Should i be worried about being refered to occupational health?

savingsp

i've just got back from the doctors. As i thought she has changed my anti-depressant and written me off for two weeks, she wanted to write me off for more but we thought we'd see how the new meds go. Now im worried about telling work as all this time off is obviously going to go against me. What should i do??? What should i say???

Savvy_Sue

If you don't feel up to talking on the phone yet, and they weren't expecting you back tomorrow, I'd post the Fit Note with a covering letter to say that although you and the GP are hoping the new medication will help more than the previous prescription did, it's unlikely that you will be returning as soon as it runs out, but you will obviously discuss this further at your Occ Health appt.

Personally I'd also start asking about phased returns: after my first extended period of sick leave I would never have got back in through the work front door if I'd had to turn up at 9.30 am on Monday and do five days on the trot.

ankspon

Phased returns are great but only if you feel up to it,the new meds may take longer than 2 weeks to make a difference,you have the support of your GP and occy health will support you as well,concentrate on getting better because until every option to help you has been exhausted it will be hard to dismiss you from your job.

williacg

savingsp wrote: »

i've just got back from the doctors. As i thought she has changed my anti-depressant and written me off for two weeks, she wanted to write me off for more but we thought we'd see how the new meds go. Now im worried about telling work as all this time off is obviously going to go against me. What should i do??? What should i say???

Only you can decide, but whatever you do evetually decide on, make sure that you keep your line manager fully up-to-date, as what can often antagonise matters is when your employers are left guessing - keep them in the loop, as they'll be able to plan ahead for your replacement cover. Furthermore, as previously suggested by other posters, returning to work under reduced hours, getting back into a routine gradually won't be quite as frightening as Monday to Friday, 9.00 to 5.00.

AnonymousForObviousReason

savingsp wrote: »

i've just got back from the doctors. As i thought she has changed my anti-depressant and written me off for two weeks, she wanted to write me off for more but we thought we'd see how the new meds go. Now im worried about telling work as all this time off is obviously going to go against me. What should i do??? What should i say???

The only thing you can do is say the truth. Work/OH know it's not actually you saying you're sick for the next two weeks it's your GP and it's their professional opinion. Remember it's in the companies interest to get you working to full capacity think of all the training, time getting you settled in, etc. If for no other reason dismissing someone on health grounds is not easy, cheap or a pleasant process.

As others have mentioned phased returns are good and fairly common for longer periods of absence. OH will likely make a recommendation but it wouldn't hurt for you to request it if not forthcoming.

I would also fully back what williacg said about keeping your line manager informed. Unless your line manager has experience of depression first hand or with a family member they are likely to be ignorant about it. If you can just talk to them about how it affects you, what is thought to cause it (host of theories and reasons), etc they'll feel less nervous about it and more understanding.

If you haven't already, research all the side effects of the meds, this is so you know what to expect and what to look out for, also so you can discuss them with your line manger this way you have a backup person who knows what to look out for, even if you don't see it.

Good luck

savingsp

Just an update ...... i havent yet returned to work as i am still written off by the doctor and am due to return on friday. My mood has improved over the two weeks i have been off and i have lost half a stone in weight (i need to loose 6 stone in total) so i am feeling a bit better in myself. I am worried though that i might go backwards when i return to work. How should i act on my first day back as i am only there for 3 hours and then we break up for school holidays. Thanks again for all your advice so far