Sick day due to mental health issue

[Boswellisdead]

So now we have these 'return to work' forms where I have to state the "Precise nature of illness/injury" on the sick for. I had a panic attack at work and once I was fit to drive I went home for the afternoon. I am worried that if I put 'panic attack' or 'mental health problem' it could be stigmatizing and used against me. I feel that it is very personal and feel exposed and vulnerable stating what happened.

What can I put as a reason? Is 'panic attack' enough? I fear that the powers that be just won't understand that. If you've never experienced one, it's hard to convey how debilitating it is.

[daisychain01]

I'd put something vague and generic like:

Intense dizziness and general feeling of sickness

For all they know, it sounds like vertigo.

It's for their records, so you just need some words that looks convincing without giving away your whole medical history on a form.

[Boswellisdead]

That's great, thank you. It is true.

[Lifeisdinky]

Looking at it the other way, if your manager saw that you had a panic attack, or MH issues, they could offer you support during your absence and plan your return to work and any reasonable adjustments that would help you return and remain at work going forward.

[Barbel]

I'm another one voting for describing one of the symptoms rather than naming a panic attack or whatever

For example ...
panic attack = nausea
Period pain or leakage = upset tummy
Hangover = migraine
General feeling fucked off at work = viral infection

Anway lol you get the idea!

[anotherypasswordtoremember]

as someone who line manages people with mental health conditions, I'd urge you to tell the truth.
with us it would trigger all sorts of help including occupational health assessments and support plans, a review of your work load...
if it's work that's causing it you need them to know so they can help.

having said that, you might work with total a**holes in which case you may be protecting yourself. But if they are so bad you feel you have to that, do your future self a favour and start looking for another job because that working situation sounds horrid.

[CanYouHearThePeopleSing]

I thought only HR had a 'right' to know your reason for being off sick, and that your manager only needed to check (with you) that you were fit and able to work, as part of your return to work interview. That was certainly the case in my previous employer, where I had a large team to manage and had to be trained in these kinds of things. There are only 10 of us in total where I work now, with no HR function, so it's a bit different!

[Croquembou]

I think it depends how you feel about your employer.

I'd tell the truth, because my employers are very sweet and supportive. But my sister would lie because she works for a large, generally unsympathetic corporate.

If you don't feel comfortable, just go for the old D&V.

[Justgivemesomepeace]

I also manage sickness at work. Id urge you to tell the truth.
A list of dizzy spells, sickness, tummy upsets etc would be managed under the short term absence policy and triggers warnings quickly.
If someone had a mental health issue, that would promt an OH referral, and possibly be covered under the equality act so managed under a different process. We would also refer to our support services.
If at some point down the line, you trigger warnings as you said it was dizzyness, and then try to say that its linked to a long term health condition that may be covered by the equality act it really muddys the waters.
Be truthful so they can support you.