A bit of advice

[Meyer01]

Hi all

Hi I'm new on here and just after a bit of advice. 2 and a half years ago when my daughter was born she was diagnosed with a rare chromosome disorder called cri-du-chat. It means she is has severe learning difficulties and disabilities. From then on I was starting to get depressed and struggling with the physical and emotional demands of working full time and rasing my daughter and watching her struggle day in and day out. In November last year it all came to head and I have been signed off work since and put on strong tablets. I went back to the doctor today and he said about a phased return to work where I start at a couple of hours a day and build up to my original full time hours. The problem in the first place was because I couldn't cope with the demands of working full time day in day out and then coming home to the stress and demand of looking after our daughter and I'm worried the doctor is not listening to me about how I feel. I know I couldn't cope with going back full time because the demands are to great and that's what got me in to my depression in the first place. I said I would be willing to do part time hours like a couple of days a week and then have a clearer head to concentrate on rasing our daughter but he didn't seem to wanna entertain this idea and just kept on about full time hours. Surely the doctor has to work with me on this and not just tell me what I can and cannot cope with? Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Thank you

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi Meyer01,

Welcome to our Community. You will find folks here are very supportive and willing to share from their experiences. It must be a worrying time for you.

Is the doctor you refer to your GP or are they an occupational health doctor from your employer? It is unclear from your profile which country you live in, and the law and rules governing being fit for work may be different to the UK. Most UK employers have access to Occupational Health Services, who would take the lead in supporting and being involved in an employee’s long term sick leave and staged return to work. They provide a confidential interface between the employee and their employer. Take a look at this link to Mind UK website on more information about Work & mental health, and returning to work. It may give you some pointers and ideas on what to consider and ask for support with. Mind – Returning to work: mind.org.uk/information-sup...

Meanwhile take a look at our Pinned Posts section including our free mental health guides. Keep handy our International Crisis Support Helplines: healthunlocked.com/mental-h...

Hope this helps. Ok folks please pop by and welcome this new member.

Keep in touch,

MAS Nurse and Moderator

[Meyer01 in reply to MAS_Nurse]

Hi thanks for the reply

The doctor is my GP. I want to work but just know I couldn't cope with full time hours. It's not like I am just lazy and don't want to work full time because I have worked for the same company for 17 years and plus my wife would be willing to work full time when my daughter goes to school and me taking over as lead carer. I just know I cannot face doing full time. I am in the UK

[Hidden in reply to Meyer01]

Has your GP suggested any assistance with looking after your Daughter.

It may be your GP feels your Wife can look after your Daughter at this time. Eventually over time your Daughter may need help with Her education.

The condition you explain may eventually be able to attend some form of Pre-School, however at this time this may be problematic at this time

You need advice, possibly the Social Team may be able to help until She can be moved on in a special School. Your GP should be able to help.

BOB