Off work due to depression

[NotSoSuperz]

I’ve been off work for a few days because of depression. I haven’t given my boss a reason other than to say I’m unwell but he’s now asked if it’s the sick bug that’s going around. I’ve only been under this boss for about 4 months and unsure how to say it’s because of depression (via text). Can anyone help?

Do you have to? Can you see your GP and get a certificate? How long do you think you might be off? If it's just a few days can you not have the "bug". Is there an HR dept that you can liaise with instead?

I suppose I don’t have to but I already genuinely had a sick bug within my first month of working there so I think it will look like I’m lying. I’m aiming to be back at work tomorrow/Friday/Monday at the latest so I won’t need a docs note. I feel like with mental illness it’s better to be honest so that if it comes up again in future they might be more understanding. Or do you think it might make it worse in the long run?

Do you already have depression, is it something you need ongoing support with, or is this a short term period of stress and things will get back to normal? If the former, be honest, ask for a referral to occupational health to see what adjustments might help you stay in work (and also for them to decide if you are classed as having a disability under the Equality Act). If the latter, and you're confident it's no longer a problem, then say it's a bug.

You won't get over depression in a few days. Do you mean your mood is a bit low and you're starting to feel better? Either go to the doctor and get signed off for a couple of weeks or go back to work having self certified but I wouldn't honestly think depression would just disappear in time like that.

I’ve had depression for years and have had this under control with medication. I’m in a very low place at the moment and can barely leave my bed but I’m trying to pull myself out of it

I think you can just say it's not anything contagious and you'll be back in a few days. If you want to make them aware of your long-term depression you can do that at a time of your own choosing.

It's such a shame that there is a stigma connected to depression and MH. I feel you should be able to be honest without fear that you will be viewed negatively. Everyone being open about such matters is the only way we'll get rid of the stigma of having MH issues but I can still see why you don't wish to.

Sorry, I've not been very helpful.

I suppose if I worked in a role which I felt was very secure then I would tell my boss. I may be more reluctant if I knew changes or redundancies were afoot.

Mental Health is covered under the disability discrimination act - could you speak to a union rep for advice? A good employer will support you.

It's such a shame that there is a stigma connected to depression and MH.

it's not a stigma, but if it makes it impossible to rely on someone, it makes it a pain to manage. Not every company has the budget to employ someone else to cover someone who "might" be off at various points when they are feeling down.
People also get really shirty if you try to implement measures to help out, whilst they don't when you do the same when someone has treatment for long-term physical issues.

Well, you’re going to have to give a reason at some point, even if it’s just a form that needs to be filled in on your return.

I’d be honest now because if you aren’t able to return to work before Monday, any lie will come out in the wash.

You don't have to say anything more than what you are prepared to put in your self cert, if they make you complete one. You could just put d and v or you could put depression, entirely up to you.