Hey Cheese24,

Yip I have had to take leave from work twice now. The 1st time was for 5 wks and then I went back for 2 wks and am now off for 3 wks.

I 1st went to my then boss and said I had something to tell her and she said ti would all be confidential. Then after I told her she said just her and the Area Manager would need to know and that was it. How wrong could it be she then told other staff members. Also it didn't help that my colleagues were speaking about me behind my back. I then was given "special permission" to not work with certain Service Users due to my ill health. However this was just aiding me to my depression. So I took initially 2 wks off. However I was pretty bad and had to take a further 3 wks off.

Then I went back to work and was so close to losing it I went back to my docs who informed me if I hadn't gone to see her then I would of had a nervous breakdown. So here I am 2nd wk in 1 wk to go

My Manager left us so my Area Manger is the one I speak to now and she has implemented so much for me yet I can't survive in there at the mo. She says I could do part-time but I just can't afford it. There is a thing called "staggered approach to work" which means you go back gradually. I think I am gonna ask my doc to do that when I go back to see her newx wk.

I hope you can find some peace in the fact that we all know where you are coming from and what you are going through to some extent.

I also thought people would be speaking about me. The people who are, are being genuinely concerned the other (*****es or whatever you want to call them) are not worth it.

Your customers don't need to know nor does your colleagues. Its up to you to tell them if you want. I was told by my Area Manager that its better to tell people as they will see your not being lazy, sloppy in your work or that your "faking" things. You are genuinely unwell

Hope this kinda helps you!!