PND and work - long, sorry.

[KenDoddsDadsDogHatesFireworks]

I'm after some advice as the HR in my place of work is rubbish.
I was diagnosed with PND in January. Returned to work in June after 6 months mat leave and being pressurised to do my keeping in touch days.
One of my team is ill and off on long term sick, I have been given no extra help in an extremely pressurised role.
Sometimes I really struggle and it's an effort to go to work at all. I do work very hard and try to cover up but have had a few down days. My boss is very volatile, best friend one moment, not speaking to me for days on end the next.
Despite no return to work meeting, I have informed her and the HR director of my condition. No extra support has been offered.
I'm now at the stage where I need a proper support plan. My doctor says a request for flexible working for example could be considered under the DDA because of my condition.
My boss really frowns upon involving HR and HR rarely like to get involved.
Can anyone help with my rights and how to word an email under the circumstances?

Is there an Occupational Health section within HR

No I think that will be based at head office in London so would have to make a request. Would they be able to help do you think?

YES.... Occupational health will listen to you and your worries.

Request a confidential interview with Occupational Health.

Not sure the DDA covers PND. It does cover mental illness but I'm not sure you could argue depression was an mental illness.

You need to work out what you want/think you need in terms of a support plan. How flexible working will help etc. How can the business support you.

As to your rights there is not really a lot on the statue books about not getting on with your boss or having a lot of work to do.

Thank you both! It's just going to cause a shitstorm even asking to see occupational health. Very frowned upon to do anything official.

Just thought I'd say - after studying psychiatry - depression is a mental illness.

DDA is for permenent conditions. And PND isn't permenant (or at least I hope so, for you and me!)

But HR should help sort out more flexible working, you can get staged return to work for medical reasons, and that might be useful? I'd call HR and ask for information or their policy details, or dig out any staff handbook you have.

Is there anyone else in the organisation you can approach to help you? To be a buddy though this?

Found this Quite interesting what it says about the DDA.

There is no reason why PND wouldn't be covered by the DDA if it meets the criteria. Whether or not your depression constitutes a disability will depend on the duration, severity and likelihood of recurrence. Your GP obviously thinks that your condition would meet the criteria.

Your GP is right that you can ask your employer to make reasonable adjustments under the Act to enable you to continue to work, but you also have the right to request flexible working anyway under the ERA which might be the easier route to go down if that's what you think would help.

Sure an employment specialist will be along with better advice soon!

Thank you all. I will let you know how I get on. Will write down what I think could help including flexible working and a buddy.
Wish me luck.