Feeling a bit pressured.

[Leo]

I have been off work for 2 months now with my depression.

I am still having days where I just hide in my bed all day as its easier that trying to deal with day to day activities.

My doctor is signing me off for two weeks at a time, and I have had no problem getting a line.

However, every time I have to go for a new line I panic, in case the doctor thinks I am just abusing it or sends me back to work.

My job is part of the problem with my depression and I have realised I need to look for something else, which I am doing.

Don't get me wrong, when I am better i want to work - just not there.

I meet with Occupational Health weekly to try and figure out ways to get me back to work. I do feel pressured to get back to work and I don't feel ready.

My family have said not to rush things - that its better taking my time rather than going back too early and going off again.

Does anyone else feel pressured like this?

[Got]

Yes,

I became very ill with depression, and I continued to work throughout. I was a mistake.

You have taken time off work, this is a good decision. I am also glad that your family is supportive. I think you should take their advice and stay off work because you need to recuperate.

My advice in terms of quitting you job, it to wait and see, don't make any quick decisions because in my own experience the decisions I have made whilst depressed have been my worst.

Also, I live in South America, hence why I appear to be up late, but you appear to be in the UK, and so it is very late at your end of the world......try to get your sleep pattern regulated if you can, it will help your mood.

Take care

[Leo]

Yeah it's 3 am here.

My sleep is a nightmare had about 3 hours yesterday, 2 the night before and none so far lol.

Got sleeping tablets but only getting 4 hours tops with them.

I'm not sure what to do for the best, sleep wise!

[Catbrian]

Stevie's right about the sleep, but it's easier said than done.  Depression always disturbs our sleep pattern and sleeping in the day time doesn't help.

Your family sound very supportive.  I can understand your anxiety re asking the GP for sick lines every fortnight.  He/she is probably just asking you to go back every fortnight, just to keep an eye on you.  I doubt a GP will sign you back to work until you feel ready.  But, I'm sure you could do without the worry.  How about asking them for a month at a time; explain you are anxious about it.  I'm sure meeting with Occupational Health doesn't help either.  How often do you meet with them?

I hope this week goes well for you

[bookletters]

Leo, I too have felt very pressurized in the past because of being off sick. Because depression makes you interpret things negatively, anybody trying to help you will see as "they will think I am slacking and that I should be back to work" "the doctor thinks I am lazy" etc but try to remember it's the illness making you think like that.
Give yourself time to recover, be gentle to yourself.
Sleep is all over the place with depression, that's for sure. I sleep but it's not refreshing so when I wake up it feels like I have slept very little (if that makes sense!).
Sending you a big hug!! *()

[Leo]

That does make a lot of sense. Sometime I cant see the woods for the trees.

I think your right, my interpretation is a bit warped just now.

I meet with Occupational Health once a week, but haven't had any session the past 2 weeks as she has been on holiday.

Good point, I think I will mention to the doctor and see if they will sign me off a month at a time.

Thanks guys,  %^%

[bookletters]

Pleasure!!! One thing great about this forum is you can really find people who understand you and have been through the same stuff as you! Makes it feel less lonely!

[woozywoo]

Leo,you have been given good advice here. I've nothin more 2add really apart from saying i understand and am Im the same position as you.

I have been off work since June. Thankfully i have only had one appt and 2phone calls from occupational health,i find them very stressful,so well done for managing one a week!

I don't feel ready 2 go back either. I have improved since Junne,but i teach and i am in no way fit enough 2 manage a class of children. I am thankful that i have my psychiatrist 2 back me up,cos i am feeling pressure 2 go back. Not sure if that's partly comin from me as well though,tellin myself i should be better by now,but the FACT is i am not well enough! I am now aiming for after Christmas,but progress seems 2 have been so slow! But that's the illness i guess.

X x

[bookletters]

I am a teacher too and yup, not easy at all!
Is your medication helping you Woozee?