Do I have to let them know about panic attacks?

rhapsodyRN · Jul 3, 2006

It will probably depend on your employer's policy. I am not a nurse yet but where I work if you're off more than three days you need a doctor's note to say why and when you'll be coming back approximately. Just so people aren't using their sick leave for "vacation". :) So, check the policy where you work and see what it says. Wish I could offer a more definitive answer but workplaces vary so much!

ukstudent · Jul 3, 2006

This might not be correct but I believe that they are not allowed to ask you why you called out sick. On the other hand if this is going to occur again and you are out sick more than allowed they can fire you. If you have a reoccuring problem and need to take FMLA then part of the medical documents that have to be submitted is a medical diagnosis. So I suppose the short answer is if this is a one off then no you don't have to tell them, but if it's going to happen again then I think you will have to tell. Good luck.

Jolie, BSN · Jul 3, 2006

I'm sorry for your troubles. How you handle getting time off may be dictated by your hospital's HR policies and procedures.

Do you have sufficient sick time to take 2 weeks off? Does your institution require a doctor's note or Occupational Health clearance to return to work after an absence of this duration? If you are required to go thru OH, you will probably have to discuss the reason for your absence in order for them to determine your fitness to return to work.

If you plan to use FMLA time to cover your absence, then your doctor will have to complete paperwork documenting your need for a leave, and setting a time frame for your treatment, as well as a tentative date of return.

Please discuss with your doctor how s/he plans to utilize this time off to your greatest benefit. "Rest" alone is not a treatment for panic attacks. You need to arrange for counseling as well. Your employer may have an EAP that you can utilize.

Best to you!

bargainhound, RN · Jul 3, 2006

It seems to me that these days HIPPA laws would have something to say

about protecting your information.

weezer123 · Jul 3, 2006

I Had Panic Attacks For Yrs. Just Remember, People Who Have Panic Attacks Are Always In Control. And They Are Not Crazy. Just Take Meds As Ordered And They Will Ease Or Go Away, Zoloft Helped Me, And No You Dont Have To Tell Them Anything,, You Can Say" Family Needed Me." They Are Not Supposed To Snoop And Find Out Anything If They Do. I Think You Might Have A Law Suit. Unless You Are Having Severe Problems That Show At Work And I Doubt It.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jul 3, 2006

I took 7 weeks off through my Employee Assistance Program and didn't tell them why. I simply returned to work "it was a personal illness, and I'm very well now, thank you for asking. How have you been?"

Let the rumors fly, no big deal.

Obviously to be out that long you have to bring a note. Just have the MD write, "Please excuse RNOTODAY from work fromt he following dates. June 16-July 3, 2006 RNOTODAY has been under my medical care, and is now cleared to return to work as of July 3, 2006."

We are trained over and over again to respect patient confidentiality and a "need to know", they need to respect your privacy.

weezer123 · Jul 3, 2006

Are You Having Panic Attacks Because Of Nursing? Or Just Tons Of Other Stuff Piled On? Take Your Meds Get Them In Your System And The Attacks Will Go Away, I Am A Professional Panic Attack Person, I Even Broke The Meds The Doctor Gave Me In Half Because I Did Not Want Them To Make Me Feel Funny!! Or Have A Reaction To Them,, Believe Me You Need Help, Not Mental Ward ... Just Meds And Talking Will Help.. I Have Finally Passed Mine At Age 53 But Still Remember The "cat On A Hot Tin Roof Feeling".....

RNOTODAY, BSN, RN · Jul 3, 2006

Thanks again, all!!!

I am arranging therapy, and started meds. I was just trying to see if I could get out of letting them know I had a "mental health issue". They have actually been very understanding, I talked with the mgr a couple times, he keeps saying "your health comes first" "dont worry" and "see you when you come back", never asking about why I was sick... and I of course got a MD's note, since he was the one who advised me to be out. I am just worrying (wow, what a surprise!!) about losing my job, since, I started this job in Jan, and I have missed a few days here and there, all with md's notes, but now this is 2 weeks, and... ya know what I mean. If they ask me, I guess I will them the truth . You know what? I think I am really just feeling guilty because I am out of work for a non traditional reason.Seeing here , it is more common than I think? It sure is frustrating. A so called "normal " person, who has a profession, suddenly panics for no good reason and cant go to work, out socially, etc. I hope I will et some relief soon with talk therapy.

