Taking time off work

[Cryingeveryday]

I’ve been struggling more than normal with my MH for the last 2-3 months due to unusual and stressful situation at work. I’ve been incredibly tearful, even crying at my super corporate work and in the car park.

The situation has been sort of ended and I should be relieved but all I feel is grief.

im on anti depressants and have talking therapy weekly but seriously not feeling any better.

My motivation to cook, keep hours, exercise etc is non existent.

I feel like I need some time out but honestly fear the impact on my career. Work talks about supporting MH but I worry that won’t be for me.

I have no partner or parents. It’s just me.

Work talks about supporting MH but I worry that won’t be for me.

Do you mean you don't believe they support MH or that they do support MH but not yours?

I worry that they wouldn’t support my MH. They’d just be exasperated by it.

I think you might be surprised. It's a trick your brain plays when you're struggling that you won't be understood / treated with compassion.

Look up the policy, supporting documents internally to reassure yourself.

I would start by seeing your doctor and getting a sick note for a minimum of 2 weeks. It's short enough that they are unlikely to engage occupational health or probe further, but give you enough time to exhale and process.

Try to get yourself back on an even keel in that time - 3 square meals, a daily walk and fresh air, good sleep and self care, nothing too ambitious.

Ultimately you can't pour from an empty cup, and your work profile / career is more likely to suffer from being there, struggling and possibly underperforming than it is from taking a break when you need it and hopefully coming back able to show up more fully each day.

Good luck OP. It will pass, promise x

I understand what you are facing. Sometimes it is very difficult to handle such situations. You should try to open up with someone.
I want you to overcome this mental health issue, and take out some time for yourself. Go on a walk. listen to music read books, do exercise for your health. cook something for yourself. Do whatever makes you happy.

If they have a MH policy it will apply to you just as much as any other member of staff. Think of it from their point of view - they want you to be effective and productive and if taking some time out to get better achieves that then it's a very good investment.

Talk to them.