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?

[Sophie_M]

Hey DannyG,

Thank you for keeping us updated on what's been happening. We are so sorry to hear that you are feeling broken at the moment. It sounds like the situation has continued to be stressful. Please know that you're not alone in this.

You might find some helpful ideas on our pages, “Working with a mental health condition” and "Anxiety management strategies"

We hear that you are working with the psychologist that your workplace has presrcibed, but please also remember that there is support available outside of work if you're feeling distressed. Our friends at Lifeline (13 11 14) and the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) are here for you 24/7.

Please also feel free to keep checking in, whenever you feel up to it.

[Not_Batman]

Hi DannyG

on my return to work after 6 months off (going back a couple of years) i had terrible anxiety because i felt that people knew what was going on. It took a good couple of months of half days to get into the seing of everything and get some routine back.

Try your best not to focus on the things beyond your control. Your manager and HR meeting is one thing not to worry about, your colleagues is another. Truth be told, its more likely that they are trying to help by what they are doing. Plus there are legal / safety obligations that your employer have, so they may well be asking themselves if they are supporting you, and how to support you.

your colleagues, if they are at all aware, are not likely to have resentment, but happiness that you are getting assistance to help you through this tough time.

Try also not to worry about being fired. Its not exactly legal to fire someone for a mental illness. It can play on your mind terribly though.

the main thing is that you focus on you getting better, once you work towards this the fitness for work will come, the will full hours and full duties, and then you will be back...it will just take time, patience, and self work.

Not_Batman

[Summer Rose]

Hi DannyG

I could feel a sense of profound hopelessness and great sadness in your post. I’m so sorry that things are not improving for you. Please know that you are not alone in your struggles.

Anxiety and panic attacks are very difficult to control and/or manage—kind of like wrestling with a slippery octopus. You just never know what’s coming next or where it’s coming from. So, you should be so proud of yourself.

You get up every day and you try your best in the most difficult of circumstances. Getting to work is a win. Staying the day is a win. Persevering after a panic attack is a win. Don’t you ever forget that, even if your manager and HR may never appreciate it.

I am, however, concerned about the toll this effort and constant worry is taking on you. Because to me it sounds like the current work plan isn’t working for you.

I’d like to suggest that you visit your GP and talk through everything that has happened and that is currently happening at work. Ask your GP for ideas on different strategies and advice on how to safeguard your health at work.

How would you feel about doing that?

Kind thoughts to you

[missep123]

Hi DannyG,

I'm so sorry to hear that it has been really tough 😞 I can imagine that trying not to have panic attacks would be a lot of pressure to think about.

If one of my colleagues was on modified duties I definitely would not think twice about it! If anything I would be happy for them if it was positive to their mental health. I know that it has been really hard though 😞

Can you maybe think about a safety plan? For example in the worst worst case that happens maybe make sure to be with a family member or friend for support?

Here for you

[Guest_4643]

Hey DannyG, I know this is an old thread but I thought I'd reply.

I don't know about work, but I hope it went well for you.

[DannyG]

Thanks Summer rose

reading your reply made me feel better.

my work have now begun the process of firing me due to being unfit to work. My life is over and I have no idea what to do.

[DannyG]

thanks missep

Thank you for your kind words - thins aren’t any better im about to be fired.

i’ve been seeing a psychiatrist and a psychologist but the treatment hasnt worked im not any better.

my boss sent me home on Monday and told me I have to stay off work and on sick leave until my psychiatrist puts something in writing to say that I am well enough to work.

my psychiatrist has told me that he won’t say I’m fit and that I need to be hospitalized.

My psychiatrist spoke to my work HR and they have said that they will be starting the process of firing me.
They can do this because I’m not fit to work and there’s nothing I can do from a legal point about this. I’ve already spoken to the union and they have confirmed this is correct.
i know the job market is not good right now is anyone willing to share their experiences with this?
im worried I won’t get another job because of my mental illness.
Can anyone share anything that they have experienced similar ? Or any advice for me?
thanks all

[Summer Rose]

Hi DannyG

I am truly sorry that your health has deteriorated. You have done an amazing job in the most challenging of circumstances and deserve a medal in my book.

Please know that you are not alone. For many people recovery is a long and winding road. It’s unfair but it doesn’t mean that better health isn’t possible. Please, hang in there.

Given that your current treatment plan doesn’t seem to be effective, it could be that hospital care might be a good thing.

New doctors. New thinking. New approach. It could be helpful. This was my daughter’s experience when she was deteriorating under the care of her psychiatrist and hospitalised. The experience was challenging but it set her up for future success.

Are you planning to follow the psychiatrist’s suggestion?

I know you’re upset about the work situation and I would be too. The union’s view is interesting but not necessarily definitive, as it’s a very complex legal issue.

To challenge your employer would likely take time and energy. Do you want to go down this path?

Kind thoughts to you

[missep123]

Hi Danny,

I'm really sorry to hear that you have been going through that. Summer Rose mentioned above are great suggestions. How do you feel about this?

May I ask, what does your relationship look like at the moment with your psychologist and psychiatrist? Do you feel comfortable with them?

We are definitely here for you, especially during this challenging time. Your wellbeing is so important