Signed off work for two weeks is it ok to go out?

[SeaShell33]

I've been signed off work for two weeks while I settle on my antidepressants.
I just wondered if it would be appropriate if I went out during those two weeks?
For example to the park, to soft play, playgroup, for a coffee.

Any advice?

Thank you

Of course you can go out, I'd encourage you to do so for your mental well-being.

You're only concerned as depression is so stigmatised into being a "fraudulent" illness.

Obviously it's not.

I hope you feel better soon

Definitely. Those things will help your mental state.

Of course you can go out, and you really should. If those activities help you with your day to day MH then it will help you settle in to your AD better. Don't feel like you should shut yourself away, just because you're signed off.

I'd personally not post any pictures etc on SM, in case you have a bitchy gossip type environment at work. It's none of their business what you do, but don't leave yourself open to criticism.

Yeah, years back when I was signed off, both the doctor and occupational health told me I HAD to get out and about, and not to lock myself up in my flat.

(Having said that I was terrified each time I did in case someone saw and misinterpreted, so I know it's easier said than done!)

I did the same and once bumped into someone from work who was really odd with me. I thought that they thought I was faking but when I went back to work it turned out that because I had gone off sick so suddenly and the Head had tried to keep it quiet why I was off that the rumour was that I had cancer. I never took sick days, even when I had a kidney stone so people knew it must be serious. We turned it into a positive though as we had training on how to deal with MH issues in the workplace.
I hope you are feeling well again soon OP.

You're signed off work, so not fit for work. You are not signed off life and general wellbeing activities. I know it can be hard and you may feel nervous about bumping into someone you know, but its important that you do things that will help to settle into a new normal with your mental health alongside the meds. When I was off sick with depression earlier this year my manager was very keen that I not isolate myself and at each kit meeting would ask what I had done and where I had been, as the starting point to see if I was socialising and being active- this is a general wellbeing based approach to managing absence that our department has adopted. I found it supportive and a breath of fresh air.

Go out, it will be good for your mental health. Hope you start to feel better soon

It's important for your health that you do go out.

Thank you so much for everyone's comments! I'm going to give it a go but I'm sure I'll still feel nervous doing it!

Being nervous about it gives some hints as to why you're signed off work. Are you aiming to get another job once you get your brain settled again?

Spend as much time outside as you can, doing the absolute opposite of whatever work is.

@SpoonBlender I definitely want to go back to the same job and am gutted that I've got to take time off work. I'm unable to sleep on the antidepressants so until I get through the side effects and am able to sleep I can't manage a full days work.

Ah, okay - I'm generalising too much from my own experience! Sorry.

Hope you get all adapted soon and that the ADs work well for you. Do get out for sunlight and exercise, it'll still help for sleep things and sounds like you need all the help you can get for that!

Thank you @SpoonBlender

My husband and I both have had bouts of depression. When I was last poorly 18 months ago he encouraged me out to walk around the park with him. At the end, like a little reward, he’d buy me tea and cake at the park cafe. It really does help.

@ChocoChunk1 that's so lovely! You have a great husband! I'll be going to my parents house tomorrow with DD and my dad said we're going for a walk and take DD to the park.