Feeling first class

[Seymour Buts]

Just interested if anybody has used it? I've long suffered with my mental health and wondered what it actually does. My anxiety and depression is not really work related, I had it long before becoming a postie, but it's getting worse and I feel like I need to do something. I've started to have suicidal thoughts (despite having no intention of acting on them). I know my GP is the place ti start (I've never been despite feeling like this for decades) but everybody knows the state of the health service currently, and I was wondering if there's any additional help through Royal Mail that may be quicker? Or the CWU maybe? If so, did it help any of you? Thanks.

[realitybites]

You really seem to mirror myself, I think the isolation and independance of the job are what appealed to me. It was therapeutic in the first few years and did ease all of the mental stress and negative thoughts to a great degree. I did go to my doctor and he referred me to the NHS talking therapies program which I'm sure you could find helpful. They do have other programs that could help but like you, I was a bit hesitant to seek out that help but you have to approach your doctor because I'm sure you know, things will only get better.
Being honest, the way the job has gone has been extremely detrimental to my own mental state to the point I have now left after 16 years. Both mentally and physically, I feel 1000% better. Approach your doctor before things get worse and be totally honest with him/her, things will improve from there I'm sure.

[grimshaw]

I used them about 3 years ago when I was at a low point in my life. They contacted me as soon as I got in touch, listened and offered me advice.
For all of Royal Mails faults, this scheme is an excellent 1st step to getting the help and advice without feeling pressured.
Please give them a ring, it's good to talk.

[roadrunner bill]

I turned to them for help... I found them very understanding and helpful...

I suffered very badly with my mental health...

I even got banned from royal mail chat... as I was in a very bad place... putting bad comments on the site....

sometimes people don't understand how you feel.....

Sort help... there are some incredible people who care and want to help.... I found them amazing... I didn't think anyone gave a s h I t....

But some do.....

Time is a big healer too.... and there is light at the end of the tunnel.....

[A2B]

Good original post and replies, pleased to see the forum being put to good use.

Not needed the service but good to know it's there and works because who knows when we might need it

[norris9]

Royal Mail is an odd place to work.

Managers regularly giving decent posties a hard time if they bring mail/parcels back, to the point it is hostile causes arguments and stress... then they refer you to Royal Mail's mental health services. Rinse and repeat.

We don't care for your mental health..... oh wait, actually we do.

[postslippete]

Royal Mail is an odd place to work.

Managers regularly giving decent posties a hard time if they bring mail/parcels back, to the point it is hostile causes arguments and stress... then they refer you to Royal Mail's mental health services. Rinse and repeat.

We don't care for your mental health..... oh wait, actually we do.

RM is great at putting posters up and doing charities. But are absolute garbage about tackling the issues of overwork, lack of staff, poor pay and incompetent management.

[Pidleypoo]

I used it when my brother was diagnosed with cancer ( he had a 3 percent chance of survival ) which set off my own current and lifelong chronic illness.

It was an awful time all round and we’re both still here.

It was recommended to me by a manager who came out to visit me at my home.

I would recommend using it , they were helpful to me.

[SMS1969]

For anyone with mental health issues,you must seek help. Strangely enough, I haven’t needed any help since joining RM, it’s improved my mental health , but I worked at a place beforehand for a very long time, eventually going off with work related stress and in the end I was paid off to leave. There wasn’t any help offered like RM offer at all, it would certainly of benefited me.

[Smoothbackground]

Sending love, strength and solidarity to you, Seymour Butts. You’ve got this, bud :-)