Depression............and work

bunking_off

As others have said, first step must be a GP visit, and discuss with him/her whether they think you being signed off for a while could help (it doesn't always; sometimes work can be a welcome distraction). I'm sorry to say that the standard of mental health provision in this country is a national disgrace and you likely will have to wait for counselling on the NHS...my own experience (with my wife) is that it can be years rather than days. However, there's bound to be a postcode lottery on these things so you never know, and if you're not on the waiting list you can't get to the top...

In the meantime, I would recommend looking into Depression Alliance, who have some really good self help groups.

To return to the original question, looking at the from the perspective of being a manager, the worst thing is surprises. See your GP, but if he signs you off, let your boss know now, so something can be done about your work.

SPANIEL36

My GP signs me off for 2 weks at a time so when i go back he can judge how i'm doing. I thought i was doing 'ok' this week till work sent me a GREAT PLACE TO WORK SURVEY to fill in. That just felf like they were taking the ****

Rosco1112

Hi Everyone, I too suffer with anxiety which I find leads to my depression. I have never taken ant depressants because I don't want my body to become reliant on them. I have every Thursday and Friday off and because it is Friday night I feel really bad now. I feel like I could burst out crying a lot of the time and when my boss phones me I cannot eat and find myself needing to go to the toilet. It's nice to know I am not on my own, I just wish I could find a job I could wake up and feel happy to do. I wish I was not so sensitive.

cattie

SPANIEL36 wrote: »

Work cannot dismiss you over an illness like this.

This isn't actually correct as if you are off sick for an indefinite period, as long as an employer follows the correct procedures, they can in fact dismiss you if your doctor is not able to indicate when you are likely to be able to return to work to continue your duties.

This is what happened to me after 10yrs in my job & a complete breakdown after suffering a dreadful tragedy.:(