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Hi and asking how to receive support at work
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Hi all, I've just joined and would like to know if any members have received effective support for their depression and/or anxiety at work - particularly in public service? I've been isolated and despite requesting training and support, I haven't received any while others were offered so much training & support. I complained which made things worse, caused aggravation of my mental health and untrue accusations about my performance. I don't feel I can apply for other jobs as I'm unlikely to get positive references from my supervisors. I've also lost so much confidence. I've been bullied like this before also. Instead of them agreeing to adjustments recommended by my practitioners, I was directed to stop working after I was assessed as unfit for duty by a psych they engaged. I have to wait until late March for an independent psych to assess my fitness to return to work So I've had to use up all my paid leave. This has caused me financial stress also. Having some time off was good but not 2.5 months! All I asked for was to have equitable support and training. There's much literature at work that suggest employers will support people with mental health but it hasn't ever been my experience. I've looked into legalities - I'm told it's too hard and expensive to make a successful case. So if there are any ideas for support, who I can turn to etc, I 'd be most grateful. Many thanks for taking the time to read my post.
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Hi, welcome
This is an interesting post for me.
When people with limited knowledge of the compensation/illness side of any workplace falls ill they often expect support/empathy/understanding from employers and some workmates. In my experience this is unrealistic.
The first important question is- is the depression workplace related? After re-reading your start of your post I dont believe it is. Therefore you cannot expect any actions from your employer to support you. Sorry, thats true and yes complaining will make it worse. This isnt because you might well deserve some understanding and workplace counselling, its because work colleagues and management arent obligated.
The next bad news is that any medical engagement you seek outside the workplace eg your own psychs/GP's and their recommendations are not binding and all the management see is a problem not a person with mental health issues that might need a few weeks away from their job.
Mix all this together and you are in a situation in no mans land in some cases the management secretly want you to resign, a sure sign is when they make things difficult for you. I might add that even if the illness is work related the result is just as bad. The whole system has always been the same. So what can you do?
In 1987 I was on workers compensation for nearly one year as I fought Govt corruption after I was pressured to treat a politician favourably. I refused. After that period I finally left and got a different profession and frankly in terms of my mental health was a great move.
In several aspects I think you needed some extra knowledge to bring you aligned with the real picture of how the workplace works, what is relevant to them and the harsh reality of lack of empathy for those with mental health issues. Thats why we exist here, as there's few places sufferers can seek where understanding is found.
I would also strongly advise to see a workplace solicitor for guidance.
The below link might help too.
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/work/bullying-harassment
TonyWK
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Hello, believe it or not I an actually relate what you are going thru, my job is customer service its a government job and I just sort of started this job. My 1st week of it was bit stressful but thought it can only get better, it did for a little bit as I was doing 3 month training course which was a bit cruisy, I had hit a few bumpy roads started getting emotional then my head was wondering off then my TL gave me a few options on depression and anxiety on who I can talk too, and one was EAP its a work place counselling its free and you get 6 sessions a year.
You should talk to your employer regarding this its a great opportunity to get things off your chess.
