Managing a bout of depression

[bobbleb]

I have a lovely and supportive job. I suffered a bereavement in the autumn of a dear friend. It has been hard and I am suffering from a period of depression. Whilst working is key in me positively managing my mental health, I am not coping well. I feel ashamed to share that I am struggling mentally with my employer. Has anyone managed a period of depression by agreeing to work reduced hours? I sort of feel that working a day less for the next 4-6 weeks will give me the breathing space to rest and recuperate, and hopefully avoid being signed off for a few weeks. Is this possible? If so, should I request unpaid leave/holiday or would it be classed as sick leave? Thank you.

Do you have enough annual leave to request one day off each week for the next six weeks? If so, this may be a good option. When a close family member of mine was in the last stages of life I asked my manger if I could reduce my hours - this was treated as unpaid leave.
I am sorry to hear about your loss. These are difficult times.

I know you can't help how you feel but there is no shame in admitting your are struggling. Any decent employer will understand and try to support you under these circumstances.

Take annual leave if possible. It will allow you to assess how you are doing without adding another layer of stress to your job.

Although lots of workplaces can be supportive, in order to sign you off they are also intrusive. For this reason, I would give yourself a break from needing to go through that.

And plan fun things for your day.

Hi, speak to your doctor. If you are depressed you should take time off to recover. Also ask tonspeakntonyiur occupational health advisor at work who might suggest that you temporarily reduce your hours and it would not affect your pay. It all depends on how good your company's mental health policies are really.

Thank you for your replies. I am going to see if I can agree a reduced pattern for a few weeks. I think if I stop I will have a breakdown and actually that keeping the momentum but having an additional day of rest each week will help me. I will see what HR can suggest.