Scared to take time off for depression...

[Glen53]

I understand where you are coming from in that respect.

When this occurred to me in the past I made sure to provide them with some information as to what I had done to improve the situation. I did not part with too much info about the condition - I find that 'boss folk' tend to get very twitchy if they know too much about the ins and outs of my feelings, besides they dont tend to care.

I usually just assure them that my GP is aware, I have sought counsiling for myself and have been started on anti-depressants to aid my recovery in mood. This demonstrates that you are not just sitting at home feeling down in front of the telly (which is what I reckon most of them think we do!) I may also go further by suggesting a meeting in a couple of weeks after starting to update them on my progress. It just shows willing and smoothes the way.

Dont worry about having been off before either. Just assure them that you have overdone things and needed support and rest to recover. Make SURE you are really ready before you go back though. As said above I have gone back too soon and burnt out before and that leads to more time off soon after. THAT can be tricky to explain.

I wish you well flea, and I hope things go well for you.

[Zaf]

I think Glen is right that it comes under the disability act, it is looked upon as any other illness and there are a lot of hoops to go through before an employee can be dismissed due to a recurrent illness, in fact we have found in our small firm that it can actually be more difficult to dismiss someone that has a recurring illness than someone that is fit and well, even when redundancies are in the pipeline.

I can totally understand your reluctance to take time off but if you keep pushing yourself you may end up making yourself much more ill and having to take longer off in the long run

Glen's advice in his last post is spot on regarding telling your boss etc

[Flea]

Thank you Glen and Zaf, reassuring to read.

I am on the anti-depressants, am training once a week with a personal trainer and making a conscious effort to improve my diet (as we know it affects mood).  Work have been good at keeping in touch in the past, but good idea to be proactive and keep them informed.

I think work has actually triggered this latest episode.  We have just gone through a restructure, and changes have been rapid - like a juggernaut taking people out with redundancies.  I've just gone through the applying for my own job scenario and ended up with a promotion!  Positive stuff, but the whole process made my anxiety shoot through the roof and I'm now suffering the aftermath.   

[Zaf]

I think work has actually triggered this latest episode.  We have just gone through a restructure, and changes have been rapid - like a juggernaut taking people out with redundancies.  I've just gone through the applying for my own job scenario and ended up with a promotion!  Positive stuff, but the whole process made my anxiety shoot through the roof and I'm now suffering the aftermath.   

That has to be one of the most stressful experiences anyone can go through, no wonder you're suffering from depression