I need advice on Occupational Health at work.
What are the likely implications of telling OH about OD/Self harm/Eating disorder?
I have no desire to tell them as I dont feel it's any of their business to know and I dont believe it's impacting on how I work.
However other "concerns" about my "mental health" have been raised and have to have a meeting.
I dont know what to say when they ask that question though - 'do you have thoughts of harming yourself or have in the past?' - they rest of the questions I can "lie" - or be evasive with the truth easily enough.
But do I just lie to them or not?
If I tell them the truth Im worried they'll say im not fit for work, and I need to be at work.
Any advice?
'You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice'
You'd be best looking at the direct gov website. But from what i gather you legally have to tell them when they ask you directly if you have any form of health problem.
i think that my oh no's as my manager knows, as i told her the truth and hu probably in turn told oh.
but i think that its probably for the best, i actually managed to get counselling through work which really helped as an outlet to talk to someone. they arent there to hold it against you.
are you struggling with going to work at the minute!? sounds like maybe they are worried about you, and therefore care that you are well enough to work, the could also give you some time off im sure if you needed too.
remember there is disability discrimination acts in place which counts for people with mental health problems! and they cant discriminate against you, i.e they arent going to ask you to leave or anything just cos you self harm or anything
Thanks for the replies, they are very helpful.
I have returned to work after 6 months off - financially I have no choice. Yes, I am struggling with work. Im making it through the day, sort of, but it's clear I am struggling.
But absolutely cannot have any more time off, Ive used all sick pay and financially it would just ruin me. I have to be well enough to be at work, yet Im probably not.
I dont know what to do. Am scared if im honest with OH, they will agree with my manager that I shouldnt be at work, then Ill just be screwed. :c rying:
'You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice'
darling im not sure what to say though if you arent coping at work then do you not think that you could use a wee break, i think that if oh got involved maybe could you agree with them or something to take time of rather than leave altogether, as then it can be a goal for you rather than to have nothing to go back to once you are feeling better.
also remember that there are benefits out there if you arent working cos of your health hun
If they did decide you weren't fit for work would it entitle you to different benefits? I'm afraid that I'm not up on benefits, but CAB would be able to help. You could also refer to Access to Work for additional support. Do you claim DLA?
