Extending sick note different reason

[Anotheranonposter1]

In short im currently off sick following surgery but due to return Monday. Have been off 4wks. 'D'H has announced today he is unhappy and would like a divorce and has promptly upped and left to stay with his sister. There is no way I can put on a brave face at home and work and I'm considering asking for fit note while I try navigate this situation. I don't want to lie to work or gp - physically well enough following surgery but now emotionally on my knees. Does this count as a second period of absence? Can I be off sick for a different reason without returning from 1st episode? Any experiences would be appreciated!

You don’t have to return in between sickness but yes, it would be different reasons even if one instance. Hopefully you have a supportive employer who will support you. I’m sorry about what you are going through.

Thank you. I'll give work and gp a call. I just need some time to get my head around things. Talk about picking moments.

As PP says you don’t need to return in between but this will be a second episode/note rather than an extension. Good luck & I really hope you’re feeling better soon, what an awful situation for you to navigate x

Back to back sick notes for different things is ‘allowed’.

Whether your employer counts it as one or two periods of absence will depend on their policy.

When you talk to work, also check if theres an employee assistance program. Lots of employees have them as a service for staff, and they can be helpful for support navigating relationship breakdowns.

You might feel better going back and getting some normalcy.

@ScaryM0nster thank you I'll ask about this.

@Radicalpiloti possibly but its a fine balance and if I drop a ball at work it could have implications for the people Im supposed to support (safeguarding social worker) and at the moment my heads in the shed and I'm just looking at what's best for DC and me. I do get where you're coming from but not sure I can face it

Youll almost certainly have some kind of EAP if you’re in a council role.

They will probably sign you off for a couple of weeks to start with due to stress.

It happened to me, out the blue. I didn’t take any time off. In hindsight I think I’d have taken 3 or 4 days, but there’s also an element of getting back on the horse as it were. Also sadly, most other people don’t really get it. I hope you’re ok. You will be I promise