Anxiety/depression OH referral

[MsAnnFrope]

I’ve had a period of time off recently due to ongoing depression/anxiety which has been made worse by poor management. I’ve asked for and been given an occupational health referral but it’s an external company who do the OH for our organisation. I’m the past I’ve been to an internal OH who was very supportive and helpful but I’m worried this will not be the case with a commercial OH company. Does anyone have any experiences they could share?

I don't have experience with that condition but with an external OH provider, yes. TBH I felt harrassed by them, I was getting weekly phonecalls enquiring about my condition, what health appointments I was attending and if I was participating in physio etc. When I had experienced internal OH all I had was fortnightly check in phonecalls from my manager, I felt like I was being given time and space to rest and recuperate and I didnt get that at all with the external OH service.

I just had one with an external company for anxiety and depression, which started following a trauma and there were some serious workplace issues (going into these would out me but you can PM). It was superb, I got a specialist in post combat trauma who applied all his expertise to my situation and his report has really helped me.

Internal OH, public sector. The referral only happened after I was back at work. I never heard from them.

Thanks @BPSCSS I’m
Glad you had a positive experience. I’m speaking to OH before I’m due to go back. There are quite a lot of staffing changes at the moment too which may improve things (or really not!!)