Sick leave after mat leave

[bikemedown]

I wanted to return to work when my baby was 7 months old. It’s what I did last time and it worked well for me. I filled out all the paperwork to return at 7 months. I’m due back next month. They’re expecting me back. This time I’m suffering from what I think is ptsd and anxiety, still, after a very difficult birth. I thought it would be gone by now. What do I do? I’m having counselling which is helping. GP says they will sign me off as I’m not fit to work. I’ve never been signed off before. Will work colleagues be judgemental? I don’t know what to do.

Look after your health, yourself and your babies. I don’t think it matters what anyone else at work thinks, they’re not dealing with what you are dealing with.
obviously if you’re in line for some promotion or something then you might care a bit about them judging you, but even then your health is more important - that’s assuming you can financially afford to take the time
sorry you’re having a difficult time too op

Than you

Should I contact HR? I don’t know how to word the situation.

If you are unsure as what is the policy in your work then contact your HR and ask them.

However, usual protocol is:

• contact your line manager to informed them you are unable to resume because your doctor has certificated you unfit to work.
• you do not have to say why you are on sick leave to your manager.
• you will need to send copies of medical certificates to HR (these don't need to state why you are not able to work).
• you might be referred to occupation health fairly quickly as you aren't returning after maternity leave.

Generally, most places will leave you be if you are compliant with the policy. That is leave you alone bar reasonable contact to check how you are in terms of fit to work or not fit to work and occupational health referral. (Bear in mind occupational health is about accommodations and isn't disciplinary.)

As for your colleagues judging you, they shouldn't unless they are the judgmental sort anyway. Where they are, everyone else will know they are judgmental and think less of them than they do of you for being on sick leave.

Take care of yourself and concentrating on getting yourself better. Work can wait.