Signed off with Stress HELP!!!

[LucyH]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone has been signed off sick from work due to stress?????

My midwife has advised me to get an appointment with the Dr to be signed off work till I go on maternity week (im nearly 17 weeks) I have an appointment booked Tuesday.

My circumstances:
1. Live on my own in London
2. Work 20miles away
3. work as a PE teacher in North London
4. Husband is away in the navy
5. Hyperemesis

Does anyone know what the Dr will ask???

I have no idea what to say - but my midwife wants me to be off long term

Thanks all

Will appreciate any help

Lucy

 

[AugustMum]

Hey,

I havnt been signed off work with stress so can't really help sorry, but I am speaking to my work tomorrow and seeing what can be done as theyre so awful I dont feel its healthy (due to raising my blood pressure and stress) to carry on working there, so many even have to quit.

Im sure the doctor will just double check everything youve already discussed with the midwife and check its the right thing to do

I think stress with work is a london thing!

Sorry thats not much use but the doctor will ask all the questions and Im sure itll all be fine! Just enjoy your time off really!

 

[JJ Mum]

I am afraid I don't know what can be done, If the docs won't do it for that length of time, maybee work would let you have unpaid holiday till then, just so you could relax at home till 11 weeks before when you can start your maternity? Good luck with it X

 

[katiejane]

I'm off with stress and pregnancy complications. I've had a few miscarriages in the past, and have been quite I'll during this pregnancy. I was very sick and had alot of dizzyness and low blood pressure during tri 1, so was off sick. Went back after Christmas, but struggled with various things and found it really stressful. I started having panic attacks and nightmares about going into work, then I started being sick again so my gp has signed me off and I won't be back now. I'm taking redundancy but also qualify for maternity leave. Just be honest with your doctor about how your feeling and what your midwife has said. Might be worth checking what sick pay your entitled to, but your health and the baby comes first, so don't feel bad (I did at first, but not now). Let us know how you get on chick x

 

[helenp]

Hi Lucy, I was signed off for 5 weeks in my first trimester, just explain to the doctor how you are feeling and explain the complications you have had, also once you explain that the midwife has recommended sick leave then im sure it wont be a problem, all the doctors I have seen have been very understanding, you will feel relieved once you have done it! also government legislation prevents disciplinary action against sick leave due to pregnancy so i wouldnt worry about that aspect either x

 

[Tasha89]

An employer must pay you you full sick pay up until the baby is born or you start mernity leave if they sign you off for anything pregnancy related. It's the law.
I'm off to see my doc on Wed as I cant cope with work anymore. My manager is a right cow and isn't making my life too easy at the mo.
Good luck hun xx

 

[bwakeling]

Hope everything goes OK for you.

 

[*Hope*]

Ive been signed off for stress since my third month!! I am signed off ech mont for a month and this will carry on till late april when my maternity pay starts.

my doc is v understanding and knew i had to leave my job of riding competition horses. he undersands i cant get anothr job so is happy to continue signing me off.

I get ESA which is only £64 so times are tight. but its nice to know im safe and not risking my baby in a dangerous job.

 

[AugustMum]

I had to go into work today to hand in a letter of grievence to work and I truly don't want to go back because theyre so stressful, and I thought about getting signed off sick due to stress until my maternity leave begins (5th may) but I just feel a bit silly going in saying Im stressed. Any else feel like that???

 

[Tasha89]

If i end up getting signed off for stress it'll feel weird. I'm a really loud and out going person so don't show my stress and upset to others. Only my OH and family xx

 

[*Hope*]

yeah but if you do go in and say it you wil feel so much better afterwards.

make it out to be worse than it is though so they def sign you off. say you cant sleep etc, and that your constantly anxious when at work.

 

[AugustMum]

Haha thats what its like anyway! Barely slept the past few nights because of work! I might book an appointment this week then, its worth going even if they dont do anything I suppose.

 

[Tasha89]

Just ask for some advice. What more can you do. If they sign you off they sign you off. Let us know how you get on xx

 

[bobkat]

I reckon if your midwife has recommended it you will be fine and above all do not feel guilty - you are growing a person after all.

Also, Melio10



"I havnt been signed off work with stress so can't really help sorry, but I am speaking to my work tomorrow and seeing what can be done as theyre so awful I dont feel its healthy (due to raising my blood pressure and stress) to carry on working there, so many even have to quit. "

It is illegal for your employers not to do anything to help you out - either by reducing hours or by swapping your work tasks to something you can manage more easily - with no cut in pay. If you have to leave, you have grounds for discrimination - especially if a doctor backs you up.

Good luck all of you, you also reminded me of how lucky I am at the moment with my employer who has been great so far.

 

[LucyH]

Hi Guys!!

Thanks for all the lovely comments they were really helpful!! I sow the Dr today & he was really understanding and signed me off for 4 weeks due to sickness - he said this can be continued till I go on maternity leave! Please can someone tell me if, I get signed off for a pregnancy related issue - can my work make me take maternity leave now?? I'm
17 weeks!! I really don't want that & would prefer to be on stress sickness & get full pay??? Would appreciate any help & advice please!!

Thanks all

L x

 

[AugustMum]

Glad the doctor was so understanding and its great that he's said it can continue as well, lots of time to chill out! Im not sure about the maternity pay thing though but Im sure one of the lovely ladies on here can help

 

[mablestarr]

No, they cannot make you take maternity leave now.

I'm a teacher and trying to get preggers and just thinking about my stress level now there's no wonder that I haven't got lucky, and if I did not sure how I'd be coping.

Relax and enjoy your pregnancy.
xx

 

[bobkat]

You are fine taking sick leave until your maternity leave - your employer should not make you go on mat leave.

 

[megsmeadow]

My employer can make me take my mat leave if I'm signed off with pregnancy related issues, but only a maximum of four weeks before my 'expected date of confinement' (according to our policy). So if I was in your position then I'd be fine up til 36 weeks and signed off on normal sick leave, then mat leave would kick in for the last four weeks. TBH I am probably heading down the same road, for healthcare staff my colleagues are a bunch of bullies, I'm so glad my managers are very supportive, just a shame I have to work with others who are managed separately.

 

[katiejane]

Hi hun, glad the doctor was so understanding. No your employer can't make you start maternity leave, its too soon just yet anyway, but no you have a valid sick note and should be able to decide when you start mat leave. Put your feet up and enjoy having less stress for a while, i am x