Thanks for your support everyone and for sharing your experiences, I appreciate it

I've always been one to dismiss things like stress, anxiety and depression as bollox and although I'm not sure about the depressions side of things, I can certainly see now how stress and anxiety starts and carries on and gets worse and worse

After finding the Kalms not seemingly working, I went onto the St John's Wort for 4 days (thanks Graham).
I'm not sure if they would have worked as due to having annual leave for a few days and dreading going back to work tonight, I decided to to ring the doctor this morning and managed to get an appointment

I've been prescribed an anti depressant and two weeks off work. Although, as I have other jobs, I have to ask a manager for written permission to work at those while off sick from this main job.
They eventually got back to me saying I could have tonight off with permission to work at my other job, but have to go for a discussion meeting tomorrow as to how they can help me and/or temporarily redeploy me, etc.

It seems that rather than trying to deal with it and continuing to work as normal has no effect, yet some anti depressants and a sick note works wonders to get help I need

G_man, yes it's the public sector I work in as my main job.

The public sector should be supportive, they were for me. The pills will help, give them a while to kick in though.

Really glad you have been able to recognise and begun talking about these issues Teresa and have managed to see your doctor. I can relate in some ways to what you have described and think we all have different coping mechanisms that we rely upon until sometimes we find they are less effective.
Being a typical man I tend to keep things bottled up and found myself becoming more stressed as a result. Talking to friends or a even a complete stranger can be helpful.There is a support group that you may want to consider, www.wames.org.uk.

Wow!
This forum is simply the best!
I have honestly had a tear in my eye reading this post. Fantastic support from you all.

Theresa I don't know you but you will get through this. It's good to talk and as you can see you are not alone.

Good luck and think positive even after a bad day. You are better than these people just keep reminding yourself that.

Frog