Not been well recently

Former Member

Hi,

Really haven't been very well recently - mental health nosedived before X mas and hasn't been great for a while

Gradually getting better, but I think it was all to do with a tribunal for DLA.

Have seen GP/Psychiatrist fairly often over last couple of months.

Not sure what happens about work though - have never been in this position before.

I work part time teaching French and History in Liverpool - haven't been in since mid-December. Definitely want to go back at some stage as I've worked very hard to recover from mental health problems I experienced at university and to get a job considering the economic climate I've done well.

Just looking for advice on best steps to getting better having experienced a bit of psychosis and anxiety/stress.

Think i'm not 100 % still - still feel anxious.

GP - need a sick note I think and to tell work what is going on - they seem nice people so hopefully they'll be understanding.

Just looking for the best way forward at the moment.

Thanks for any advice you can provide

Former Member

Hi Mark1984

Sorry to hear things have been tough for you recently. Good to hear things are getting better for you.

Going through the tribunal sounds like a rough experience.

Checking out the section on TheSite regarding mental health might be a good place to start in terms of resources. It offers some good advice on issues surrounding anxiety and stress, such as coping mechanisms and other sources of help.

http://www.thesite.org/healthandwellbeing/mentalhealth

With the work situation is there anyone in HR that you feel you could talk to? Most big organisations have some sort of wellbeing working that can offer some advice on guidance on the work front.

Let us know how things get on. Over time it does get better. People here will tell you that.

Phil :thumb:

Former Member

Are there any local organisations that help with mental health and employment? I know there are a couple of specialist services where I live for people trying to keep jobs with mental health problems.

Former Member

In my area I think Remploy deal with this sort of thing and Jobs in Mind.

http://www.remploy.co.uk/employment-services/welfare-to-work/Workplace-mental-health-support-service.ashx

Not sure if they cover where you live or if there is some similar work retention organisation. It might be worth asking your doctor if they know of a suitable service for you.

Former Member

Thanks for the replies.

It should hopefully get sorted out. I use Richmond Fellowship and another employment service through a local advocacy organisation.

I'm not sure about the organisation as it's a very small one.

I've experienced psychosis and depression in the past at university and since then I've been trying to learn from the experiences by doing courses through my local MIND and NHS. I have improved a lot, but the economic crisis has been a problem as it's been hard to move on with my life and to get much money - relying on benefits has been difficult combined with struggling to work out ''life'' after university.

Have much to learn still.

Just not sure what is the best way to deal with going back to work. Do I need a letter off the GP ? I work part time and don't think I get statutory sick pay as I'm not a core staff member.

Hopefully I should feel ok to go back in March but think it's best to take my time - that's what I have been advised, but I've not been ill and in work before so not sure what to do.