On sick leave again

[peacock]

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.

[nictheman]

Hi all,

This was a really interesting thread with so many different perspectives. I have had a few short periods during COVID where I've had to take days off at a time just for mental health reasons. Since the stage 4 lockdown I've been working through without taking time off (and working long hours) but I can feel my performance and productivity slipping. Friday it finally came to a head and I just told my boss "I can't go on with this" and took the afternoon off. Fortunately managed to get a doctor's appointment that afternoon and have got a mental health plan in place now. Hoping this is the turn-around point.

Beccs, that situation sounds awful -- What GP wouldn't backdate a medical certificate if they can see there is mental distress? Perhaps worth just seeing another GP for an assessment and maybe if they can't write a formal certificate maybe just some sort of signed letter to say that you've been assessed and the time off is reasonable. As peacock said perhaps it's worth taking unpaid leave if possible as it saves the hassle and while financial hardship is a big cause of anxiety for many, there's no price you can put on your mental health.

A boss who is understanding of mental health and the effect it has on productivity cannot be understated. For anyone on this forum who manages people, just know that when you can understand/empathise with your employees' mental health problems, and encourage open and active discussion, you are literally saving lives. I'm so spoiled to have a fantastic boss who is very wise and conscious of mental health. At the end of the day he just wants us productive so we get work done. But to take the time out to talk to me, and then to let me take the time out to get myself right. He even sent me a small house plant with some really kind words attached!

It's certainly true that not all bosses are like that, but all you can do is enter an open, frank discussion with them. It can be scary if you don't know what to expect from your boss, but as peacock said it makes a HUGE difference to have a boss that listens and cares.

[peacock]

Hi again, well I finally decided to quit my job. I used up my sick leave and still could not face going back so took annual leave. After that I was dreading going back in and finally resigned yesterday. Relieved that I made the decision but now very nervous and anxious about what the future holds for me. I’m 64 and have worked since I was 16. Just wanted some support at this scary time

[Gambit87]

Good on ya peacock!

At 64, I think you have earned a bit of a break!

Take some time off to just relax, gather your thoughts and take your time deciding your next moves!

we're here for you.

[peacock]

Thanks a Gambit, I’m having a bad day today and rang a Lifeline twice. I am waiting for an appointment with my psychiatrist but I’m really struggling today. Hopefully things will improve once I get used to not working and having that distraction from my worries and thoughts

[Sophie_M]

Hi peacock,

I agree with Gambit, and it's great that you've managed to take that important step in trying to change and improve your life, even though must have been a big and scary decision to make. 

I'm also glad to hear that you've been reaching out for support during this difficult time, Gambit. You might find the thread on self-help tips for anxiety to be helpful in trying to find ways to manage these worries, as well, and please keep us updated on how you go.

[SherryY]

Hi Peacock,

It wasn't an easy choice to make for sure. But it's time to move on and really focus on yourself.

Your anxiety is not a mulfunction, it's a signal. It's telling you something, that you should hear, and literally start living for yourself.

Sherry

[peacock]

Hi Sherry, thanks for your lovely, positive comments. I agree that anxiety is telling you that something is not right. I really appreciate your reply

[SherryY]

Hi Peacock, you are welcome. I hope you are doing ok.

I've been having anxiety for about 4 years and I was coping alright, until 3 days ago it came back stronger with unbearable physical responses so now I'm unable to work and sleep well.

It's painful but gotta keep fighting.

[peacock]

Hi Sherry, I’m sorry to hear you are struggling with anxiety, it can be so hard to live your life when you have anxiety. Do you have a doctor or counsellor you can talk to? I just had a face time call with my psychiatrist and she said I did the right thing to resign and take some time out for myself. Let us know how you are going and know you’re not alone. Xx

[SherryY]

Hello Peacock, no I never really have a proper docor helping out. I didn't know the anxiety was a thing until I went to the hospital one day trying to get my heart checked because for a couple of days before then I did not feel well with my heart. The doctor prescribed me a medication though, which I found out later that it was banned in most countries, including its origion Denmark. So I immediately got off of it and that's where a bunch of side effects turned up. I have been having costant breakdowns 3 days in a row till now, this has never really happened before so I think it's probably a stage higher than it was now?