Back from sick leave chat

[tinyme77]

I decided to take yesterday off work as I spent the end of the previous working day and tea time in tears. I can't say that there is one reason for how I feel but I am feeling overwhelmed. Work is so busy that I don't really take breaks. I have to have a call with my boss about this today. They are new and I don't want to share anything that I don't need to and I don't want to cry (I am a big crier). Any tips on what I need to say to get through the call?

I don’t understand your post. We’re you off sick yesterday - for one day? Why would they want to have a chat with you about one day? Do you regularly take off days off sick?

Were not we’re

@UncleBrynsMySpaceFriend we have to have a return to work at my job even for one day off so maybe that?

Where I work, you are meant to have a Return to Work chat after any period of sickness for any reason so I think I understand what you are saying. One of the main reasons for having this chat is to explore whether the sickness is work related. In your case, it is, so I think you need to discuss this with your manager. They can’t take any action against you but what they must do is put adjustments in place.

You could just say migraine?

A back to work chat is supposed to be supportive though, understanding whether there is anything a manager needs to do to support you. (Although I appreciate bad managers use them as a stick to beat staff and useless ones do nothing). If you need to reduce your workload, then now might be a time to discuss that? If you don't feel you can though, I'd just say migraine tbh.

I can understand that this seems like just one more thing to worry about, but it's your manager's responsibility to make sure they check in with you to ensure you're better, should be back at work, and to find out if you need any support.

It sounds to me like you might. If you're so busy you can't take breaks, they need to know about that.

As for crying, what's going to happen if you do cry? If that is how you're feeling, and that is how those feelings are expressing themselves, then it's no different to smiling or sighing or saying that something's frustrating.

First day in 3 years. They want a chat because I said that I couldn't cope with working in the same way any more.
I don't really know what I am asking but thank you for answering because that makes me feel a bit better. :)

If it helps, you could always email them ahead of the conversation? Or make yourself some notes about what might help (and the things that definitely aren't helping). Sometimes its easier to write out how you're feeling than to feel like you're being put on the spot to explain things.

Whatever happens, I hope things improve for you soon.

I would write a list of what's been bothering you at work and maybe a timeframe of how long it's been going on for.
It may help to have the facts down and in front of you for the phone call, that way you won't miss anything out either.
Have some tissues handy and just breathe, it doesn't matter if you cry - you are human.

You could lie and say migraine as pp has said but I think this is the Perfect opportunity to get your feelings out and hopefully your manager will be able to support you. They can't help if they're unaware of any issues.
Good luck

Good luck OP.
If I were your boss I'd want to know how I could help improve the situation so you didn't feel the only option was to take a day off or indeed need to.
It's a good idea to write down some points before the call in case you get upset again so that way you can refer to them as you talk. Don't feel pressured - if you'd like time to think about possible solutions as it sounds like some changes need made then say you'd like to take a day or two to think about what's best here.
Also, give your boss time to listen to you and respond.
I hope it helps. Life is very tough at the moment.

I wouldn’t lie as a PP has suggested.

You’ll make it harder to take time for your mental health of your fibbing about why you’re off all time.

Just explain you needed a day to re-cooperate, it’s for you mental health. Reassure them it’s nothing to be concerned about.

one day in three years - you could lie & say migraine

BUT - if your work is making you so stressed that it is regularly making you cry & you never feel able to take breaks, maybe there is something that needs to be discussed and improved?