Can I refuse to be signed off by doctor?

Carmen_Queasy

edited to protect anonymity

staffie1

I suppose it depends on how much your work is contributing to your stress. You may need a break for your own good. Also, (and you don't say what kind of work you do) it may be best to have a break from a safety point of view if you cannot focus completely on what you're supposed to be doing at work. I take it you're employer would not pay you if you were unable to work due to sickness absence..?

Mr_Falling_Star

Well you can talk things over with your doctor and see what they say, even if he absolutely insists that you take a break (and you may want to listen to him here) there is nothing to say you have to hand it in to employer. Why not find out about ESA,SSP, Mortgage holidays and any other benefits so you can make a proper decision

dmg24

Hi CQ,

Welcome to MSE.

I am not a medical professional, but from what you described, medication may help your problem, but it certainly will not solve it. You would be best to be honest with your doctor about the implications of you taking time off, and let him guide you as to your possible options.

The only time that the doctor will notify others of your condition is if you are a risk to yourself or others. However this would normally be mental health crisis team intervention, rather than contacting your employer directly. Also, this would be a last resort, they will try to get you to make your own choices before involving others.

I imagine the above sounds pretty scary, and it may be that your condition is not as severe as to require further intervention. Be honest with your doctor, whatever they do will be in your best interests.

Good luck x

dmg24

Mr_Falling_Star wrote: »

Well you can talk things over with your doctor and see what they say, even if he absolutely insists that you take a break (and you may want to listen to him here) there is nothing to say you have to hand it in to employer. Why not find out about ESA,SSP, Mortgage holidays and any other benefits so you can make a proper decision

Whilst this is correct, there could be negative consequences to doing this. It is possible that the employers insurance would not be valid if the employee was to have an accident during the period that they were unfit for work, and it could also lead to disciplinary action against the employee (who is under an obligation to advise their employer of any factors that may affect their work).

pink_princess

You need to be pro-active.Money is the cause of your issues then tackle it head on.Have you read the up your income boards etc and the dfw?
The advice can get you on the right path again where you don t feel like this and don t need a doctors help.Honest you can achieve getting back on a good path,you just need help and support from people who have been there etc.I highly recommend you look up the lovely people on the dfw board,and I wish you lots of luck op.
You can improve life.
PP

Debt_Free_Chick

Does your employer offer an Employee Assistance Programme?

If so call them - you'll be offered CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) before drugs and my gut reaction is that this will be better for you.

Carmen_Queasy

edited to protect anonymity

Debt_Free_Chick

Carmen_Queasy wrote: »

I feel so worthless

Which I why I'm sure that CBT will help more than drugs. I've been there

If you went to your GP, I would hope you would be offered CBT first. Drugs are really only suitable for those with clinical depression, which is essentially a chemical/hormone imbalance.

Low self-esteem is a different issue - it can be addressed by you learning how to see yourself in a different light.

Worth going to your GP and discussing the options. If you convince your GP that you are able and happy to continue to working, I doubt he/she will sign you off. In very many cases, continuing to work is actually helpful so a good GP will not sign you off unless they genuinely feel it's the right thing for you. And if it is ... then, to be honest - work is the least of your problems. But I really don't think you're in that position.

See your GP - please.

Carmen_Queasy

edited to protect anonymity

Mr_Falling_Star

dmg24 wrote: »

Whilst this is correct, there could be negative consequences to doing this. It is possible that the employers insurance would not be valid if the employee was to have an accident during the period that they were unfit for work, and it could also lead to disciplinary action against the employee (who is under an obligation to advise their employer of any factors that may affect their work).

Good point, but as your medical records are confidential I think you would have to weigh up how likely this was. Only the OP really knows