Managing depression at work

[Obriens3]

Workplace Management - why in this day and age are people not more informed about mental illness and how it affects their employees and work colleagues ? I can't believe my boss keeps telling me to pull myself together !!! I wish it was that easy ;(

[Obriens3]

I've spoken to my Union rep today, she informs me that my boss's behaviour is harassment. If I was off due to physical illness e.g. Broken leg, gastro enteritis he would not be able to call me and demand my return to work. Mental illness is an illness just like any other.

[Stilltrying_ in reply to Obriens3]

Hi there and really sorry you are going through this. I'm not a legal expert but demanding you return to work when you are sick does not seem right.

Have just had a quick look and found one website which may help you . Here's the link: thesite.org/work-and-study/...

The main thing though is to try and get yourself the help you need for your depression. Maybe a visit to the GP if you haven't already been; there are lots of books if you're up to it but probably you just need a rest at first.

Your health needs to be top priority right now; it is an illness like any other. Gemma X

[Obriens3 in reply to Stilltrying_]

Gemma thank you so much. I'm under treatment from my GP and seeing a counsellor. After an illness through depression I am on a phased return to work e.g. 3 hours a day last week, 4 hours a day this week etc. Was going well. Relapsed this week and not been into work. My boss called and read me the riot act today. I have full support from occupational health and my GP. But my new boss (only been Supervisor for few months) does not understand my illness

[Stilltrying_]

Yes it's unbelievable sometimes people's lack of sensitivity. Personally I find it hard to understand why everyone isn't depressed, so I have a problem with "happy" people

[Obriens3 in reply to Stilltrying_]

I work with a boss and some miserable fuk s who don't understand and don't want too.

[Obriens3]

Sorry that is unhelpful. Just how I am feeling today

[Hidden]

Hi your boss simply isn't allowed to do this to you. Remind him of the Health and Safety at Work Act! Keep a diary of everything he does like this - date, what happened and especially how it made you feel. You need to have a good chat with your union rep who should know all the ins and out. You can also contact ACAS as they are experts in Employer law. Good luck. x

[Obriens3 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I now have the help of my Union rep.

[Hidden]

Hello Obrien

It is shocking that companies cannot get it together and realise that to allow a person to recover from a Mental Illness. In all intents and purposes it is an illness where many will recover from given some time.

This is good for moral, it shows care and understanding this increases efficiency from the person who had been troubled

Many companies do not understand that one in ten or higher at some time, people who suffer from Mental Health problems, many will come back stronger and give their companies a massive boost.

I am pleased you have the support of Unions and OT, they will keep you on your right path. The problem is any protection we are supposed too have is generally good on paper, People of course are not made of paper

BOB

[Obriens3 in reply to Hidden]

I thank you all for your response and concern. Even in my state I recognised that what my boss was doing was wrong. Recognising that he to was human and struggling with a new job, I chose to deal with this unofficially. My Union rep has had a talk with him. His intention was good to try and motivate me but now understands was totally inappropriate. I'm not well yet but will not have inappropriate bullying calls from my boss.

[WantToChange]

It's easy for people who are neuro-typical people to say "pull yourself together". If they're not saying it, they're thinking it. It seems there is a lack of empathy but sometimes they just really can't imagine being like this. And in terms of bosses, the company always comes first!

[Stilltrying_ in reply to WantToChange]

Sarah I love this expression "neuro-typical"; have never heard of that before but googled it and it led me to a whole host of stuff including a very amusing ( in parts,but also serious) website which is written by someone who is angry about the assumptions made about them for being on the autistic spectrum. They describe the spoof personality disorder of "normal personality disorder" (obviously they are talking about so called "normal" people as there is no such "disorder" in the DSM. ) I was so tempted to copy and paste it all but it probably mainly only appears to my sense of humour or my situation in particular.

Will just put in the link incase anyone else finds it funny. Gemma .

isnt.autistics.org/dsn-npd....

[Obriens3]

Yes that's true. New boss, trying to impress. Thrown into job with no training or support.

[Obriens3]

I just wanted to thank everyone who responded to my post the other night, it was really good to have your support. Just to let you all know I returned to work today, it was tough going in and I felt very anxious but so glad I done it. At the moment I am working reduced hours. My Union rep has been a godsend and helped with my boss, who I think meant well but totally mismanaged me. I still don't feel comfortable with him as he asked if the job I ve been doing for the last 14 years was too much for me ?? Luckily for me my Union rep pointed out that any job would be too much at the moment as getting up out of bed, washed and dressed is a problem for me. Anyway I'm glad I got it over with and went back Hope you are all well, so glad I've found this site