I’m experiencing panic attacks at the thought of returning to the office

DEAR DEIDRE: THE thought of going back to the office after three years working from home is giving me panic attacks, but my boss is insisting I come back full-time.

I fear I’ll lose my job if I don’t.

I’m a 37-year-old woman working as a book-keeper.

I have various auto-immune conditions, which make commuting really challenging.

So when the first lockdown was announced and everyone was forced to work from home, I was really happy.

I no longer had to exhaust myself driving through traffic, and could work more flexibly – sleeping in if I needed to, and making up the time.

My job doesn’t need to be office-based, and I’ve been more productive at home.

But last month my boss announced that everyone has to work full-time in the office from now on.

It’s non-negotiable.

Since then, I haven’t been sleeping, feel sick and am having panic attacks.

My husband, 40, told me I’ve even started sleepwalking.
I need my job.

What can I do?

DEIDRE SAYS:  Employers have a duty to provide suitable working conditions/adaptations for employees with health conditions.

You’ve proven you can do your job from home so perhaps suggest a compromise, such as coming in two days a week.

If your boss won’t listen, talk to your HR department. Get advice from Acas (acas.org.uk, 0300 123 1100).

For help with anxiety, contact anxietyuk.org.uk (03444 775 774).