Leaving job due to depression, what are my rights?

complimentschemistry

Hi all, not sure if I'm in the right place so please move this thread if needed.

I'm really depressed at work and I'm going to the doctors to possibly get signed off from work if I can - just wanted to see what my rights are if I want to leave while signed off?

Reason I want to leave rather than just take time off is that my boss calls me out in front of everyone when he has a problem, clearly favours others over me as I don't suck up, and just coming into the office makes me feel like I have this massive weight on my shoulders and I feel miserable On the verge of tears at the moment as I just feel so down - as soon as I walk outside or have a weekend off this feeling dulls down so much.

If anyone could help me with this I would really really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

GothicStirling

As a sufferer of depression, I don't think you are actually suffering from depression. It sounds more like work related stress and anxiety. I've been through periods of anxiety brought on by stress without developing depression, depression itself can cause anxiety.

Tell the doctor how you feel, but don't embellish. Anti-depressants are crippling, and will make you ill for several weeks. Anxiety is better treated with a beta-blocker. What I imagine the doctor will say is that I'll sign you off for a week, but you need to sort out the cause of the stress. Being signed off on the sick isn't a long term solution.

viktory

Personally, I think you need to stand up to your boss. If your boos has cause to speak to you about your work, then he should be conducting such a conversation in private. Next time he tries to discipline you in open office simply stop him and politely say "I think it would be better if we had this conversation in private". Your boss sounds like a bully. It sounds like you are not depressed per se, but rather your job is depressing you. Therefore, you should consider other action instead of being signed off. You need to deal with the problem; not run away from it. Being signed off will achieve nothing; you have already said you are better when you are not at work so you need to deal with the work issue. Are you actively looking for another job? Are you a member of a Union? They could help you, perhaps raise a grievance against your boss, therefore solving the problem that is making you depressed.

complimentschemistry

Thanks to both of you for your great advice.

GothicStirling - I'll speak to my doctor about exactly how I feel and I hope we will be able to find a solution

viktory - Actively looking yes, but there's no union to be a part of unfortunately. But I will take on board your advice about standing up to him, I can't keep getting walked all over.

Thanks again to both of you.

Ihatecameron

If the boss is making you feel stressed and worthless, go through the company complaints process first and if nothing changes, I think you should claim constructive dismissal.

xangeleyes

I'm also a sufferer of depression and depression wouldn't just hit you at work alone, it will be there night and day, at home and at work. I also think - as someone has already said - that this is probably stress and/or anxiety.
Of course, the doctors will say this or say it's depression because it's the first thing they say (I HATE the word depression and it is used far too much by people and doctors, it's a quick fix for doctors to get you out of the room.)

Perhaps you should sign off work under stress, and while off work, look for another job. That way you wont become stuck being unemployed.
Good luck xxx

PS. The boss sounds like a power mad bully - or perhaps it feels like he is favouring you because you've both never spoken to each other properly to find out what the other one is like, as a person . Is there anyone else you can go to about him? Or perhaps have a word with him about it?

shop-to-drop

Just wondering have you already starting looking for another job? If not I certainly would if you feel so bad about the current one. Another thought is that in some work places managers move around frequently so sometimes it's best to stick it out until there is the next change. I also agree you have had some good advice in earlier posts too.

Pete111

Ihatecameron wrote: »

If the boss is making you feel stressed and worthless, go through the company complaints process first and if nothing changes, I think you should claim constructive dismissal.

Hmmm..at least the above approach gives your boss a heads up that something is amiss. But before getting too formal I would try the below:


1st action. Speak to your boss in private about his Mgt style etc. He may not even realise you are upset.

2nd action. If nothing changes after the above then carefully consider raising a greivance

3rd action. If your greivance not upheld consider appealing it.

4th Action. If nothing changes after all of the above consider resigning and before you do have a short consultation with an employment lawyer re a potential constructive dismissal claim - they will advise you whether it would hold any water whatsoever.


However if you just want to get signed off sick and not try to take any control of the situation then just go and see your GP...

complimentschemistry

Thanks again to everyone for their great pieces of advice - this forum is full of great people who really do care about others which has made me feel 10 x better.

Feeling less depressed now I've got a doctor's appointment in place and I've applied for a few roles and thought about the comments people have made. It's amazing how support of others can lift your spirits when you think you're really stuck!

Thanks again all.