Sick Leave depression and anxiety

[arthurjames]

Hi,

You may guess from the title that I am currently on sick leave. Last Friday, I injured my back hoping out of a car (of all things). It spasmed intensely which resulted in my partner and parents having to pick me up off the driveway and myself having to take over a week off work. In normal circumstances, I wouldn't worry about taking the time off, but over the last 6 months I have had the worst luck. 6 months ago I came off my anti depressants which resulted in me needing a week off. A month later, I injured my foot and needed a week off. One month ago I had a case of gastro which resulted in once again, a week off. And now my back problem! I am sitting here feeling miserable as I am missing out on potential overtime I could be earning as well as missing out on some holiday, since I had to take some days out of my annual leave to cover the days off as I have ran out of sick leave. I fear what my colleagues think (i.e 'oh look he's off sick again') and am worried that my recent absences from work will be detrimental to me ever applying for a promotion. I am only 24 so not really of the age where frequent injuries would be expected or at least not thought of as strange. I also worry that even when I go back to work how long will it be until my next illness/injury? I am not someone to 'chuck a sickie'. I want to work hard and earn money as I am saving up for a house. I know it's out of my control but that just leaves me feeling powerless. I am struggling to enjoy myself here as all I can think of is work.

[Soberlicious96]

Hi Arthurjames,

Being sick is no fun at all, and I too know what that's like. I'm a chronic asthmatic, and have had many injuries and plenty of illness due to severely debilitating allergies all my life. And yeah, I too like to work and keep busy.

And it's so ironic that every time I book annual leave for a week or more, I think to myself "Yay! I'm gonna sleep-in and just relax and do as little as possible" ......... and then only 2 or 3 days in, I'm all like "I'm bored. I wanna go do stuff and see people and places and things!" Yes I can still still, but it appears certainly not for days at a time!

On a more serious note, at least you have somewhere like here to hang out, as well as a safe space to get stuff out of your head. Sharing what's on your mind is a great way to reduce the power it has over you.

Maybe you could use this time to really give your body a proper rest, and do some random stuff like magazine puzzles or actual picture puzzles or binge-watch some funny movies ..... something that can distract your mind from your current physical condition, and yet at the same time give it the time and space it needs to get better, yeah?

I am definitely no medical or mental health professional though, so please don't take what I say for absolute gospel. It is all suggestion only, and my own experiences.

I do hope you start to feel better soon though. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts. xo

[Summer Rose]

Hi arthurjames

I'm really sorry that you have had so many recent illnesses and injuries. Not fun at all. I really hope that you feel better soon.

I am an employer and want to try and reassure you that it's okay to be unwell. It happens all the time. Your employer and work colleagues are probably feeling badly for you.

Remember that you are entitled to sick leave and it's your right to use it. It's okay.

I can't imagine any reason why a series of unrelated and unfortunate illnesses/injuries would hinder a promotion.

Concentrate on getting well and try not to over think it.

Kind thoughts to you