Occupational health visit & postnatal depression

_dubli_girl

Hi there, I’ve been suffering from postnatal depression and I’m currently in sick leave from work (currently 8 weeks)
My employer does not know why I am on sick leave a I preferred it to be confidential because of all gossiping etc that I happening in my workplace.
I am working on getting better and taking medication to help the process. I lap took some unpaid maternity leave as I was hoping to avoid sick leave but it wasn’t enough.
Now my employer is sending me to visit occupational health specialist and it’s just adding to my anxiety.
They want the person to help me specify return to work date - is that something they can do/ doctor can tell?
Also what should I expect from the visit as I’m very nervous especially that it’s something I don’t talk easily about.
Thank you for all your help.

Diziet

Postnatal depression is a very valid reason to be away from work. Occupational health are not going to push you into returning before you are better - they are there to ensure you can do so safely.
Don't worry about it - but do tell them why you are off work, as it is very relevant. And tell them you find it very hard to talk about it (it goes with the territory of depression).

Postnatal depression is an illness, just as much as flu or a broken leg are. Be kind to yourself and don't feel as though you are not entitled to sick leave for some reason - you are.

Depression is very, very common. My old GP said that at least a quarter of consultations she had were depression related. You are not alone, and things will get better.

Tell me how

I'm not 100% sure that the reason for your illness has to be disclosed to your employer if you are medically unfit for work. I think it doesn't unless it potentially could impact in your ability to do your job or was something contagious and so posed a risk to your colleagues. Maybe somebody more knowledgeable can confirm.

That being said, if you are going to company Dr/therapist I would advise that you don't try to hide anything as it fosters distrust if it emerges later that you hid something.
It is likely that they are asking you to attend the OT because its part of their procedures rather than doubting your illness.

I'd tell the OT that you are concerned about potential negativity should your illness become public knowledge at work and that you expect utmost confidentiality in relation to it. They'll know this anyway but you saying it should give you confidence that it will be adhered to.

Depression is an illness. You are unlucky to suffer from it but not at fault because you do so.
Hope you get better and this particular issue doesn't give you undue stress.

Mundo7976

The occ health doc is still bound by code of ethics so cannot reveal to your employer anything about your illness. They are to try and help determine weather you are fit to return to work or not. Dont think of it as having to give a deadline, only that you will be out for the foreseeable

_Brian

The employer has a right to know through the company doc or OH that the illness is genuine and being dealt with appropriately, that’s not breaking employee or Patient confidentiality.

I would say make the visit but start off by sounding them out on their knowledge and understanding that you are insisting on confidentiality from your employer.

Ask about bringing a friend for support, I’ve seen this done in the past and I think it’s a good idea. It’s very easy after these meeting s to replay them and start second guessing yourself, having a friend to bounce it off will hopefully make things easier.

Hopefully OH and your employer will be understanding and supportive.

GalwayGrrrrrl

Be honest with the occupational health dept. Would working part time be something you’d like? This could be an opportunity to discuss this as an option. Working full time and having a young child at home is incredibly stressful and having PND makes that worse. Hope you feel better soon. Have you had a chat with your public health nurse? Mine was very supportive when I had PND after my second baby.

_Brian

_Brian wrote: »

The employer has a right to know through the company doc or OH that the illness is genuine and being dealt with appropriately, that’s not breaking employee or Patient confidentiality.

I would say make the visit but start off by sounding them out on their knowledge and understanding that you are insisting on confidentiality from your employer.
.

No such right exists for an employer to know the nature of the illness. The only confidentiality that matters here is between the op and the Dr/OT. Confidentiality is sacrosanct and cannot be overcome by an employer’s desire to know what is wrong with the employee. The most the Dr/OT can do, without the ops express permission, is confirm the absence is due to illness, and estimate if it will be a short or long term absence.

_Brian

Tthey have no right to the details but the employer has indeed a right to know and can send an employee to alternative doctor to ensure the certification is appropriate and for subsequent updates, I’ve done it.

Employees not attending alternative doctor at company request are breaching illness/absence policy and can be disciplined up to and including termination.

Particular GP’s are recognised to be free with certs and some employees known to abuse the system. Asking them to attend a company doctor is standard procedure.

They do not have a right to medical details.

_dubli_girl

Thank you all for kind words and reassurance. I hope it will take away from my anxiety about it.
PD makes me feel like I “failed” in a way.
I will try to be as open as possible once it I’ll stay between me and doctor I will be seeing.

I’ve had a bit different image of the whole process, that occ. health doctor is there to challenge how I feel and what I feel. Especially that they employer is pushing for return to work date and make me feel like I’m being dishonest about my illness.

Tell me how

_dubli_girl wrote: »

Thank you all for kind words and reassurance. I hope it will take away from my anxiety about it.
PD makes me feel like I “failed” in a way.
I will try to be as open as possible once it I’ll stay between me and doctor I will be seeing.

I’ve had a bit different image of the whole process, that occ. health doctor is there to challenge how I feel and what I feel. Especially that they employer is pushing for return to work date and make me feel like I’m being dishonest about my illness.

Next time you engage with the employer, you could mention your desire to get healthy and return to work asap but that you cannot say when that will be.

It won't change anything but you'll have at least spoken positively about getting back and they may go easy on pushing you once they know you are eager to return.

Hope you get through the PD. You most certainly have not failed.

_dubli_girl

I just want to say that I’ve had my appointment today and doctor was one of the kindest and understanding I’ve meet. She explained the process and confidentiality. She also talked me through what she will write in the report.
She was also making sure I know my rights e.g report cannot be shared with even my line manager - it’s against the law.
It was really good to hear her opinion on the matter and recommendations.

_Brian

_dubli_girl wrote: »

Thank you all for kind words and reassurance. I hope it will take away from my anxiety about it.
PD makes me feel like I “failed” in a way.
I will try to be as open as possible once it I’ll stay between me and doctor I will be seeing.

I’ve had a bit different image of the whole process, that occ. health doctor is there to challenge how I feel and what I feel. Especially that they employer is pushing for return to work date and make me feel like I’m being dishonest about my illness.

Honestly you manager probably has some silly form that needs a due date. The cast majority of managers would be very sympathetic.

Definitely start the marketing by setting out you expect full and complete patient confidentiality about your illness.