I work in a high stress high responsibility job. Have been in this sector 14 years and have managed periods of trauma and stress throughout that time - job related. However 4 weeks ago, due to a number of significant events at work happening at the same time, and managing changes to my life that have occurred over the last 18 months, I had what I can only describe as a breakdown and I am currently off work. This is a first for me.
I am 4 weeks into counselling, Iv started and changed medications and im seeing progress but I am burnt out, depressed but most of all, suffering the effects of stress. Although I’m off I struggle even getting nice messages from colleagues.
My aibu is, I am obviously now subject to HR and attendance policies and have been “invited to a meeting to discuss how to get me back to work”. Whilst I understand this, I have a GP and a counsellor who are clear it’s unlikely il be well enough to return before Xmas without doing myself further harm. Would IBU to ask my employer if I can not attend any meetings yet as it is having the opposite affect of its purpose?
Just for note, this is the first sick note Iv had in my life. I didn’t take time off when my relationship ended, when i lost pregnancies, I didn’t do it lightly. I just don’t want anyone to think I’m having a jolly.