Sorry I just need to let it out...

[Jennyxx]

Hi Ladies.
Please don't feel you need to reply to this, but sometimes it helps to let stuff out doesn't it. This is my third week of being signed off from work. I work fulltime as a Reception Class Teacher. I suffered with depression last year, i was on anti depressants and signed off work from January-July. I am 27 weeks pregnant and for the last few months my depression has been creeping back due to pressures and stresses at work. I got to the stage where i was physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted. My pregnancy was not taken into account and my boss hadnt even done a risk assessment on me. I was experiencing painful braxton hicks and ended up being admitted to the labour ward overnight all down to stress and tiredness. Going to the doctors was hard but my doctor was amazing, so suppprtive and said i have to put myself and my baby first. She signed me off without hesitation. I am now waiting for a meeting with my union rep, my boss and a HR consultant so we can discuss my role/responsibilities and how the school can support me going forward. I'm finding it really hard being signed off, the guilt of not going to work is awful. I'm having so many up and down days, prob not helped by hormones and i worry so much about the effect my depression is having on my unborn baby. Then there is the worry about maternity leave, financially things arent good and its likely i will have to return to work when baby is only 4 or 5 months old. The thought of going back that early and working fulltime with a tiny baby makes me want to cry. Thanks for listening guys.

Jenny

 

[Laura29]

Aww Jenny sorry your having a tough time hun
I know it must be so difficult for you but being signed off by the doctor seems the best thing for you and baby you need rest and to not stress
Easier said than done I know
Hope your feeling better and less worried soon hun x

 

[northerngirl]

Hello lovely, I'm sorry I don't have 'advice' as such but I also suffer from depression which was particularly bad during my pregnancy, so I can empathise a lot with how you feel. I know it's easy for me to say but really do try not to feel bad or guilty about not being at work, mental health is just as legitimate as any other health problem, if you had a broken back you wouldn't be in work, and depression and exhaustion can be just as incapacitating at times!
The fact that you've managed until this point shows that you've tried really hard and done really well. The depression won't get better unless you look after yourself, so taking it easy is what's best for you and your baby (however don't add further stress to yourself by worrying about how your depression will affect your baby, I was very stressed and depressed throughout my pregnancy and my little one is just fine)
I hope everything goes well with your meeting, I'm sure everyone wants what's best for you and everything will work out okay, good luck to you xox

 

[twinkletoes220]

I don't have much advice as I've never been there myself,but I hope that your meeting goes well. I think I also remember reading once that you can't be forced to start your maternity leave if signed off sick until 34/36 weeks!! Which may take a load off your mind!

Don't feel guilty about any of it-ima teacher myself and know how hard it is to take time off even when you know it's the best thing for you. At the end if the day your health and your relaxation is the most important thing. Work will cope without you. You need to look after yourself,so you can look after baby when he/she arrives!!

Good luck with anything just know that taking time for you is best for you and baby xxxxxx