What should I do?

[Jennyxx]

Ive posted before about my work situation. I'm a Teacher and I've been signed off work for 4 weeks now, with low mood and stress due to work related stress and pressures. My head teacher and deputy do not seem to care about my mental or physical health, especially the deputy who i work alongside.
I've been recently diagnosed with a heart condition which causes me to have palpitations, i'm waiting for an appointment at the hospital to see a cardiologist and have an echo. I have also just been told i'm anemic and have got iron tablets to take.
I'm due to attend a 'return to work' meeting with my headteacher, a HR consultant and my union rep on Friday (bearing in mind i havent said when i'm returning). I have spent the last week or so getting in a state about this meeting as i know my head teacher will not understand my mental health issues and hasnt even done a pregnancy risk assessment on me. My heart palpitations have increased rapidly during this time and my yesterday my doctor said this is very likely down to me feeling stressed and worried. I have emailed my union rep with a list of what needs discussing at the meeting, all the things that have caused me so much stress and pressures and also the things which the school should be doing due to me being pregnant. My union rep is currently looking into what ive sent him. I am presuming that while at this meeting my headteacher is going to ask if i will be back at work or not on Monday, i have no idea what to say to that and do not want to be put on the spot.
I am due to start maternity leave on 19th June.
So basically my question is this.... Do i attend the meeting, which will no doubt cause me a lot of anxiety and stress and then decide whether im well enough (mentally and physically) to return to work? or...
Do i not attend the meeting and get signed off by my doctor long term?

I have spoken to colleagues, friends and family and they are obviously concerned about my health and my unborn babies health and don't think i should be consider returning to work until after my maternity leave but i hate the feeling of guilt associated with not being at work. Any advice and opinions welcome.....

 

[Belfa]

Hi

Firstly, I'm so sorry you're struggling atm and you are right in that you need to think of your health and your baby's health first and foremost.

I have voted yes as, having had discussions on the other side of the table, whilst it feels like they are against you and that the meeting won't go well, they are likely not to be. Yes there are awful employers out there but you are in a fortunate situation where you have a representative there with you for support (if they are not offering this I believe you can choose to take someone else?).

It is probable that it is easier for them for you to stay off and go on sick so that they can get a replacement in asap. I would go and speak to your Doctor and get your long term sick to take with you and see how the conversation goes.

These situations are very stressful, even for those without health issues therefore keep in mind that you will be building this up to be something that might not be nearly so bad, it's only natural x

 

[Karenb]

As a teacher I understand how difficult the job is, especially when feeling as you do... It's not a job where you can just go in, head down and get on, however I feel you should attend the meeting to put your feelings and opinions across, good luck in whichever you decide to do xx

 

[CharlieB21]

I agree with Karen. As a teacher myself it's been horrendously stressful recently what with all the changes but if you dont attend the meeting, you don't get to put your concerns across. They may surprise you and if they don't - having your long term sick note ready is a great back up. Good luck with whatever you decide x