Tweety,I have heard of the Employee Assistance program, but not really sure what it can do, can you elaborate on how it can help me?

weezer, thanks for your words.... but right now I feel ANYTHING but in control!!!

RNOTODAY, BSN, RN · Jul 3, 2006

Are You Having Panic Attacks Because Of Nursing? Or Just Tons Of Other Stuff Piled On? Take Your Meds Get Them In Your System And The Attacks Will Go Away, I Am A Professional Panic Attack Person, I Even Broke The Meds The Doctor Gave Me In Half Because I Did Not Want Them To Make Me Feel Funny!! Or Have A Reaction To Them,, Believe Me You Need Help, Not Mental Ward ... Just Meds And Talking Will Help.. I Have Finally Passed Mine At Age 53 But Still Remember The "cat On A Hot Tin Roof Feeling".....

Weezer, I think both.

But, do you ever get to find out WHY the anxiety is there? Or is it really true, that there is no real reason??? :uhoh3:

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jul 3, 2006

Tweety,I have heard of the Employee Assistance program, but not really sure what it can do, can you elaborate on how it can help me?
weezer, thanks for your words.... but right now I feel ANYTHING but in control!!!

EAP helped me with personal problems. They referred me to help and called my employer and told them I would be out. It already sounds like you're getting the proper help you need. I was only mentioning that because the employer was given no reason while I was out, but that it was an excused absence which is covered with your note.

One must be careful though with abscences, because there still is an attendence policy, doctors notes or not. Many people are under the false impression that just because they have doctors notes every time they are out sick, means they don't fall under the attendence policies for disciplinary action and termination.

Most employers can be understanding, especially if it looks like something that will be under control soon and the absences are temporary. If not, I think FLMA can help as well, but I don't know what that entails.

Good luck. I hope you get to feeling better, the medication helps, and you learn some skills to keep the panic attacks at bay along with the medication. :)

weezer123 · Jul 4, 2006

I feel for you so much, panic attacks are not funny. Aah but you are in control,, everything is perfect huh? or you gotta have everything perfect, I thought I was loosing my mind !! and scared to death that I too could loose my job. But like I said "you are totally in control"... I know you do not feel like it but you are. Remember ,, Panic attacks -- Do not kill you, is not gonna kill you , is not permanant sickness, you WILL get over them.. my doctor told me that people who have them are "VERY SMART AND WITH IT PEOPLE" They do not drink ( for fear of loosing it or having a bad attack) they do not take drugs for the same reason and they make sure everything is complete..or they panic.. right? Well , you are in control. and if you are not then you panic. My children were not allowed to have a trampoline (because I just knew they would break their little necks) they could not have a motorcycle or go kart because I just knew they would have a wreck and be paralyzed for the rest of their lives.. etc.. I was so overprotective with everything even my patients. So are you I am sure.. but the hyperventilating is terrible and the "I gotta get out of here feeling" it does not last long and just keep up your chin and like I said they will go away with meds and talk.. and you know what? nobody else can usually tell when you are having a attack.just breathe and keep going and praying and the meds will kick in and you will feel so much better. I finally did after numerous yrs of not even knowing what the heck was wrong with me. And those things you are afraid of happening ... guess what .. they usually never happen so you worry and panic for nothing... believe me I know,,, work on it and it will go away...my sister and I both had them and were basket cases.. and if you talk to other people .. you will find that they have them too to some degree... but you will get better take it from a professional panic attacker!!!! Good luck and you dont have to tell anybody anything.. and you are not psycotic or a psych person...!!! just a panicker!!!Good luck... Weezer