Leaving work due to mental health

[gnarlington]

I have been signed off work now for 3 months due to my OCD, severe anxiety and depression. I don't think I am able to go back. Does anyone know if I would be entitled to any benefits/support. I have had mental health issues for about 25 years and they are becoming very severe, I am restricting my life substantially and feel like I'm just existing.

If you resign from your role then you may be eligible for contribution based job seekers allowance i believe, but this is only for a short period of time (6 weeks). If you are married, then the expectation is that your partner will support financially.

Is your latest sign off period coming to an end? Has there been any change?

While you are still unwell, I wouldnt think resigning would be a wise move, but that all depends on your circumstances.

Yes it's coming to an end, although the doctor would continue to sign me off. I just don't know what to do

You might be eligible for ESA but do check if you would be sanctioned if you resigned. It might be better to negotiate with your employer to leave on health grounds. How long have you worked there?

I have worked there for 10 years this year. I know they would help me as much as they could. I am still entitled to 6 months on half pay but feel bad as I have no idea when I will get better, if ever

I have no idea when I will get better, if ever

Don't make any decisions yet. Talk to CAB or similar about what benefits you might get. As a general rule, you'll be entitled to less if you resign, and it may be better from that perspective to wait for your employer to follow all their processes and for them to take that decision, even if that would be several months down the line.

Talk to your doctor, tell them you don't know if you will ever be able to return to work. What do they think about how you're doing, and the chances of you going back?

Does your employer offer any benefits like an Employee Assistance Programme? If there is anything like that, they may also have advice on benefits and could offer counselling services as well. In any case, don't make any decisions about resigning or anything until you have also talked to work.

It's only been 3 months. That's not so long in terms of depression. Be kind to yourself.

I stopped working under almost the exact same circumstances BUT the system has changed a lot since then.

I originally resigned for health reasons and went on incapacity benefit. I was then moved onto ESA and initial application was rejected - it was at this point I was luckily in touch with an OCD support group and they signposted me to welfare rights and told me I could appeal. The appeal was successful and I was put on ESA. I had a similar experience with DLA. (Had to appeal)

And this was back when it was supposedly better!

Don't stop being an employee until you know exactly where you stand.

"Mind" can be very good on this.

Also make an appointment with your local welfare rights office - they're employed by the council but are really good at advising on welfare and can help you fill in the forms (don't even attempt to do this yourself) and can even advocate for you.

But to be honest, if you can have a good amount of time off, and potentially keep your job that would be the ideal.

What support are you getting? Are you on medication? How long have you been on it?

OCD is a bully! You don't deserve to be bullied. Get the help you need and hopefully you'll be well enough to work again and soon.

@Graphista
Thank you for your post. I have been into work today and they are very understanding so I will stay signed off for a while longer. I happen to work under the same team as my local welfare rights service and have some lovely colleagues, so will be contacting them as well.