AIBU to go on a night out when signed off sick from work

[fanroyalcake]

Name changed for this.

I’ve very recently been signed off work due to mh issues. This wasn’t an easy decision, I felt so guilty, it was discussed, lots, with my mh team and doctor beforehand.

Ive suffer from bulimia/anorexia for more than half my life, there’s other bits and bobs but this is important for context. I have young dc and haven’t been out in a long time.

It’s not that I even feel I “need” a night out. It’s not so much the going out but the being able to actually do it, if that makes sense 🙈 I’ve avoided it for so long and I believe I need to start living and seeing my friends again.

I hated being around food, anything that involved eating I would avoid. It’s still really early days but I feel ready to do it!

The plan is that we eat then go out afterwards, nothing (too) crazy.

I just feel terrible that I’m signed off work and it appears that I’m off taking the p. It really isn’t like that. I know this but I’m sure word will get back to my work.

I suppose this is an aibu and wwyd?

If you feel ready to do it, you absolutely should do! I hope you have a great time 🍷

In your position I’d be tempted to drop your manager an e-mail explaining that as part of your recovery you are being encouraged to go out and socialise, this is quite a challenge for you but a step along the way of you being able to return to work so please be aware that people may mention they’ve seen you out and about.
You shouldn’t have to justify yourself but it would remove the worry.

Is your manager nice? If so could you not get in touch with them before and forewarn them and explain the situation (the meal etc) and how it will aid your recovery?

I have thought about dropping her an email.

I just work myself up thinking about it, she doesn’t know the exact reason I’m off but my old manger and the head of HR who is really nice, knows.

I do wonder if information had been passed on to my new manager.

I totally understand why it would, it’s still embarrassing to talk about but I feel I am getting there.

When I was signed off with stress my GP told me to tell work that I had been advised to go out and about as much as possible.

I've been signed off for almost four months with MH issues OP.
My Dr has actively encouraged me to get out and about. It's all part of trying to recover.