Depression/ leave of absence from work?!
Question: Depression/ leave of absence from work.?
I'm considering taking a leave of absence or trying to get on disability from my job. My depression has become unmanageable and I feel that my work is suffering. I'm under the treatment of a phychiatrist and a psychologist. I'm taking medication but I don't think it's helping. I would really like some insight into what any of you have gone through with this subject (depression, not being about to work/ function). Can anyone shed some light on the process I may be looking at with this.?Health Question & Answer
Answers:
Hi 'Cookies' (cute avatar!),
I've struggled with major depression for 20 years now. Getting on meds was a nightmare in '89, but I've managed with zoloft for over a decade.
It's can be a bit rough, but talk with your doc about everything regarding the meds; it can be an experiment just to find the one that works best with your system.
As far as work/disability, that is a harder question. It really depends on a couple of things. Is the atmosphere of your company supportive, or will a disability leave stain your career path.? If the latter is true, could you take a leave for some 'other reason' that won't tarnish your image or make upward mobility more difficult.?
Lastly, and most importantly, what will your quality of life be if you go on working feeling like you do.? Maybe you'd like to change industries or locations.?
I know you must be feeling anxious and terrible, and I hope I am not adding to the pile. Let me offer something that I have found useful to cut through the mire in any big decision process:
1. What are the facts.? 2. How do they affect you.? 3. What can you do about them.? 4. How would you feel about that.?
That short list was given to me by a cousin who was a VP with Hewlett Packard for many years, and it has helped me sort out things when I have felt like my own head was going to explode...
Sorry so long winded and I truly hope this may have helped. Health Question & Answer
I've struggled with major depression for 20 years now. Getting on meds was a nightmare in '89, but I've managed with zoloft for over a decade.
It's can be a bit rough, but talk with your doc about everything regarding the meds; it can be an experiment just to find the one that works best with your system.
As far as work/disability, that is a harder question. It really depends on a couple of things. Is the atmosphere of your company supportive, or will a disability leave stain your career path.? If the latter is true, could you take a leave for some 'other reason' that won't tarnish your image or make upward mobility more difficult.?
Lastly, and most importantly, what will your quality of life be if you go on working feeling like you do.? Maybe you'd like to change industries or locations.?
I know you must be feeling anxious and terrible, and I hope I am not adding to the pile. Let me offer something that I have found useful to cut through the mire in any big decision process:
1. What are the facts.? 2. How do they affect you.? 3. What can you do about them.? 4. How would you feel about that.?
That short list was given to me by a cousin who was a VP with Hewlett Packard for many years, and it has helped me sort out things when I have felt like my own head was going to explode...
Sorry so long winded and I truly hope this may have helped. Health Question & Answer
IF you need a break from work I would suggest you consider taking time off under the Family Medical Leave Act. Most of the time you have to be employed somewhere for a year to be able to take FMLA time but this would allow you to take off time... even months and still be able to return to your job. During your time off you can recooperate and seek help and not have the worry of being unemployed.
There are many options regarding medication. If your current medication is not working ask what other options are out there. Depending on your specific problem(s) a combination may work best. also make sure you have had a yearly physical as certain medical problems can cause depression and inability to function such as a thyroid problem.
I wish you the best.Health Question & Answer
There are many options regarding medication. If your current medication is not working ask what other options are out there. Depending on your specific problem(s) a combination may work best. also make sure you have had a yearly physical as certain medical problems can cause depression and inability to function such as a thyroid problem.
I wish you the best.Health Question & Answer
i am a teacher and was in a similar situation a few years ago and had to take a leave of absence for 6 months. however this was covered with sick pay and i was not able to receive disability benefit. it really helped me mentally to get away from work for awhile and sort myself out (i too was under the care of a psychologist and on medication). i was lucky because my boss was very understanding and told me to take as much time as i needed. on my return to work i had a "phased return" where i went back part time and gradually increased my hours when i felt ready to.
i was taking many sick days at the start of my problems and eventually plucked up the courage to tell my boss exactly what was going on with me. i did not feel able to do this face to face so i wrote him a letter to which he responded in a very caring manner. i was referred to occupational health who saw that i was not fit to be working at that time. while i was off i kept in regular contact with my boss regarding my progress. i also had to send sick lines from my doctor in every two weeks.
it sounds like you should take some time out. be honest with your boss and hopefully he will take on board what you are saying and agree to time off work.Health Question & Answer
i was taking many sick days at the start of my problems and eventually plucked up the courage to tell my boss exactly what was going on with me. i did not feel able to do this face to face so i wrote him a letter to which he responded in a very caring manner. i was referred to occupational health who saw that i was not fit to be working at that time. while i was off i kept in regular contact with my boss regarding my progress. i also had to send sick lines from my doctor in every two weeks.
it sounds like you should take some time out. be honest with your boss and hopefully he will take on board what you are saying and agree to time off work.Health Question & Answer
I have bi-polar, ocd, and depression. It is controllable with meds though. I take topamax 150 mg a day and trazadone 75 mg a day. Currently I am not taking any due to being pregnant, but will be the day I give birth. Its hard sometimes to put up with people at work and certain surroundings...I just do the best I can knowing that in 10 weeks I can start taking it again.Health Question & Answer