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Time off work due to depression

1 reply

Jhr299 · 14/06/2018 10:28

I’ve been on medication for depression for 3 years now. I’ve had times where I came off it as I was feeling good and the doctor advised it but I very soon went downhill again. Lately I felt worse than ever, more able to function than I have been when I was ‘bad’ before, but thinking of suicide every day. Looking into news stories at methods etc. I don’t think I’d ever do it, but I wished I could. My dose was put up around 6 weeks ago and it got worse. Went to docs yesterday and he suggested switching to a different medication. And put me on waiting list for counselling. I called in sick to work yesterday because I just couldn’t get myself out of bed, and that’s when I made the appointment. I feel like I need a couple of weeks to get going on the new meds, talk to people, sort my head out a little. So I’m going to stay with my family for a bit, I’ve told work I’m going to be off for at least a week, and that I’ll have a doctors note when I return. I know they’re going to find out from docs note why, but I just can’t bring myself to tell them myself. Now I’ve had a text from manager asking the reason so she can do paperwork. I just don’t know what to say how do I put it into words without sounding dramatic or fake, I already feel like a fake because when I’m with people I can be absolutely fine. But then the drive home I feel like dying. I don’t want to have to tell them via email/text but I don’t know what else to do. Any advice please?

OP posts:
erinaceus · 14/06/2018 10:47

In this situation I told my manager that my absence was mental health related which was about as vague as I felt I could make it whilst still being honest.

My doctor also put vague things on the sick note, I think "low mood". If you don't want your manager to know the reason, can the note from your doctor be submitted to HR or Occupational Health? This is an option where I work, but it might not be an option for you.

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