work related issues

[CagedBird]

I'm needing to up my therapy from once to twice a week. Currently I work full time and do therapy in the evening. However both my therapist and I think it would be very helpful to increase the amount of therapy because I'm not doing very well getting through the week and generally I'm needing more support. This won't be happening till after Christmas now but although i'm willing to give up another evening a wk for therapy (its not as though i have anything else to do!), she can't always do after work appts for me and is wondering how flexible I can be.

This is where the problem arises, I work with clients so i don't have flexi time (e.g. come in earlier and leave later). So I contacted OH and they basically said it is up to my manager if she gives me the time off or just to take it as annual leave (which i pointed out wasn't really an option as it isn't as though this'll be a one off thing). I like my manager but she isn't very sympathetic towards MH issues (i know this because other people in my work have difficulties and have been telling me horror stories, i've not told them i have any MH problems btw).

So OH suggested i fill in an online form to see a OH dr and that they can write to my manager on my behalf supporting my need for therapy....which tbh could be helpful as at least I'd have some support. But I absolutely hate seeing drs because they're generally unhelpful. Most drs think that if a person is functioning then they don't need any help. It doesn't seem to equate in that in order to function i self-medicate, disocciate and SH!!

Urg, i doubt any of this will matter i won't be able to get any time off, so why bother even considering the possibility!! I frigging hate that I have this MI, I do my best every single bloody day to keep it together and not let it take me to the edge, but it is never enough for other people. I never thought it would get to this point, I'm a good person....I just need some extra help. Why is that so hard to get?!

sorry for the rant/whine.

[Stellata]

Ok. If you have a long term/possibly recurring mental health diagnosis [like I am diagnosed with 'Recurrent Depressive Disorder'] and your work organisation has more than 30 employees, you are entitled to reasonable adjustments under the DDA. This includes time for treatment appointments i.e. therapy and the like.

I've had a pretty good experience with Occupational Health [although the 2nd one I had to set things straight re my diagnosis and treatment plan!] They tend to be on your side, and are supportive of what you need to function at your optimum level. You are a valuable employee, mental health 'disability' or not, and they will do what they can to adjust to your needs.

Maybe one option is to have a day where you have your lunch and tea breaks all in one for the extra therapy day.

So I say go for OH. HR is also a good option. And you should have a disabilities rep somewhere around.

[CagedBird]

Thanks for the advice and reassurance Stellata. It is really unnerving not knowing what is available and feeling unable to cope with doing it all! I think i'll go to the OH appt and see what advice/support they can offer. They must do things like this a lot so it will probably be quite routine. I'm a mountain out of a molehill person. I have slightly more perspective today!

[Stellata]

All the best with it all. Perspective tends to fly out of the window when panicky feelings of being overwhelmed and lost come in, I know.

[startingagain]

I get time out to attend appointments as a reasonable adjustment. OH put it in writing, although they were happy to do it anyway.