Help with disability related sickness absence

[BridgeofStock]

I am currently suffering from a bad episode of a long-term mental health issue which is likely to be classed as a disability. My employer is generally very sympathetic and supportive.

I have a manager who has never managed anyone before and although she is supportive, I find I have to come up with my own suggestions to how to manage me. She had never heard of a phased return, for example. She is trying to help me by getting me to detail all of my work tasks then telling what order to do them in. I am an experienced and professional EA and this feels like micromanagement. I usually sail through my work as I love it, but with this current health episode I struggle with everything (also menopausal which is rubbish for the memory!)

My confidence is plummeting with every day I can't manage simple tasks. I find it difficult to make any decision and often stare at the screen at the tasks building up and freeze.

I can't decide whether to come completely clean and admit I just can't cope and put my notice in, or to take some more time off (I feel I need about three months), or to stumble along not being productive and feeling bad about myself every day.

What would you do? What would be the best outcome for the employer? When I'm good, I'm really good, but I'm just not good at the moment.

You say you are finding it difficult to manage simple tasks and to make decisions.

However when your manager has attempted to help you by prioritising your to do list you accuse her of micromanaging.

She may not have heard of a phased return if she has never had to manage one before.

However only you know how you feel.as to whether or not you can cope or need more time off.

At my place of work you would only be offered a phased return if you had been off with a physical injury / surgery and you would be expected to be back to FT hours in 3 weeks.

If you are not well enough to be at work, go back to your GP and get another sick line.

You also need to ensure you are on the correct medicine and dose to help you manage your condition.

You need to engage with your employers occupation health process to get the best outcome for the both of you.

What makes you think you'll be better in 12 weeks?

You need to see occupational health.

Thanks for responses. I am under the care of my GP and trying to find a medication regime that benefits me. I also am having therapy and have had involvement from occupational health.

I think I need time for the combined approach to start to work.

I think you'd get better advice from Mind and Scope. Mind have and advice line as well as info on their website about managing mental illness in the workplace. Also Acas.

Micromanaging is an inappropriate response from management. Of course it would knock confidence. A better response would be to ask how she can help and provide genuine support, e.g. 1to1s to provide support to you in deciding yourself on prioritising rather than imposing her decisions on you.

You don't have to jump straight to resigning because you're disabled.