Told my boss I can’t cope and he told me to take annual leave

oneninezeropop

I’ve told my boss I can’t cope with my colleagues (this was before CV) and recently I told him I can’t cope and need time of work. 

He said I can take annual leave or get a sick note from the doctor. He’s given me the email address of a mental first aider at work, who aren’t medical doctors and have had little training. 

What should I do - tell his boss he’s not managing the situation? 

oneninezeropop

Also by given the address I mean he sent an email to everyone on the team just giving her email address 

kazwookie

Seems like he is gibing you 3 options

1. go sick with Dr's note

2. take holiday

3. contact the metal health team

What actually is it that you want?

oneninezeropop

My boss to actually do something when I’ve told him I can’t cope. Why would I take annual leave to sit on my !!!!!! and do nothing. 

At the same time I can get full pay for three months, to back to work for 5 hours and the cycle can start again. 

So what doesn’t he want me to do? 

Mrsn

I know to you it doesn’t feel like he’s being proactive but for first steps they aren’t bad.

He can’t manage your triggers that’s something you need to recognise and find ways to combat that. These might include asking for reasonable adjustments but he’s not a mind reader, you need to find what is going to help the situation.

Splatfoot

Why can't you cope with your colleagues? Is it something HR can help you with?

jackieblack

oneninezeropop said:

My boss to actually do something 

Like what?
You’re employed to do a job. He’s given you options to enable you to have a break from the situation you can’t cope with. You can use the time to find a solution to your problem.
What exactly is the problem with your colleagues? Unless they’re doing something illegal your boss is unlikely to want to get involved. 

Ultimately, if you’re unable to do the job you’re employed to do, the most likely solution is that you’ll need to find another one. 

amykirk1996

If it's open plan office, ask for your own space.

YBR

What would solve this depends on what you mean by "Can't cope with my colleagues". You may not want to unpack that on here so talking to the MHFA or GP may be good advice. Your MHFA has as much training as a First-aider at work and I would expect them to have listening skills and the resources to sign-post you for further support. I agree they are not specialists but that does not mean they are useless. OTOH they may be too close to the office situation for you to feel confident.

If you need time off work, your bosses options are all he can offer - Annual Leave or sick leave, but if you don't take steps to find a resolution then you are right, the issue will remain when you return. So do take the suggestion to talk it through with your GP or somebody, who might help you see your way to a solution.

Fire_Fox

oneninezeropop said:

I’ve told my boss I can’t cope with my colleagues (this was before CV) and recently I told him I can’t cope and need time of work. 

He said I can take annual leave or get a sick note from the doctor. He’s given me the email address of a mental first aider at work, who aren’t medical doctors and have had little training. 

What should I do - tell his boss he’s not managing the situation? 

"Can't cope" is pretty vague. Communicate in writing (e-mail is fine) and be specific about what is wrong in your work environment and working relationships.

How do you want your boss to manage your request for time off? They are correct that taking annual leave or sick leave are the two ways that can be achieved.

sharpe106

oneninezeropop said:

At the same time I can get full pay for three months, to back to work for 5 hours and the cycle can start again. 

I think that pretty much sums up the attitude of the person. The boss is probably not to overly keen to help. On the other hand what have you suggest to the boss? The other person could be saying the same to the boss so he does not have a clue what to do.