Medical leave of absence from work question.

Hi,

I'm hoping someone can help me with this question.  I already had clinical depression before my wls (lap band done laproscopically) but between the depression, my hormones going wacko, and my age (pre menopausal) I really am at the breaking point and feel that I need some time off before I crack up. 

I come home from work exhausted every day, am not getting exercise like I need to, am constantly stressed, and can't concentrate at work. 

I have no more vacation/sick days left (partially due to the surgery) and don't know what to do.  I do see where people are unable to work because of severe depression.  How does one go about getting the paperwork in order?

Any help at all on this would be appreciated.  I'm getting desperate.

Thanks.

Dear Mary:

Since I have no experience with this, I can only suggest that you check with your HR department.

I just want to give you a [[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[BIG HUG]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]].

I wish you better days ahead.  I DO understand feeling like there is too much to do and not enough time to do it, but I do not have first hand experience with clinical depression.

I'm sure someone here can give you the details that you seek.

Hi, thanks for the hug   It is nice to know that people care.

Actually I had gone to my supervisors a couple of weeks ago about this, and they were acting totally clueless about the forms I was talking about.  I think they were going to be looking into it.

Well, I am getting worse and worse, and I really think it's take some time off or self destruct.

I found some paperwork on line which I think is the correct form,and I'm going to my psych (I just talked to him) so he can fill it out.

Wish me luck

I just sent you a pm. 

Christina

My mom was on disability for years because of severe depression and Bipolar Disorder.  But that was through the State of Illinois and its a long drawn out process.  Here where I work there is short term disability (I would get paid 70% of my salary).  If you have something like this, go to your PCP and ask for a referal to see a psychiartrist.  If you have a medical reason than either doctor can request time from work for you to rest and you can get paid. 
You can go to an in -patient care facilty that may help (my mom went to these also they aren't as bad as they sound).  I know I wasn't much help, sorry.  

I wish you the best.  Seek medical help and stay in touch for moral support.    

You might want to Google FMLA-family medical leave act and see if you qualify.

I went thru the exact same thing last year.  It was prior to me making the decision to even attend the weight loss surgery seminar.  I have been seeing a psychiatrist for about a year prior to this all happening and she actually suggested to me that I take some time away from work.  I was nervous cause I'd never thought about taking actual time for me and I was feeling selfish.  At the same time I had to do something cause my depression was interrupting my work, I wasn't productive and not the nicest of person to be around.  I went to my boss and she advised me to look into FMLA and salary continuation (or short term disability).  I called the claims company our office uses and they immediately assigned me a case number and then the ball was rolling.  Paper work was sent to me and I believe my work.  My psychiatrist filled out my forms as my treating physician and then it was submitted.  I was approved and long story short, I took 3 months off.  I made the decision to pursue the Lap Band surgery.  Continued seeing my psychiatrist (she's the best!) and took time to pursue hobbies and things that made me happy.  I am not on any anti depressants at this time.  I'm proud of myself for doing the right thing for myself this time and not worrying about peoples opinions about my choices.  I'm happier now.  I reduced my work schedule (I'm fortunate to be able to do so I know) and I'm 6 days away from the start of a healthy new beginning! 

I wish you all the best.  Remember to put your health (including mental health) first.  Big Hug!

Kim

Thanks, Kim.  I did talk to my work about the possibility of this and they acted clueless about the forms and so forth.  So I am getting the forms together, seeing my psychiatrist on Wednesday so he can fill out the papers and then I'm going to officially submit the request as soon as all my paperwork is in order.. 

I agree, I have been pushing myself through years of this and I think I finally got to the point where I realize that it's time for a leave of abscence.  I know some people won't like it but it's my life and my health. 

Thanks again for sharing your story.

Mary