To extend my sick leave or not

[SafeMouse]

I've been off work for coming up to 3 weeks (1 week self cert, 2 weeks signed off) with stress and depression. Burnt-out basically. For full context I've been in mental health crisis before a few years ago which resulted in hospital admissions so I'm trying to be sensible and head off another crisis which I felt building.

I'm due back mid next week, but with the joy of WFH I've not quite been able to switch off. We're very understaffed at the moment which has contributed to my burnout. However there is a massive report that needs doing in the next week or so that hadn't been picked up. I don't blame my colleagues l, they're stressed enough already but that's where it is.

I'm feeling a little better. Still a bit overwhelmed but the immediate crisis has passed. My GP is very good and has been clear they're willing to sign me off again for as long as I feel necessary (she first wanted to sign me off for a month but we said we'd re-visit)..

I'm thinking about getting another 2 weeks. But tbh a part of this I know is the thought of coming back in and immediately being back on 10 hour days and weekends trying to rush through this massive report. But that feels like I'm abusing the system as I know that if I'm off another week someone else will HAVE to pick it up.

I'll need to get an updated sicknote Monday so now spending weekend worrying about what to do.

Get signed off, the report is the reality of your return and will make you worse again. It is a factor to consider.

Like with sickness, you're at the pottering round the house stage but not fit to return full time. You need to be more resilient or you'll be off again in no time.

Ask for a phased return?

Your workplace sounds understaffed and toxic.

Would someone else pick up the report or will it still be waiting for you when you get back so you're just prolonging the agony so to speak if you may be well enough to return now?

Not sure if the GPS fit notes these days can state how many hours you can work? If he'd write you one that says no more than 8 hours a day/40 hours per week (or whatever) would that be an option?

Do you feel well enough to return as I'm thinking you probably need the two weeks. Would that impact you financially? If you can manage money wise I'd take the two weeks and a further sick note after that with the 8 hours a day max if that's an option. But I have no idea about these things so someone wiser may be along soon.

Once you feel better start looking for a new less stressful job or at least one that's more supportive and less toxic to its staff.

I burnt out around Christmas. I needed 3 months off. GP suggested even longer but I suddenly knew I was okay to go back. I don’t think you’re ready, you’d know if you were. The report is for your management to sort. Take some time or you’ll be back at square one before you know it.

It can. Its a fit note. They xan write may be able to return to work If " no more than 4 hours wfh a day for the first 2 weeks"

I've been off work for coming up to 3 weeks (1 week self cert, 2 weeks signed off) with stress and depression. Burnt-out basically. For full context I've been in mental health crisis before a few years ago which resulted in hospital admissions so I'm trying to be sensible and head off another crisis which I felt building.

So this part of your post is the really important bit.
Has this changed in the 3 weeks you've been off? Do you feel you have recovered sufficiently?

I know it's easier said than done but try to take the rest of your post out of the equation and focus solely on the health aspect as that's really the only thing that matters here. If you try to go back too soon and you're not sufficiently recovered it sounds like you risk a major MH crisis and being off work again which will benefit no-one.
If you feel you've made good progress, are feeling better and have headed off any crisis then go back and pick up your work again.

What's more important, your health or the report?

Before you even think of going back, you could do with being referred to oh who are likely to recommend a phased return and some reasonable adjustments in place.

Mental health conditions are classed as a disability under the equality act 2010 if you've suffered from them for over 12 months and they significantly impact your life, for which you fall into both categories. They are a protected characteristic.

In answer to some questions.
I feel the immediate crisis has passed yes. But I still don't feel 100%. I changed anti-depressants and its only been 2 weeks so I don't think I'm fully feeling the benefits (or not) of the new medication yet.

I don't think reduced hours would work. What I can see happening is they agree to it but won't change my caseload so I'll just end up either doing full hours+ anyway, or leaving it and spending the day worrying about everything I've not done.

The place isn't toxic, but my immediate manager is. He didn't even reply to my initial email re being off!

I am looking for another job but it will take time.

I'm crying writing this which suggests maybe I'm not fully fit to go back (this was one of the reasons I went off in the first place, found myself repeatedly having a little cry throughout the day)

5 weeks seems an awfully long time to be off though

I had 4 months off a couple of years ago due to autistic burn out, directly caused by poor management. I needed it, and it took 2 grievances for me to be supported properly. Now I have the support in place, I'm flying and performing above and beyond. Those managers have been dealt with.

You have to look after yourself, as no other bugger will.

5 weeks is a very brief period in the scheme of things. Taken in the context of your longer term employment and career, it's a forgettable blink of an eye.

It feels like a long time in the moment, but it's not really. You don't sound well enough to return, go back when you're fully ready.

Stay off work until you feel fully recovered and use that time to continue job-hunting too.

Your workplace sounds toxic.

If you go back now you will just end up having to do that piece of work (report) under great stress as it will be a last minute job and will find yourself back where your started and struggling again with your mental health.

If they are short staffed to the point where employees are burning out then management needs to address this.

Many years ago I had a very stressful leadership role and started having trouble sleeping and was feeling very stressed. I went to the GP, who took my blood pressure and said "I want you to take two weeks off NOW...but you aren't going to are you?" I responded, "I can't, I have too much to do". She looked me straight in the face and said " Well, if you carry on like this you won't live to draw your pension"
That was a wakeup call! I changed jobs shortly afterwards and my new boss told me she wanted me to take a day at home every fortnight to catch up on paperwork without interruptions. This was a lifesaver.