Nice to read that some employers are positive

[Gazzathomas]

It's always good to read about positive employers and mental health issues. Sad to say there are not many of them

Do I need a mental health sick day – and how do I ask for one? - The Telegraph

telegraph.co.uk/health-fitn...

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My employer, a well known national company, was very understanding when I explained my mental health problem. I was honest with my line manager and his exact words were ".......... take as much time as you need." That was 22 years ago. I was fortunate to work for an understanding manager.

Lottie

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

My employer was quite the opposite and I worked for the Department of Work and Pensions! In fact they were b******ds.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

That must have been horrendous for you lilaclil. I guess I was incredibly fortunate to receive the response I did.

Take care lilaclil.

Lottie

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I am glad yours was. They had a policy of no more than 7 days a year sick at the DWP unless it was a one off eg breaking a leg or cancer or something similiar. In the 5 years I was there I had 2 depression absences of less than 3 months. (One was caused by being bullied by a team leader. My grievance against her was dismissed). I was on a final written warning when I had a very severe chest infection (I have mild copd) so I had to take a couple of days off. I was down to 1 day left before dismissal and it came back. I had to take 2 days off. I went to work like everyone else did with chest infections, colds, flu etc. to avoid being sacked.

I worked in the call centre on the phones all day and couldn't talk my chest infection was so bad. There was other work available not on the phones but when I asked them if I could do that for a couple of days instead they said no.

I knew they were just waiting for the chance to dismiss me and they did. Barstewards!

[blackcat64013]

This is a tricky balancing act. Usually a days sick leave here and there would be covered by calling in sick unless you have to provide a reason in which case say that it is for a mental health day.

When you return to work you might schedule a meeting with your manager to explain about your health and wellbeing and your particular needs.

Ask if your workplace has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for some free confidential counseling which you might take advantage of.

Fawn Fitter wrote a fabulous book called "Working in the Dark" which deals with mental illness and work.

Beyondblue based in Australia has specific videos and information/support on the subject

beyondblue.org.au

All the best