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Think I may need to sign off work - is this a bad idea?

2 replies

mocca · 05/09/2007 12:01

I'm a full-time working mum of a 7 year old and a single parent to boot. My husband left about 8 months ago and we're getting divorced. It's been a painful process and although it's getting easier, I still have a way to go. Combined with this, I've finally accepted I have a serious alcohol problem and need to stop drinking. I've started going to AA which I know will help but it's very hard. I've also been on and off anti-depressants for anxiety for some time and this time round have been on them for almost a year (they do help).

I'm back at work after a short holiday and am wondering what on earth I'm doing here. I can't concentrate and just want so much to spend time trying to get better (going to as many AA meetings as I can etc). I love my D dearly but am glad she's back at school - she's very clingy because of the divorce and this can be quite tiring.I'm seriously considering going to my GP and asking if I can be signed off for a few weeks to get myself on the straight and narrow. I work for a small company who are generally very good to their staff (my boss took 2 weeks off for stress the day after I started and left me to get on with it!). I wouldn't want them to know it's because I'm trying to quit drinking though and was thinking it may be better to say it's because of the divorce and associated stress. Has anyone else been through something like this?

OP posts:
LittleB · 05/09/2007 12:25

I'd talk to your gp about it, it sounds like you're doing all the right things and I'm sure he could keep the reasons for signing you off confidential.
I haven't been through it myself but my mother turned to alcohol after my parents divorced, she was also very stressed and AA has helped her enourmously I can't remember if she had time off work though, it was 18 yrs ago. She has now been in recovery for years and is happily married to a fellow AA member.
Have you tried some counselling too, this could help you deal with your problems and get ontop of things. Good luck with it all.

Tortington · 05/09/2007 12:27

i went on the sick for 3 weeks with depression at xmas.

the only way it can come to bite you in the arse is if you find another job in the next two years

ont he applicatin forms now - it usually asks for two yars sickness record

if that oesn't bother you - i would certainly cut out as much stress as you can.

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