oh ****

[david uk]

I have been off work sick since July with anxiety and depression... in all it's about 18 months in the past 2 years.

I am very lucky in that my employer is still paying me half salary so I don't need to claim state benefits, but half salary is not full salary and I have creditors banging at my door.

I had planned to return to work next monday, but I attended a meeting today at the Occupational Health dept of Nottingham City Hospital, as my employer wanted a second opinion about my return to work.

I am quite gutted as the doctor said she did not consider me fit for work, and said that I may not be ready for the next 3 months. The reason she gave was that I still have about one bad day a week, and while this is a big improvement she feels that my condition was so serious that she would like to see me stabilise for a few months before I return to work.

I know what she says makes sense, but I am deeply disappointed. I am in deep financial **** as a result of being off work for so long and that is adding to my worries.

Sorry for posting this, I'm not looking for miracle advice, just needed to vent.

As usual, Dee made me laugh during our daily chat so that relieved some of the stress :) :p

[hoops]

david,
i was out og f work due to my mental illness for seven years... it took a long time to realize that the dr's knew what they were talking about. the best advise i can give you is apply for state benefits so you can afford to live and work on stablizing your condition. take as long as it takes cause you don;t want to end up leaving work again cause it was too soon. i did that too, not good on the self esteem. i've been back to work just over a year and i still have times when i'm just not so great and need to take time off. you have to tthink of yourself or you will get stuck where you are. it's not gonna be forever that you can't work, use the time to your benefit.
good luck and peace
hoops

[NinasSpaceChild]

My thoughts are with you David.

Financial problems will always sort themselves out in time but your health and wellbeing must come first.

[david uk]

My thoughts are with you David.

Financial problems will always sort themselves out in time but your health and wellbeing must come first.

yes, that's what I keep telling myself Dylan... I am actually lucky in that I am supported by an excellent doctor and a very good mental health team here in Nottingham.

Thanks for your comments too Hoops :)

[RedjackRyan]

It's always something ain't it? I'm with you in spirit, David. All i want is for you to be healthy and happy, if that takes a little more time to happen. then so be it.

[GodSistah]

Vent on, brotha David, vent on!

Love ya!

;)

~Andrea~

[AceOn6]

David, you have so much to be proud of. I know it won't help the money issues, but think of yourself as 80% there (4 good days) with 20% to go.

As the doctor agrees that you're almost there, is there a chance you could try to move up to either 4 full days now with a goal of working a full week by summer?

[david uk]

As the doctor agrees that you're almost there, is there a chance you could try to move up to either 4 full days now with a goal of working a full week by summer?

Ace thanks for your post. I'm not actually back at work yet, as the doc thinks that me having one "bad day" a week is too much for me to return to work.

[aabram]

David, I wish I had seen this yesterday as I had been thinking about you. I'm deeply sorry to hear you've been signed off for longer, and I continue to hope and pray for your speedy recovery. Take care, my friend, :)

Annabel

[Darlene]

David, I agree with hoops you need to get state support as soon as you can will help with the bills It doesnt mean you have to stay there but I know a lot of people including myself who just kept saying it will be soon and it takes years, years what they could be getting financial help. Get the help take a little less off your mind and get well as soon as you can just don't rush it.
And vent here all you want!
Peace, Darlene

[Eva]

Listen to Hoops.

Take care,
Eva

[Agnes]

David, so sorry to hear this. "Just" one day a week is a huge improvement though! Try not to build the pressure on yourself and take care!
hug

[david uk]

Thanks for letting me vent everyone :D