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.

[Emmen]

Dear peacock,

You're not alone in feeling guilty about being on sick leave for mental health reasons. But the thing is, you can't pour from an empty cup. Your sick leave is a way for you to recover enough so that you'll be productive at work. You're doing yourself and everyone else a favour by taking this time to recover.

I'm glad your company has a good policy about mental health in the workplace. If your company is supportive of you, there is no reason why you should worry about what others think of you. If I could offer a suggestion, perhaps you could occupy your time with activities that you enjoy, that will help you recover. This will also serve as a distraction from your feelings of guilt/worry about what others think.

This pandemic times has been hard on many of us mentally. Please don't feel guilty about taking the time you need to care for yourself. I hope you'll feel better soon 🙂

Take care,
M

[peacock]

Dear Emmen, thanks for your wise words. I plan to do some nice activities such as running, reading, going for coffee to keep myself from dwelling on things that I can’t control. It’s a shame that we feel guilty taking time out for ourselves isn’t it? Thanks again

[OrganizedNotReally]

hey peacock,

I completely understand how you feel. I am in the same boat.

This is actually my first post here as I am having a really hard time with anxiety and feel guilty about letting everyone down (at home and at work).

Hang in there! There must be brighter days ahead and you've got to look after yourself.

It's easy to type this advice for someone else (because I am having trouble hearing it when I tell it to myself) 🙂

[peacock]

Thanks for replying to my post. I’m having a bad day today and really struggling. I rang Lifeline and spoke to a lovely man. I just wish I could be happy. I’m not looking forward to returning to work next week but I know not to make big decisions like this when feeling down. I have so much to be grateful for so why am I so unhappy? I just don’t get it.

[OrganizedNotReally]

Hi peacock

Hang in there, buddy!

I am feeling very similar (lots o intrusive negative thoughts) and I am grappling with the same thinking.

Why so unhappy when we have so much to be grateful.

The way I am trying to answer that, is that it is a trick question. You are trying to apply a rational answer to a question which is not rational. This is a brain disease.

Try to focus on the positives you DO have, and then work around the thinking one hour at a time. Maybe write down a list of all positives things you have and things to be grateful for.

Think of the positive impact you make on others - it is the only thing that's helping me at the moment.

(at least you are at home. 🙂

I am struggling with this and I am at work at the moment 🙂

Stay well!!! Look after yourself and be kind to yourself 🙂

[peacock]

Hi again. Sorry to hear you are struggling at the moment. Your posts have really helped me so you must be a strong person! You are so right that 5his is a brain disease and rational arguments just don’t work. I’m proud of you for going to work when you feel bad. Please know you have brightened my day. I wish you recovery soon. Hang in there buddy

[OrganizedNotReally]

Thanks, peacock!

I am not strong at all. I am actually unravelling here. Really REALLY struggling today but wrestling with feeling guilty about taking time off at the moment (hate to drop my manager in the poop - she is lovely).

I am sure she would understand but I would feel dreadful about taking time off but I think I actually HAVE TO.

Just sitting here and plotting whether to tell her and how.

thank you for your comments. You are helping me too

[Dove20]

Hi OrganizedNotReally,

Taking time of when you know you need to is a great step in helping yourself recover. I think, at times like these its best to be a little selfish and not think about what your manager needs and start to think about what you need. Don't feel guilty for putting yourself first. Don't let yourself unravel. I'm happy to read that you've decided to take time off. Do you have any ideas on what you will be doing on your time off?

[CalmCat]

Hi peacock,

Thanks for such a open and vulnerable post.

Mental health is just as important physical health. Do everything in your power to cure your mental health. It took me 10 years to cue mine and it was the best thing I'd ever done!

Stay strong, and let us know how you go.

Regards,

Doran