Back to work today talk of disciplinary for future absence...

[Bluejug]

So after another hellish bout of depression I came back to work today after 10 days off. Had a back to work chat with my boss and HR. All good. Very supportive and they have even offered to help with private counselling. I felt so happy to be supported for my illness and then a massive kick in the teeth..... they mentioned my absences in the last few months and have said that any future ones could lead to disciplinary action and warnings because I'm not fulfilling my contract. Wow!!! And I really thought they cared!! Would they say this to someone with cancer???? No. They dont care about my mental health at all. All they care about is their bloody business.

I feel so scared now. I cant help having an invisible illness.😪

[hypercat54]

Hi sadly this is common. What country are you in please? I am in the UK and can give you some advice on this but don't know anything about how other countries work. x

[Bluejug in reply to hypercat54]

I am in the UK too.x

[Doglover87]

This is very sad. I had a similar situation at my last job. I had taken a 2 week leave of absence. My anexity was making it very difficult to work. I essentially decided over my leave that I was going to resign. I did not give notice in fear of getting treated poorly my last 2 weeks so I gave no notice.

They had the nerve to pull me into the office and blame me for leaving. They played the guilt card.

"Not only did you disappoint your supervisor. You let down all of your coworkers". They also said that " I knew something like this was going to happen when you gave in your leave of absence". They thought I planned this. However it just sort of how the cards played out.

In that moment I knew I did the right thing.

I was the one losing money as I did not have a backup job and could not claim EI (unemployment pay).

It's all about the money sadly.

I hope they dont continue to bully you or treat you like shit. If they do call the labour board. Record everything they say or do with dates and times.

This is one thing I was too afraid to do. I could of got compensation for my leave or gotten management to change their ways for future employees.

Oh well it is in the past.

I just hope your future turns out a lot better than mine did!

Good luck!

[Bluejug in reply to Doglover87]

Thank you. I hope things are working out for you. X

[Doglover87 in reply to Bluejug]

Yeah I'm doing better working part time and taking an online course. In a way I have them to thank. I would have never gone back to school if this job didn't go sour.

[tiredswedge]

I am so sorry you all have experienced this sort of behavior. To those in the US, for future reference, this sort of treatment is illegal according to the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDA). Mental illness is a disability, same as diabetes, asthma, etc. I know the problem is with depression and anxiety is it's very difficult to stick up for your rights. If that's the case, get help from your therapist, or even a lawyer.

[Ketzel in reply to tiredswedge]

Good to know!

[Kat63]

This makes me really angry on your behalf.