Mental Health at work

[Wifey2012]

Hi there,

This post is in regards to my husband. He works very hard, minimum 12 hours a day, he’s up at 3.30 every week day and most nights getting 5-6 hours sleep. We have 2 young children who are 4 and 1.

He only really takes time off for Big holidays or when our children have been born, it is rare he’ll take a sick day. He has 14 weeks of sick leave not taken, 6-8 weeks annual leave and 12 weeks long service.

He’s always been an anxious person but it has gone up a level the past couple of years. He’s forgetting a lot, every day things and important things, he’s starting to have panic attacks, has quite servere ocd, he needs to set 2 alarms for the morning and this takes him half an hour to do.

He has recently seen our gp and has been referred to see a counsellor. My question is, can he take time off for mental health? I’m suggesting a few weeks to just get away from the work situation and perhaps work out if a new job would provide a lot of benefits to our/his situation and to get on track with the counsellor, basically just stop and look at what is making the problem worse. Has anyone taken a fair amount of time off for a situation like this or similar?

Many advice would be appreciated

Thank you x

[Croix]

Dear Wifey2012~

I'd like to welcome you here though I'm not sure you are asking the right question. A better one might be can he not take time off. I know it does depend on all sorts of things but at the end it is your husband's health that is the most important thing.

There are always 'good' reasons to continue on, however they may not be all that vital when considering possible consequences.

I made a huge mistake and kept on going at work with building symptoms of depression, anxiety and other matters until I was simply not able to function - then I was invalided out. It is entirely possible if I had the appropriate treatment and taken sick leave earlier on I would have been able to remain employed. I'd hate anyone to follow in my footsteps.

I'm very glad to hear your husband has started to get medical help, and that he has a fair amount of leave due him, that makes things possible. From what you say his symptoms have reached a serious stage. Please bear my account in mind when making decisions about things.

Please feel free to talk here as much as you would like, you will always be welcome

Croix

[PamelaR]

Hello Wifey2012

You've already had a warming and caring welcome from Croix who's given you his wonderful wisdom. I don't have much to add other than - I did take a 3 month period off work for PTSD, anxiety and depression. I had a mental breakdown after 2 years of trying to work through my trauma without medication. After all my leave ran out I went on to receive payments via the insurance I'd paid through my superannuation fund. To access the insurance I had to visit their psychiatrist for an assessment. Can't say that was the most pleasant experiences, but I was approved and continued to receive 75% of my fortnightly pay for the remainder of my leave.

Before returning to work I saw the 'Return To Work Officer' who helped me transition back to the work place by working 15 hours per week to start with. The officer worked with my manager to ensure I was doing okay. It took me about a month or more to return to my 30 hrs per week. Having said all that, I was very very lucky to work in an organisation that provided all these services. Not all employers will do the same.

However, if he is entitled to 14 weeks sick leave - he should take it. His gp and therapist should work together to make this work. If his gp doesn't, then find one that will. I'm sure his therapist/counsellor can provide him with someone who is supportive.

Please let us know how you get on.

Kind regards

PamelaR