Rehabilitation Officers/Return to work programs

[DotB418]

Hey all,

I hope this is in the right place and that I haven't missed another thread on the same topic.

I'm curious to find out if anyone has used Rehabilitation Officers/Return to work programs in the work place for mental health? My work place is pushing me to use one for my depression but I'm not comfortable doing so as I feel that this will be recorded on my work history (possibly used against me in the future for who knows what) and will undo the work that my doctor and psychologist have done over the past few years.

Has anyone else had a similar situation or offer advice?

Thanks in advance

Cheers

D

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi DotB418,

I have personally used return to work officers and have not found them helpful, however I know others who have used them and found them incredibly helpful - so I think ultimately it does come down to who you are with and the officer/person that you get.

I understand the resistance to having your employer find out about your depression, and ultimately that is your choice. I feel that having these programs help you as well as having a psychologist and a Doctor who supports you can be helpful as this way they can ensure that you do not face any discrimination or unfairness because of your depression. I actually think an employer will be less likely to use this information against you because you have a return to work program; so it kind of gives them a sense of accountability to support you.

I also think that this information may help - http://returntowork.workplace-mentalhealth.net.au/employees/all I'm not sure how involved or thorough the program is but it may be helpful to think about ways that your employers can support you or what you might need from them in terms of additional support etc.

[Stranger42]

Hi D,

I also did not want to tell my employer until the moment i felt so bad, and it was so evident in my performance that I had to do something. So, I talked to my supervisor. It was a relief, she turned to be very understanding and told me I should have let her know earlier. It turned my work has an employee assistance program, and I can visit a psychologist several time for free. Which is nice. Not that I'm out of depression, but I hope it will help at the end.

Cheers,

M.