On sick leave again

peacock
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member
I had a week off work on sick leave due to depression. I came back to work for a week and felt great. Then I had a tough time again mentally and am now on another week of sick leave. Feel guilty not being at work and wondering what people think of me. Has anyone else experience this and how did you cope? I do feel my company has a very good policy about mental health in the workplace though.
42 Replies 42

Gambit87
Community Member

Hello again Peacock!

I'm sorry to hear you're struggling!

The trick for me (easier said then done) is not care what work thinks. I recently took a few days off because I felt like I needed a little break. My mind tends to wander and I think 'what will work/team think' but I remember my mental health is important too.

all the best!

Hey

yep, spoke with my boss and took the rest of the week off.

Am going to try and do some clear thinking and re-evaluate whether it’s my mental health Or the job that is not right for me.

i was in a scary place 24 hours ago mentally, but a bit better today.

maybe that was circuit breaker I needed.

stay well, my friend!

I’m so glad you spoke to your boss and took some leave. That is brave and shows you are putting your health first. Taking time off is really therapeutic and you may find you can recover better away from the workplace. I hope you enjoy your time at home. As you say, you may be able to decide if it is the job that is causing your problems. Have a good week and let us know how you go

proteus_912
Community Member
You're post is similar to mine, but I am struggling with taking a day off because of my anxiety, whereas you are with depression. I hope we both start to feel better soon 🙂

Hi, just wanted to say I’ve had a week off work due to depression and return to work tomorrow, feeling quite nervous about my first day back and hoping I can cope

Emmen
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni

Hello peacock,

I hope you're doing well and your first day back has been alright. Do keep us updated on how you're doing.

Warmly,
M

peacock
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member
Hello, I’m going well back at work. My manager has been so supportive which helps a lot.

Gambit87
Community Member

Good stuff peacock!

hope you're well!

Beccs
Community Member

Hi Peacock,

I’ve just had a week off for the same reason. I wasn’t able to get in to see my doctor until today. They will not backdate my medical certificate.
while I’ve been keeping in touch with my team leader & she seems to be understanding, she has been on my case about a med cert. when I told her they will not back date it she said I should have seen any doctor to get one.
doesn’t seem so understanding now.
It’s made me feel worse & not wanting to back at all.

peacock
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi Beck, sorry to hear about your hassles with the medical certificate. Perhaps you can ask for leave without pay if you can’t get sick leave. It’s scary going back to work after some time off but I found the anxiety went after a couple of hours and everything just felt normal. Most people aren’t even thinking about you as they have 5heir own problems. I hope things work out ok for you and would like to hear how you go. Xx