Depression and work

[Twogirlsonelabrador]

Hi all
I was after some advice if anyone has been in a similar situation. My mental health has been deteriorating over the last few months and 2 and a half weeks ago I had what must be classed as some kind of breakdown, getting in my car in my pyjamas, leaving my husband and children, driving out into the countryside and phoning the samaritans! Fast forward 2 weeks and I am taking prozac for general mood and propananol if I feel very anxious or agitated. I work part-time and phoned in sick after this happened, when my doctor signed me off for 2 weeks. I havent heard anything at all from work. My line manager hasnt text or phone to see how I am. Obviously early days on the meds so not feeling massively better but a bit less fiery I think. Spoke to doctor today and she signed me off for another 2 weeks. My question is - how likely am I going to be off? WilI have to get a cert every two weeks until I feel better and able to work? I currently feel like there is noway I will ever go back to work as its a toxic environment and the fact no-one has even asked how im doing speaks volumes. What is the best way to explain this to my doctor in that I want to stay away as long as I can while I get well and find something else hopefully (we are lucky, we can manage on my partners wage, so currently with 2 children my absolute priority has to be getting well). Any advice would be very helpful.

I have been off work with depression for 5 months. At first, I was signed off for two weeks and then I could renew my sick note over the phone and I asked for it to be a month. I am also on Prozac and can say that it took at least three weeks for me to feel better - I also had quite a few side effects which did go after a while. I only contact work via email or letter and have been thankful that they haven't contacted me. It is impossible to know how long you will be off but I would try to rest and be kind to yourself whilst allowing the Prozac to do its job. Best of luck.

Really appreciate your reply, thank-you!

Everyone is different

I have had episodes of severe depression and through these it has suited me better to keep a vague routine and go to work albeit with some reduced hours (very sedating medication) and time out for blood tests (lithium) and appointments with the psychiatrist.

With instructured time on my hands I would have gone to very dark places. I needed to keep 'busy' to combat unhelpful rumination and apathy which can take over

So in answer, discuss openly with your doctor what you think will help YOU