start getting attacks/anxious/etc etc ...they keep messing me about where i do need stability .....how do i tackle this they dont seem to understand the illness and because you are through the doors that you are ok???? help

[meercat]

I would suggest maybe going back to your doctor, explaining what is causing you stress (being messed around) and get him/her to write a note saying you need to be put into a position/role and not moved from it for the next x weeks/months. Present that to your DOM and keep a copy. If they mess you around tell them you are feeling stressed and anxious and simply go home to prevent yourself becoming stressed out or having an attack. You have a MEDICAL condition, treat it as such and follow your Doctors directions.

[Ahebban]

You should have been referred to OH Assist so that an agreed rehabilitation plan is put in place which would accommodate your medical condition and give you time to adjust. If you have an agreement to do a different walk, whether temporary or permanent, and Royal Mail are breaking it, get your Rep involved or Branch Office if you don't have a Rep (assuming you are a CWU member). They can take the pressure of you and deal with the matter.

Failing that, go back to your GP and get him to record on the Fit Note that you need a phased re-introduction to work and preferably on a duty away from that which caused the problem in the first place.