Work

[Owls912]

I’m struggling to cope a month on from my dads sudden traumatic passing and I contacted my Gp for an extension of sick line . Instead of giving me this they have replied in an email saying they have booked an appointment with a mental health person who will quote discuss my sick line ? I don’t have mental health issues I am experiencing awful grief and my workplace is entirely supportive of my getting fit note/sick line . Has anyone else had this issue ?

This sounds reasonable. They'll discuss your fit note and if there's anything they can do as a specialist in mental health to help. They might decide your grief is perfectly ok and you just need more time.

Sounds normal. Prolonged and/or complex grief can cause people to develop mental health issues. They probably just want to check in with you OP. Best wishes.

I had this when my husband died suddenly and it was frustrating, not least because they did one of those standard screening questionnaires for anxiety and depression and told me I didn't have either. I said "I know that, I'm not mentally unwell I'm grieving". Fortunately I then got passed to a sympathetic GP who signed me off for 3 months with no hesitation.

It's a sensitive time and an insensitive way to deal with it. I felt quite patronised.

Also @loropianalover struggling a month after the sudden death of someone close is normal, not an indicator of complex or prolonged grief.

Sounds normal procedure

@PrincessMirrorBelle OP mentioned a sudden traumatic passing. I’m sure their doctor wants to do due diligence on whether or not OP is suffering complex grief and needs extra support. There’s nothing wrong with that. Yes, it will be difficult and tiring for OP to attend this appointment but there’s nothing wrong with what the GP has requested.

I just wanted to check it was normal I’ve tried podcasts and online groups and nature walks and a few other things but I can’t switch my brain off from dad no matter how hard I try . Hopefully this apt is helpful