Absence because of pet death

Pupnik

I had a work colleague who lost a family member and ended up being signed off for months. The death triggered a complete breakdown to the point where he could not even leave the house and eventually came back with a staggered return. It was not the death of his family member which made him be off work for all those months but the breakdown that it triggered and something like that could easily have happened with the OP's employee.

There is clearly something more here - perhaps the employee has a history of mental illness and his or her doctor made their decision based on their case history.

RosaBernicia

ILW wrote: »

My point is that even by a GP a diagnosis of depression is pretty hit and miss. A referral to a phsyciatrist would be required for any measure or certainty.

However, as that diagnosis is the basis of the sickness certification it appears to be good enough for the legal profession. And the medical profession seem to have reached a consensus on a reasonable measure of certainty at first presentation, which is the criteria used within the GP consultation.

If the phased return continues to be requested, I would suggest a referral to OccH - partly to give the employee someone to talk to if needed, and partly to ensure whatever is agreed can be defended if the situation gets worse.


Rosa xx

Poppie68

ILW wrote: »

The person would have been "diagnosed" by their doctor in a consultation that lasted around 10 to 15 minutes. A full examination would have taken weeks. NHS GPs do not have to time and will generally just sign off as the safe and easy option.

The employee in question was signed of with stress not depression.
Stress is easier to diagnose than clinical depression as they are too very different conditions
. Usually GP's will refer for Mental health evaluations when they have witnessed several episodes of different behaviour pointing to this condition.
These days GP's tend to put stress on a sick note rather than 'depression' unless the patient has had a full evaluation.

ILW

Probably not in this case, but virtually anyone with a little research can get themselves signed off with stress if they wish to. A GP is very unlikely to refuse the sick note.

Sambucus_Nigra

Fire_Fox wrote: »

Stress related disorder is a mental health issue, death of a pet is a negative life event and is according to the OP is not cited on the doctors certificate. If you honestly believe that only 'serious issues' lead to health problems (physical or mental) you are sorely mistaken. Do you have any healthcare qualifications?

I don't need a healthcare qualification to see that the OP only mentioned one issue that they knew of, and that was the death of a pet. Hence not being able to comment about any of the other problems this person may or may not have.

A stress related disorder can mean any number of things, from the death of a pet to a complete breakdown. But as we don't actually know any more than a pet died, this is why people are saying they are surprised that they are signed off for so long.

I'm not saying I agree or disagree, I don't know the issue that this person actually has. So get down off that high horse eh?

Poppie68

ILW wrote: »

Probably not in this case, but virtually anyone with a little research can get themselves signed off with stress if they wish to. A GP is very unlikely to refuse the sick note.

To be honest i dont think people these days need to do a little research, stress seems to be a part of everyday life.
Jobs, money etc i do think though some people do need time to sort things in their lifes out and if a GP signs someone off for a week or two it can stop stress turning into something more serious.
Thats not to say some people don't swing the led though.

Errata

Stress has always been part of everyday life, it's part and parcel of being a sentient human being and is actually quite healthy.

Poppie68

A stress related disorder can mean any number of things, from the death of a pet to a complete breakdown. But as we don't actually know any more than a pet died, this is why people are saying they are surprised that they are signed off for so long.

Stress is not a 'complete breakdown' but if the stress is not managed properly it can turn into depression which in turn could result in a breakdown.

Poppie68

Errata wrote: »

Stress has always been part of everyday life, it's part and parcel of being a sentient human being and is actually quite healthy.

Dont think we would be normal if we did'nt suffer stress in our lives. Stress can act like an alarm to get you alive and kicking.

zildjian

I haven't read the full thread. However, a further two weeks does seem excessive on a first glance. In comparison to alot of companies having only two days for the death of a parent!

On the other hand, it could have triggered "stress" perhaps none of us have ever felt i.e. going into depression etc.

If the company is a "well oiled machine" and recruits the best, then i guess you should trust the staff member and Doctor on it. But perhaps keep tabs on the persons record (not sure the legality stance of that though). My one true concern is that the culture spreads throughout the company.