Going out whilst on mental health sick leave?

[Rainbowgal]

I’m signed off from work on MH sick leave. Basically I’m suffering with perinatal anxiety due to general anxiety I already had and precious losses. I’m finding it hard getting up early for work, doing the full day without crying or breaking down, it become too stressful.

Doctor said it’s best to not sit indoors during the sick leave if I can see others. I’ve made some plans to see family and friends or even just going on walks to get me out. I have extra therapy during the weekdays now that I’m off too. But I’m starting to feel guilty. There’s this weird voice inside me telling me I should be working if I can go for walks or spend time with my mum or friend. Even though the thought of a stressful work day feels me with dread. AIBU? Or is this reasonable whilst off on sick leave

previous losses*

It’s absolutely reasonable. It’s all part of the recovery. Seeing friends and getting out for daily exercise are good for your mental health. Even the doctor has said do this, you wouldn’t ignore doctors advice on physical grounds so you shouldn’t on MH grounds either.

all the best. I took two weeks after a couple of years ago for anxiety and I went back too soon and I’m still struggling

I'd say it's essential for your recovery, as long as you feel it's helping. Your doctor said it for a reason, please don't feel guilty. If you'd damaged your leg and they said walking would help recovery but sitting at a desk wouldn't help then I'm sure you wouldn't feel guilty for that! It's no different because it's a mental health issue rather than physical.

These threads keep popping up.

Going out for a few hours isn't the same as working for 8 hours a day

@PragmaticWench @youshouldnthaveasked thank you both xx

Totally reasonable while on sick leave. Having been off work with anxiety and depression previously, going out, even for a walk and building up to things like going for lunch, helped immensely. Understand your feeling guilty but these activities are all part of you feeling better. Hope things improve for you soon 💐

@SouthCountryGirl oh sorry I didn’t realise this has been posted many times before, but yes you are right x I know I need to feel less guilty

It’s not just reasonable it’s probably absolutely necessary. Staying indoors during an episode for me would be the absolute worst thing I could do, I imagine it’s the same for lots of people.

Having coffee with friends and family, getting fresh air, and exercising are all part of your recovery plan. They are totally reasonable activities. You could even go on holiday if you wanted and felt it would help!

Completely reasonable - seeing people and getting out and about are important for your recovery.

Thank you everyone. I feel really emotional about your responses. I’m always so worried about how others would look down on me especially work if they knew I was going on walks or seeing friends. I know it’s just my anxiety brain! x

HR person here.

Please go out and see people, stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and pick up your normal activities. It's important for your recovery, just as your doctor has advised.

I do lots of absence meetings and when someone has mental health issues, if they aren't going out my heart sinks as I know they are still a long way from recovery. We encourage people to follow their doctor's advice.

@SouthCountryGirl did you mean to come across as quite so snippy? Totally uncalled for.

She is right though there's threads exactly the same as this every couple of days.
Op if you do a search I'm sure you'll be able to find other threads and I think everyone agrees that it's OK to go out while off sick for mental health reasons.

Yes!
I am on mental health sick leave at the moment with anxiety and depression, and when my kids are in school I've been going for walks, to the cinema, to a cafe with a book, to get a haircut etc. Just to try and get a sense of balance and normalcy back in my life. The days where I have stayed at home in my PJs have been the ones where I've felt myself sliding into a dark tunnel again.
Hope you feel better soon, OP

What kind of threads are you hoping for? The fucking royal family post again?

It's fine for you to go out. The only time you should be inside when off sick is if you have a highly infectious illness....and even then, there may be times you need to get to the GP/Pharmacy etc.

I've not had substantial periods of sick with a mental health problem, but have had time off for physical health problems (a hysterectomy and a broken shoulder) and I would go out once fit to eg to the cinema etc. I saw it as part of my rehab. You can't go from bed to desk without testing out eg how you are on public transport etc,

I feel the same way as you OP. I'm off at the moment, really struggling with my mental health and feeling so guilty for leaving others in the lurch. But I can't continue and I know I can't be at work at the moment. I am also getting extra therapy, and I am trying to pop out when I am feeling up to it, although being out of the house can make me feel panicky and anxious. You can't help feeling guilty, it feels like you shouldn't be out being happy. But like others have said it's an important part of recovery, building up to being comfortable in social situations and then not needing to go home for a sleep afterwards because it has completely exhausted you physically and emotionally.
Good luck with your recovery!

I felt like this when I was off with mental health however I kept reminding myself that it's not the same as being off with a stomach bug or the flu. Getting out and about was an essential part of my getting well enough to work again and I would have explained that too anyone who queried it. I also supported other colleagues who were off with similar issues at other times and again used to say to them that it's not the same as being off with a bug when yes people would rightly query if you were well enough to meet for coffee but not too work

@Rainbowgal
As pp have said this is essential for your well being. Please don't feel guilty, you are doing exactly the right thing for your mental health.
Never feel guilty about looking after your mental health as it can impact on your physical health and your family.
I hope you feel better very soon and are able to return to work with a healthy mindset. 🌻

Excerise has been proven to help woth mental health. Think of it like exercise on prescription

Currently in hospital on section with mental health issues… and occupational therapists are employed to encourage all patients who are well enough to go for walks, do crafts, engage with music and art etc. I say this to emphasise just how important it is for recovery!