If you’ve been signed off due to MH, how long for

[signedoffqs]

I’m dealing with high levels of anxiety at the moment, to the point where they are distracting me from my job and I’m not being productive at all. It’s not been flagged up yet but my standard of work has slipped hugely and I feel guilty for it as it’s not me. I can’t focus too well. I have sought professional support for this and in the process of receiving.

I’m midway through pregnancy and feel like I need a breather to get myself back into the right headspace. Do I have to give a reason why to work, and how long would you have in the first instance? My attendance and work ethic is usually 100 so not used to a situation like this

Thank you

How pregnant? Could you consider taking an earlier maternity leave if it’s arriving soon?

Im no expert but there are charities like pregnant and screwed that can advise on this. I feel like they need to make adjustments for your pregnancy and that could include changing workload to make you less anxious.

17 weeks so a while at work yet! Thanks I will look into that charity I’ve heard they’re good x

After a particular point in pregnancy i believe if you are ill a lot they may be able to start you maternity leave early. I think its quite near the end though.

When you say you've sought professional help, have you spoken to your HR dept? Do you have access to MH support at work?

The GP will advise you what to do and how long to take, probably starting with two weeks initially, and reviewed at that point.

I had a breakdown last year, just couldn't continue, couldn't see a way forward, spent most of my time crying. I got straight on a call to an HR colleague who instructed me immediately to take some time off - 5 days self certified, GP's sick note if longer needed. If I'd had a decent line manager that would have been my first stop, but I just didn't have the kind of open relationship with him that would facilitate proper support (my stress was half work and half home - neurodivergent child - related).

I ended up taking about 6 weeks off in total, requiring GP review every two weeks. Went back, began to feel the same way again and then quit for good. It just wasn't worth it. My mental health has improved immeasurably since then.

I was recently was signed off
but for different reasons. (DW was having an affair). My work were really good about it as they were the ones to suggest I ring the GP and get signed off for two weeks. I made the mistake of going back to work early as I thought the distraction would help. It doesn't. I have however been very open with my manager's manager and informed him that I'm struggling to concentrate some days, particularly in the afternoon and my efficiency has absolutely plummeted. My work are very supportive and are letting me take it at my own pace, weather that means "weeks or months" in their words, to get back up to where I was.

I had the same situation while pregnant with my daughter, ended up working from home and then being signed off for 4 weeks in total. Just double check when being off sick starts your maternity, it differs depending on your contract. If it helps not long after having my little one I felt a lot better, the hormones were definitely adding to everything. CBT also helped massively.
Years later I am now signed off for two weeks due to stress. Gp was very supportive. Sometimes they will do a month, but two weeks is pretty normal and I can go back and extend if needed. Take a minute to breath and look after yourself. Hope you feel better soon.