Can doctors refuse to sign you off for MH?

[Rainbowgal]

I have been off work for a week with MH issues related to pregnancy and general anxiety. I have a follow up call with them on Tuesday and I am going to ask if they will sign me off until I can start my maternity leave in a month. I’ve felt so much better at home and the thought of going back dreads me.

But can doctors refuse to sign you off?

They are unlikely to refuse. I hope things feel better for you soon

A month sign off is unlikely. The usual is 1-2 weeks, which can be reviewed

Just might be worth checking your work policy on sickness and Mat leave, where I work you would be placed on early maternity leave in that situation

Yes it would mean mat leave starts early where I work too.

I thought the rule was if you need to be signed off sick in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy then your leave must start. When is your due date. You can't just be signed off sick because you feel better at home.

It's unlikley a doctor would refuse. But yes, a doctor can refuse to sign somebody off if they don't believe they are unfit for work. You are aware that your employer could force you to start your maternity leave earlier if you are off sick? If you are sick due to preganancy (which you appear to be saying is the case) in the 4 weeks before your due date then your maternity leave starts. That's not the employer - that's the law. If the sickness is for another reason then this doesn't apply, but then you would need to be able to show that the pregnancy has nothing to do with the illness, and you seem to be saying it has.

I have recently been signed off for a 6 week block (twice) due to post natal depression. My last appointment was basically “my signed off period ends today and I’m not ready to go back” and they just accepted it and were very supportive.

Hope you get what you need from the gp. Good luck with your pregnancy 🥰

In a similar position OP. Let me know how
it goes. I’m still tense after being signed off over a week ago for stress and antenatal depression. I’ve got a bit longer to go until maternity leave but being at home, whilst has eased it, hasn't made me feel much better. I still have a toddler I can’t parent. A husband who is literally having to do everything (including taking time off when I got signed off as the GP advised me against driving). I wish I could skip the rest of my pregnancy to be honest.

They can’t sign you off because you prefer being at home, you’ll need to provide a reason. Some GPs are much stricter than others.
you’ll also need to contact your midwife as there are support services/ specialist midwives for mental health and they’ll need to monitor you for PND. It’s also important that you get some sort of treatment

I'll echo what a previous poster has said, check your mat leave policy because you might need to start that early. Might be something to consider doing anyway?

I doubt they will refuse but you really need to check your mat leave policy. In my job you are made to start maternity leave early in this situation.

You can't just say - can you sign me off till the end of the month.

But if your mental health is suffering due to stress/anxiety - tell them that and they will sign you off based on symptoms.

@Viviennemary Thank you
I’m 30 weeks
I didn’t really explain in my OP but I’m currently being seen by perinatal mental health team, health visitors etc because I have very bad anxiety. I lost twins last year and I worry about stillbirth constantly. I’m struggling to work, because I’m constantly worrying about other things or stressing about babies movements. I’ve been at home for a week and not having to get up early after not sleeping during the night or having to put on a brave face has been a weight off my shoulders to the point I worry I’ll relapse if I go back to work. My OP probably made it seemed like I just can’t be bothered to work anymore but that’s far from the issue I just didn’t think to write this in my original post

Also there is no policy in my contract but online I saw it’s 36 weeks they can put me on mat leave

@BungleandGeorge thank you. My midwife is aware of my mental health and I have early health visitor appointments
I am currently being seen my perinatal mental health team, although unfortunately due to waiting list they can’t see me until another 3+ months so I’m thinking about going back to paying for private counselling as I think I need it

Given you’re history and that you’re being seen by perinatal mental health, it’s highly unlikely the gp wouldn’t sign you off. Possibly may do 2 weeks then reassess and extend but I don’t know any that would say you’re fit to work and refuse a note in the circumstances.

As you’ve noticed, mat leave will kick in at 36 weeks irrespective of when you had planned to take it if you’re off sick

@prescribingmum thank you
I don’t know why but I feel really weak having this mental health issues when I feel like I should be grateful I have my rainbow baby. There isn’t a second of the day where I don’t stop worrying that I’ll lose him. I’ve been so scared worrying doctors will think I’m silly for asking to be signed off x

They can refuse to sign you off, but I very much doubt that they would under the circumstances.

It sounds like you need the space to cope with what has happened to you and receive the support that you need.

Your fears aren’t silly - I would have been panicking too in your shoes. While your mat leave may start a few weeks earlier, it sounds like that will be a good thing in this situation to help keep you and baby calm until they’re ready to come and meet you. Sending you lots of hugs and calm!

Theres nothing silly about your fears and you are not alone in how you are feeling. It is very common in pregnancy after loss so please be kind to yourself and take the time you need. Are you able to access any psychology services via perinatal mental health or your midwife? Some units have services for pregnancy after loss which can be really helpful.

Your GP will understand, please don’t worry about telling them that you’re struggling

Another thing you can do is ask GP/midwife to let perinatal mental health know you’re really struggling so if they have any cancellations, could they call you in. Let them know short notice is not an issue and hopefully you can be assessed sooner