How much should I / do I tell my line manager?

[sleepykits]

I'm signed off right now. It's due to stress-anxiety but my doctor gave the physical symptoms (rather than saying this) on my fit note.

I'm due back next week and my manager will want to do a 'back to work' interview. Do I have to tell him anything? I don't really want to talk about it but understand that if they know what's going on, that's better for everyone? Or not?

They are not a sympathetic employer hence me being in this current situation. I don't want them to use anything against me or think that I am not capable.

Urgh. I hate this.

Is the stress a direct reaction to work? I think you have to tell your boss that you were off with stress during to work otherwise how will it change?
Horrible situation for you to be in. Could you ask for the return to work chat be with someone else -HR rep possibly ?

@123rd thank you for your reply.

Yes it is due to work stress. I did let my line manager know informally on the build up to being off but it's really the physical side that's been documented.

At the moment they are not aware what the problem is fully... symptoms then causing anxiety OR anxiety creating the symptoms, if that makes sense?

I do have some tests next week to make sure there's nothing physically wrong with me. I have also started therapy with a counsellor.

I've never been off sick before but am sensible enough not to ignore it.

Sorry meant to say that HR isn't great and would find it difficult to reach out due to various factors.

I get that ,& also someTimes it's more awkward to involve other people.
Do you feel that something has to change in order for you to carry on doing your job?
If that's the case, I think you need to pull your big girl pants on and have an honest convo with your manager.
It might not be as bad as you are thinking . Fingers crossed !

You are not obliged to tell your manager anything you don’t want to. However:

Definitely time to have an honest conversation with your manager - think of it as protecting yourself. What you don’t want further down the line is for them to say “well you never told me”.

It’s also an opportunity to ask for adjustments to your work to help reduce the stress - a stress risk assessment is also a good idea. Don’t rely on your manager making suggestions - a good one might, but at the end of the day how are they supposed to know what will help you if you don’t say so.

Good luck, I’m sure it won’t be as bad as you think.