AIBU to think my career will be over if I am signed off for MH

[PleasantPheasant]

I'm at a point where I'm really struggling mentally and work is a big part of that. My dr wants to sign me off for a few weeks at least, I'm scared if I go off that I will not be able to get a promotion in the future, or that I won't be able to get another job if it's on my record. I work in London and my manager is not understanding of MH, my colleagues would also be pissed. But I don't know how much longer I can do this.

I don't think it will be an issue if you want to return to the same job.
However, if you then, at any point need to apply for a new job, in the Occ Health questionnaire you will have to reply "yes" to the mental health question(s), if you now get signed off with depression.

I was signed off for three months with anxiety and depression at the beginning of the year, went back in April. To be fair, 2 others on the team have had time off for similar in the last year, and 2 have just left before it got to that stage.

My manager's reaction has been great, workload adjusted to help me ease back in etc. Colleagues have also been great, happy to see me back and "better". Interestingly, it's been a couple of the younger ones who have seemed to be awkward around me and not known what to say.

The time off was desperately needed, though I was desperate to avoid it at the time. Gave me a chance to take a step back, appreciate what I had, prioritise what I wanted and how to get it. Also gave time to let the meds and counseling to work properly.

Best thing I could have done, with hindsight.

You need to do the right thing by your mental health and if that's to continue counselling & get signed off that's the right thing to do

Do not ask a Dr to fudge the reason for why you are signed off. If you have MH issues explain that to your manager and be as honest as you can so they can support you. Some organisations have access to employee counselling programmes (confidential) and Managed Occ Health both of which may be able to offer you assistance

I'd been signed off with depression for all of 20 working days when I was forced out of my job.

It depends on the job too. Some environments are more accepting. however many employers only pay SSP so no pay at all for first 3 days off sick and then just SSP rates after that. If you are off sick on full or half pay you are very lucky indeed and that is a very different situation than most.

Sorry to hijack a bit, but does anyone know if you have to take time off if a doctor tells you to? I've been told I'm likely to be signed off for longer still for my anxiety. I'm terrified of losing my job. My manager is nice but I don't know how long he'll be sympathetic for...

It does depend on where you work I suppose. I've been signed off work for a few weeks with mh issues(long standing which the managers knew about) and now I'm being taken to panel to discuss dismissal as I've had poor attendance in the last year due to the mental health problems.

No, you don't haev to take time off if a doctor says so. Medicine is not a precise science and plenty of people are happy to carry on. Some people choose to work whilst having cancer even without telling anyone although I accept that mental health issues are different as the stress of work may make the mental condition worse although it is not as simple as that. Staying home too long can make some (not all) people feel even worse. For some people work is a useful distraction rather than the cause of the problem and being at home can be very stressful for some. Many a couple have big difficulties on retirement as suddenly they have to spend more time with family - not always the wonderful gift it is made out to be.

Thank you tiger, I was worried there'd be insurance rules or something!

I'm so sorry you're going through that needles - that's what I'm worried about too, I've just counted it up and I've been off for about 16 days in one year (not in one go and not intentionally obviously). I feel like my brain has been bruised - I'll ask the the doctor what I should do.

Hope you're doing ok PleasantPheasant

Saw a doc yesterday and they said basically there's f all they can give me to take the edge off for the time being. I'm still at work, really worried I'll lose my job either way. Sorry Wandering and Needles, that is exactly what I'm scared of. I know my MH will be a lot worse if I lose my job with no job to go to and how would I get another job..
helpnc, if you have given in your sick note, you can't go in due to insurance reasons, if you haven't given it in, to my understanding, you can work instead. Talk to your manager about it too, I should do the same, but I'm scared.