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Will occupational health agree I need to work from home?

28 replies

Geeal · 23/02/2025 10:20

I am so stressed and unhappy. I recently started taking sertraline and whilst it has started to take effect mentally for me, the side effects are grim. I am having to got to the toilet often, struggling with insomnia and feeling panicky every couple of days (Nearly all of this is a result of the stress and shit treatment at work since I had a baby a couple of years ago). I am looking for a new role.

I usually work from home but since Christmas we’ve been told we need to go in two days a week. Since taking these tablets I do not feel I can do this for the reasons explained in the first paragraph. I’m told the symptoms will ease within six weeks. Work have said I can speak to occupational health if I feel I need some adjustments to my work pattern. I haven’t told them I am taking sertraline (it’s a very corporate environment where mental health still isn’t really talked about too much).

Will occupational health support this? And will they tell HR and my manager I am struggling mentally?

OP posts:
Geeal · 23/02/2025 10:31

MacieJayne · 23/02/2025 10:26

OH will write a report following your meeting with them, which will be given to your line manager. This is to help you, otherwise there isn't any point.

However, you will see the report and make adaptations before it is sent.

Line management will follow the report and the agreed adaptations.

Looking at what you are saying, are you even fit for work, given the symptoms you have?

@MacieJayne could this affect my career moving forward then?

@HoskinsChoice I was off sick for two weeks before I started taking the medication and that’s when HR suggested I speak to occupational health as I said I wasn’t sure how I could manage in general coming back. I then just came back and continued working from home and pending the chat with occupational health.

OP posts:
HoskinsChoice · 23/02/2025 10:28

I think you have to try going into work before you or anyone else can make any decision or adjustments. Working from home is considered by many mental health professionals to be a bad thing. Why don't you give it a try - you might find getting out and being part of a team is beneficial to you. You won't know until you try? I hope you can find a way to make it work for you.

MacieJayne · 23/02/2025 10:26

OH will write a report following your meeting with them, which will be given to your line manager. This is to help you, otherwise there isn't any point.

However, you will see the report and make adaptations before it is sent.

Line management will follow the report and the agreed adaptations.

Looking at what you are saying, are you even fit for work, given the symptoms you have?