Fit for work assessment

[DannyG]

Hello all

i am in need of help. I have been having panic attacks at work recently. Today my HR department have asked me to have my GP fill out a fit for work assessment. It has particular questions that basically ask if I am able to do my job. This frightens me as I think it means that my employer are trying to fire me. Has anyone ever had to have one of these filled out? What did you do? What happened?

[DannyG]

Hi Not_Batman

things have progressed and I am feeling afraid. I’m not sure what to do and I don’t know how I am going to get through this

[Not_Batman]

Hi DannyG

sounds very familiar (refer earlier post). I am sorry to hear that it has gotten to this stage, but there is an upside.

Im not downplaying GPs at all, but the G does stand for general. While the GP will be trying their best to assist, the psychologist has a different set of skills (kind of like getting an electrician to build a house). the phych will be able to better evaluate your current and future mental health position.

Its not uncommon for it to happen, but in the 2 weeks with no contact your employer has sort of done you a favour and given you time to rest. My advice ...REST!!!
its also not uncommon for the appointment to be sprung on you (dirty HR tactics)

if the psych has been organised by your employer, chances are they are paying for the service, and a report of what you say, how you present, how you walk, talk, may be sent to your employer. I thought my report was going to be horrible, but in the end it actually wasnt that bad...actually quite positive. My advice, just be honest, you cant hide much from a psych.

the IME started talking about things that pinched a nerve, so i got a little emotional, but stayed calm and collected.

When it comes to the fear of being fired, i had that just about every day that i was off work, but you do have rights, and cant really be fired for having a mental health issue.

there is an article on beyondblue (search Your-rights-at-work-when-dealing-with-mental-health-problems), and even fairwork australia have information available for you.

you will get through this. Its just a bump in the road. Keep true to yourself, kind to yourself, focus on getting better, that is really the only way to change the outcome.

If i had space to write 1000 more words it may not he enough. But i wish you the absolute best for tomorrow. If you would like, you could discuss how it went with us.

try your best to relax, and get a good night sleep.

Not_Batman

PS, sorry to all GPs, and electricians. Its not intended to be taken out of context, its there to illustrate a point.

[Summer Rose]

Hi DannyG

I can understand your fear; the situation is not easy.

It might help to remember that it is your employer’s obligation to ensure you are fit for work. They don't have a choice here. But this is a process and you have rights. You are protected in law from discrimination throughout the process.

HR has advised you that your GP didn't provide them with enough information to know how to help you, which is a good sign. This is because the additional information from the psychologist will hopefully tell them whether you can perform the role safely, or whether reasonable adjustments need to be made to support you.

Reasonable adjustments might include restricted duties, varied duties or access to a more suitable position which you would be able to perform at your own level without impacting your condition.

Have a think about what you need and advocate for yourself with the psychologist.Generally speaking, it is a good idea to provide as much information as you can, so your employer can help you.

The psychologist should then be able to outline the duties you can or cannot do and any reasonable timeframes for you to improve your health if possible.

The objective is always to assist the employee to return to their nominal role especially where an alternative is not available or possible.

Ask the psychologist for a copy of his/her report.

Good luck. Kind thoughts to you

[DannyG]

Thanks Not Batman I really appreciate your kind words. I am scared beyond belief but there’s nothing I can do. Thanks again.

[DannyG]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply Summer Rose. Really appreciated:)

[Not_Batman]

Hi DannyG

i concur, once again, with everything that Summer Rose has said. It is great to have an employers point of view.

its very hard for me to say dont be scared and you wont be, but this is about you, and you getting better, nothing more.

are you seeing any professionals outside of the independent one?

Not_Batman

[Summer Rose]

Hi DannyG

It's my pleasure.

You deserve kindness, care and likely some support at work and you will get through this rough patch.

It is virtually impossible to be human and not experience anxiety, stress or some kind of challenge in the workplace on occaision. It's okay and more common than you might think.

Hang in there, my friend

[missep123]

Hi DannyG,

I just wanted to check in and see how you were doing.

I can understand that things have been challenging recently.

We are definitely here for you!

[DannyG]

Hi missep123

it is so kind of you to ask 🙂 things are not going well and I wanted to ask some help of everyone

i was sent to a fit for work assessment and the psychologist who conducted the assessment said that I needed treatment for my panic attacks and that I was to undergo this treatment in order to keep my job. HR have also said that I must ‘check in’ with them at meetings every few weeks so they can monitor my progress.

so I am having the treatment but I?m so scared I?m going to get fired anyway. The fear is making me afraid to go to work. I travel two hours (each way) to work and by the time I arrive at the office im very anxious. I think it may be better to end my life than go through losing my job. (Again).

Has anyone experienced anything similar to this? Can anyone share their experiences or offer me any advice?

thanks everyone!

[Sophie_M]

Hey DannyG,

Thank you for keeping the community updated on how you've been going. We understand how much strength this takes when you're feeling really low, so we are really grateful that you decided to reach out. We're so sorry to hear what you've been going through, and that you're feeling extremely worried and concerned about being fired. It sounds like these dark thoughts must be incredibly difficult to cope with, but please know that we are all here to support you, and you never have to keep these feelings bottled up inside.

It sounds like you're in a really exhausting situation, and we'd really urge you to reach out to talk these feelings through. You're never alone. The kind counsellors at our Beyond Blue Support Service (1300 22 4636), as well as our friends at Lifeline (13 11 14) and the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) are here for you 24/7, as often as you need, when things are feeling like too much to cope with.

We hope that you can continue finding comfort in the forums, and feel a little less alone through this difficult time. Please also feel free to keep checking in and updating us on how you're going, whenever you feel ready.