Recovery not linear or predictable

[42 lady]

Hi there, it's mental health day so why not seek support here. I have been off work since May due to depression, PTSD. I was in hospital for 7 weeks (had TMS). My employer not satisfied with my doctors responses to 'fitness for work' letter (had to disclose my diagnosis) . I now have to go to an independent medical examination, to be evaluated by another psychiatrist (my Dr does not have a crystal ball to tell him when I can work again). I'm really dreading this. I want to resign but feel I need to see it through. Anyone been through this? I hope you are all  being kind to yourselves today.

[white knight]

Hi, welcome

Yes, I have been through the illness from work scenario. Had a workcover claim in 1987 for anxiety over a workplace incident, off work for 10 months then had to leave my profession. Then I was a investigator for workplace accidents for 18 years. So you could say I'm experienced in the industry on both sides.

What I do know is that the workers compensation system in every state is not a positive, progressive system that does many favours for the victim. There is rarely an employer that will provide light duties or make changes that assist the injured. Their WC premiums rise with claim numbers so ts all negative to them, claims that is. They'd usually rather hire someone else and thats not good news for you.

Financially and career wise everyones situation is different so its hard to pin point any advice. However, if your injury is work related and you leave your employment, then work in that field can be hard to obtain as a new employer will be worried the company will be the recipient of an employee future claim. All of the above has resulted in my firm belief that generally if one can move on from that workplace and seek satisfying work elsewhere, then do so. After all a return to the original workplace doesnt guarantee the injury work return. That could be the employers issue as to why he/she is refusing a Dr's view.

The bottom line is what is best for your health. I amde the error in hanging onto my job position too long. Once I resigned I felt much better and took up another occupation that wasnt so hurtful.

I hope that helps

TonyWK 

[Not_Batman]

Hi 42 Lady

ah yes, the old ‘we arent happy with the fitness for work sow we’ll send you to an IME’ trick. This happened to me.

My doctor at the time was young and didn't yet have a reputation in this town. So when the Dr wrote a letter to say they were happy with my progress and i was ok to return to work on modified duties through a return to work plan, the employer said ‘Nah, lets get an independent exam’. The way it was handled was traumatic for me, because i had in my head that this would be the end of my career, and got so worked up about it. The employer would not answer any questions i had, or take my phone calls…almost totally ghosted.

i got to the IME, had a session with the Dr, and went on my way. 
a week or so later i get a letter from the employer to say that the IME has said i am fit for work returning to the modified duties and return to work plan that my initial doctor had set, so i could return the following week. Their whole attitude changed.

For a long time, i resented my employer for all of this, but i now know that there is a reason for it, which was explained to me by a reply to one of my early posts.(if i find it i’ll try to put it here)

Company HR, no matter how friendly they come across to you, are in a position to protect the company from prosecution by making sure that you are in fact fit for work. They do also want to ensure your safety. Why they don't explain that in the simplest terms in a kind an courteous manner is beyond me.

but the doctor is right, there is no crystal ball answer. It is a situation that you will need to take in your stride. Try not to get worked up (easier said than done), and do what is right for you.

return to work plans for physical injuries and mental illness need to be treated differently.

TonyWK has also touched on a number of other things, which for me now, make total sense.

Not_Batman

[Bob_22]

Hi 42 lady,

A belated happy world mental health day to you. Thank you so much for posting your story and for bringing awareness to such a common and complex problem among those with mental health issues. Similar to you, I've had to take time off for a few treatments including TMS and ECT. Unfortunately I wasn't able to return to work after being on leave for a few months and that was three years ago now. It can be very disappointing and disheartening, especially when you enjoy and derive a sense of purpose from work. I know I was quite down about it and still am to a certain extent. I would love to return to my old job but unfortunately certain doors close after a while.  I hope your evaluation goes well and please let us know how things go. I hope you've been kind to yourself as well and thank you again for sharing your story. It means alot. 💙

Bob

[jaz28]

Hi 42 lady,

You are absolutely right - recovery is not linear and it is certainly not predictable. You may have periods of recovery and periods of relapse during your mental health journey and that is okay. It is all part of your journey,  and if you are not fit to return to work then so be it. It might be worth talking with your employer and explaining that you cannot predict when you will be fit for work and that is the only answer you can give them for now. It is then up to them what the next steps are. I hope they are a supportive employer and continue to keep you on the books, but if they are not supportive - well you have put your own mental health first and that is all that matters. If you don't have your health, you have nothing, so make sure to look after yourself first.

I hope this helps and things get better soon,

Jaz xx