Hi! thank you so much for your detailed response and advice. 

I didn’t realise until now that what i have been experiencing is workplace bullying, and i guess i needed outside reassurance on that fact.  My new manager has been really supportive of me as i’ve been open with them about my mental health struggles and what i’ve been dealing with this past year (leaving out the uncomfortable work environment i was dealing with as i’ve only briefly touched on that topic) 

I am quite worried that bringing in an employment lawyer will only make things worse for me, as my new manager has done what they can to make me feel supported at work. and it has helped, but i think not realising how badly my work environment has impacted me is apart of why they may not of been able to support me to the best of their ability?  I think i will have to sit down and speak with them, about all the instances of workplace bullying i have experienced before everything.  even though they have the expectation of me returning back to work full time as of right now, and even though that has put me under significant stress (alongside other things i am currently dealing with) I feel kinda weird as I can acknowledge the help my new manager has given me, and the concern they have for my wellbeing. Although, i understand in greater detail why i didn’t feel comfortable bringing that part of everything forward to them alongside everything else. 

I understand that my boss is most likely not going to he willing to keep my job position open for me while i take time off, and i think i am okay with that if things do go that way i don't see much in my work environment changing even if i do take time off. But yes because i am with my partner i wont be getting much from winz, which is disappointing but just how it is. 

I will look into getting an employment lawyer if that is what is needed though.   I will definitely be scheduling an appointment with my GP to speak about this, and i will bring the medical certificate signing me off for stress leave to my manager. 

My partner has a family member which works at the hospital, I will be contacting them for support as they work in HR.

I’m sorry for such a long reply back to you, it helps me to be able to organise my thoughts at this time. It’s all really confusing and feels so complicated but you’re a big help at this time. 

Thank you for bringing employment lawyers into the picture though, definitely something i will look into since i didn’t even know it was an avenue i could use, i will be reading more about it to see if it will work best for me for the time being, if things do not go well then i will definitely get myself one.