Drafting an email to work about my depression

[Jhr299]

I’ve been of work sick for nearly a week, I told them I was going to be off for at least a week and that I’d have a doctors note on return. I haven’t yet told them why. It’s because of depression which I have had for years and had under control with medication but recently started feeling worse than ever for no specific reason (which has always been the case for me there’s rarely been one thing that’s triggered it) and GP put my meds up but didn’t work so has changed them to a different one. I still feel I need time off especially while adjusting to new medication. I know work are going to know because it’ll say on the note but I need to tell them I’m going to be off longer and think I need to tell them why. I just don’t know how to word it? If anyone could give me an example? I just don’t want to sound dramatic but I also don’t want them to think I’m lying.

Any ideas would be hugely appreciated. The stress of telling work/being off work is making everything so much harder

[eggncress]

I don’t think your GP needs to give graphic details on the note.
I would keep it vague for now... maybe say you are going through a stressful time or something along those lines? And see how you get on with treatment for your depression meantime. You can always give them more info later if need be.
You could ask the GP what they’re going to write. They have a duty to respect medical confidentiality.... so it’s unlikely they’re going to divulge a diagnosis to your boss.

[MrsPatmore]

I don't think you need to give any lengthy explanations. Your sick note will have depression written on. Maybe explain you are changing meds and these will take 6-8 weeks to kick in.

[Jhr299]

Do I say ‘I’m off for mental health reasons which I’ve recently changed medication for and just need some time to adjust’ or ‘I’m off due to depression which I’ve recently changed medication for and just need some time to adjust’ The word depression.. I don’t know why I just hate using it. But mental health could be a huge range of things?

[eggncress]

The fit note will detail the reason for you being off so your work can just refer to that.
If you want to add something you could just say “ with regard to my fit note, my GP has started me on new medication which may take a few weeks to be effective” .... or something along those lines?
You don’t even need to say how long you’ll be off as your fit note will say so.
You might also want to say to your boss that you’ll keep them updated

[Jhr299]

I haven’t given a doctor note in yet the gp said I could give it in when I go back, as when I saw him he said to self certify for 7 days then call the doctors to ask for a sick note and I could pick it up and take it in when I go back. Is it reasonable for me to have my work wait until I go back to know the reason (when they see the note)?

[Purpleneonpinkunicorns]

I would just be honest and give them a heads up that you may be off a while longer, if you are asked only tell your boss as work colleagues don't need to know, just tell your boss either it's due to mental health issues and explain that your not in the tightest frame of mind, or tell him it's due to your depression that you have been managing but unfortunately it's hasn't worked and has hit you hard, I wouldn't worry too much op about telling them as they can't disclose why your off with anybody else, but it would be worth a shot to let them know youll be off for longer so that they can get cover for you, hope your new meds help and sorry that your having a hard time

[Monty27]

The gp will have it on the note. Which management are bound to keep confidential.

[MrsPatmore]

After 7 days you need to send the sick note in to your employer. It shouldn't wait until you get back. The sick note will detail how long the GP has signed you off for. When that is near to expiry, you return to your GP to be reviewed.

[JurassicBark]

Check with what your GP has said as most work places like a copy of the note ASAP.

Get the note, give it to work - you don’t actually need to say anything as long as they get the copy of the note to them on the 7th day.

[Jhr299]

I can’t get the note as I’m staying with my family around 4 hours drive from where I live and my gp is. I told my gp at my appointment this and he said it was fine and that I can pick it up when I’m back, and give it in when I go to work. I’ve told my employer now that I’m off for mental health reasons and they asked if I have a sick note and if I could post it. What am I meant to do? Surely if I was in hospital etc I wouldn’t be able to take a sick note in, so can’t they wait until I’m back?

[Letitgo2018]

You can't get a sick note for the first seven days anyway. After that yiu can scan it in to e mail.