Leaving work due to depression

[Dinosore]

Hello,

First time posting here, so sorry if I'm awkward.

I have to leave my current job (about 40k) because of an undiagnosed depression I've been taking too many sick days because I'm unable to go to work because when it comes time to leave in the morning I throw up or I start having a panic attack. I had a meeting with my employer and he said my options are to resign and go seek help or take more time off and face dismissal upon my return. He suggests resign because it'll be easier to come back into the company that way that if I was dismissed.

I guess I'm posting because I don't know what to do next, that will take away my income and while I live with my partner, who is so amazing and supportive. But, its a lot of pressure to cut the household pay in 2. I'm sorry for the sap story, I'm not looking for charity, I just don't know what to do next.

Thank you

p.s. I'm currently seeing a mental health professional (my appointment is tonight, thankfully)

[white knight]

Hi Dinosore, welcome

I was in a similar dituation 44 years ago. I was luvky, I got DSPension.

But that isnt easy to get. I dont know if you reside in the city or not.? If so you could consider a move further out. That means less stress, more afgordable accommodation , quiet life. Such a move I recommend as a plan through mental illness.

At the moment it sounds like your boss wants the easy way out. I dont think they would choose you again if you resigned. ..just my view

If you were sacked it opens up possible undue dismissal allegations and action from you, maybe unions issues. So resigning is good for the company.

The other consideration is reference. If you resigned ask your boss to write you a work quality reference. Getting sacked will impede your next job application.

In short I'd seek the reference and resign.

Prior to this contact centrelink to explain it all.

Seek out a part time job or two part time jobs. There is more variety, usually higher hourly rate and variety.

Good luck

Tony WK

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Dinosore,

Welcome to the forums and thanks for your post.

I don't have a great deal to add but I just saw Tony WK's post about Centrelink so I thought I'd write here about it. DSP is the hardest thing to get right now especially for mental illness, but - one option that might be available to you is the Sickness Allowance. This is a temporary payment for a person who is working but cannot work and who will have a job to return to later.

The info is here if you'd like to check it out - https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/sickness-allowance

I highly highly encourage you to discuss this with your boss about if this could be an option for you.

I do realise that this might not be though; so perhaps it might just be working with things day-by-day. Given that your appointment is tonight it would be interesting to see what he/she recommends for the near future. Perhaps the both of you could put a bit of a plan in play as to what the next step could be.

[geoff]

hello Dinosore, what has been said already is spot on, your employer wants the easy way out of this, that's why they want you to resign, then it will make it more difficult to apply for undue dismissal allegations, all they are doing is trying to keep the company from extra expense, however, what you have to consider is whether this job was the cause or even part of being depressed, and because you were unable to go to work, indicates that this maybe the reason.
If you do resign, there will be no chance you could apply for another job at this company, it would be impossible, simply because all they will say is that you're prone to depression and wouldn't suit any job.
Have a good think about what you are going to do and I suggest that you go and see a lawyer who handles in 'unfair dismissal' on a 'no win no fee' basis.
You also have to remember that is happening now, but from experience, depression will drag on for years and even if are able to overcome it, doesn't mean in any certainty that you won't become depressed again.
If they do sack you then you will get Centrelink payments much quicker than if you resigned, my suggestion is that you DON'T resign. Geoff.

[manda1985]

My question to you is are you part time, full time or casual?

The reason why i ask this is because I am in a similar situation, I have had diagnosed depression and anxiety for about 15 years and have just had a massive relapse. It started out much very similar to your situation panic attacks, nausea and diarrhea. I have not been able to eat so have lost weight. I always feel sick and have no appetite so I dont eat much at all.

I have just had a conversation with my regional manager (I work in retail) about what options I have to take to get better and still have a job. During my conversation with my boss there was absolutely no mention of me resigning! The options were to take three months off unpaid (just living off centrelink payments) or take some annual leave. I decided that considering my depression and anxiety were that bad that I would take a month off to see how I go. I have just started taking antidepressants and they have quite the effect on me. The first time i took these antidepressants I ended up in hospital after having my first panic attack (I thought i was having a heart attack). I spent most of the day in hospital, the nurse gave me Valium which was the only thing that would calm me down.

In my opinion I would be speaking to someone higher up that your manager!

hope this helps manda

[Guest_4848]

Hi ya,

First time writer, long time sufferer.

I too am looking down the barrel of losing my job due to anxiety and depression. Except I'm losing (90k) a year. But this isn't about a pissing match. As I get older, I want to withdrawl from society more and more i.e. I am becoming more agoraphobic. I just spent 4-5 months off work with the last bout of depression only to return for a few weeks before the next lot hit. Except this time much much worse with serious consequences.

I'm planning on resigning very soon until I can get myself sorted.