Occupational Health Meeting
 

Hi ya,

Some of you might remember, I was off work for nearly 10 weeks from the start of the year, but last week I have managed to go back to work, so far so good.

I have bipolar disorder, and emotional and anxiety and depressive disorders.

Anyway, my work organised for me to have a Occupational Health meeting.. and that is this Friday 26th.. just wondered if anyone had experienced this and what to expect...

Should I still go as Im back at work?
Any information much appreciated...
thanks

I've been to my workplace's Occupational Health, yes, twice. I was referred both times by my managers. The first time was because they needed guidance on what to do with me, pretty much. The second time was when concerns were raised due to some of my behaviours that came from my illness.
Both times I was actually in continuous work, as I've never had extended sick leave.

I would definitely advise you to go. It may even be compulsory. They are there to help make sure there are any adjustments in place to help you stay in work, and to keep an eye on your ongoing health situation. They are there to help you and your managers work together in the way that promotes your wellbeing, within reasonable perspectives.

For me, I talked about the way my illness is, how long I've lived with it, and how it can effect me at work.

Thanks for your reply, just am a bit worried about going.. thought maybe there wouldnt be much point in going seeing Im now back at work.

Im feeling better than I did 10/11 weeks ago when I was signed off, don't see how they can see Im feeling when I feel better, if that makes sense.

I will go, I dont have a problem with going, and yes sacking a colleague who I have problems with would make my working life a bit nicer, but that wont happen, so I dont really see what work can do, but still. My behaviours at work normally are a bit strange, but my line manager picked up on it this time (I was off December 2008 for about 6 weeks as well when no-one realised not even me)

I don't know if Ill be able to talk very easily, I dont talk well to people I dont know.

Personally I'd take your union rep with you, but I had a bad experience.
They will want to see if there are any reasonable adjustments that can be made and will write to your work. They are just suggestions though.

Hey I saw occupational health even when I went back to work and they tried to make it easier for me to be at work and to kind of provide support for me and saw them quite a few times. They can be very helpful because sometimes they tell your managers you need something which it normally wouldn't be possible to arrange, such as 1 day a week off or so you can ask to leave early if you are having a bad day. I found them helpful tho I hated going to speak to them and didn't say much.xx

Hi chocolatelover,

im worried that i wont be able to say much, i have written some things down, so maybe that will help me. I am hopeful though the meeting will be able to help me and support me in my work though.

Thanks for your reply x

I hope it goes well for you today.

I hope it went well for you

Hi all ,

Well it went OK.. it was basically another doctor talking to me, and almost double checking my normal doctors diagnosis. Wanted to know what my work to do to help me in the future, and try and prevent another relapse.. had to do a few questionnaires, but it was harmless and nothing to worry about.

Thanks to you who gave me tips, much appreicated
Matt x

Glad it went well :)