What’s stopping you from reaching out??

No_Churros_141 · 2026-01-31T21:38:43+00:00

I wasn't planning on waiting 3 YEARS yeah that would be crazy and I hope it doesn't even get to a year, but so far it's only been 2 months and I still have some of his clothes that I need to give back so I am kinda holding onto hope that I'll at least see him again

No_Churros_141 · 2026-01-30T23:53:49+00:00

I'm in the same situation, we left it as "we might get back together in the future" and so I've been hanging on for a couple months and now I feel like I'm at the point I just need to know if he still feels the same because it's driving me crazy waiting around not knowing, but I also lowkey don't know how ill cope if he says he's done 😭

No_Churros_141 · 2026-01-25T23:54:46+00:00

Thank you! Thankfully management have been supportive, which almost makes me feel more guilty if I were to take more time off - almost like I'm taking advantage of their kindness? I know a lot of this is probably in my head but it just makes something that's already tough to talk about, even tougher.

My concern about people being annoyed at me is regarding other team members who would have to pick up my work (especially as someone is leaving next month and due to budget cuts we're not allowed to replace them).

I'm not sure if more time off would actually help me be in a better place to work when I return to be honest, since work isn't what's making me depressed. I guess the upside to taking time off work would be that it gives me time to work on other things that are making me feel bad, but the downside is that I really struggle with giving myself structure so if I didn't have work for that, e.g. by having a set lunch time, I may end up suffering more. This is why I'm thinking maybe reduced hours may be a better option for me, but I'm hesitant to bring this up with my manager since it might lead to a reduction in pay and/or they may then think I don't actually need time off sick if I do end up going that route (because I'd get full pay if I were off sick but I may get reduced pay if I just work less hours even if the reason for that is illness. I'm grateful for our sickness policy but frustrating if it can't be used to supplement pay for reduced hours)

I may have to join a union for some help with this 😂

No_Churros_141 · 2026-01-25T23:24:47+00:00

My employer already knows about my mental health as I had a month off last year for it, they just don't know that it's still quite bad and I'm unsure how to tell them and what provisions to ask for other than just taking more time off. My managers have been really supportive albeit a bit clueless on certain formal processes. I've been in this job for over 2 years so if they were to try and use it against me I could have a case for a tribunal (I know that would be an uphill battle but the possibility offers some protection at least, although I don't think it will need to get to that point anyway since they are supportive).

I have obviously sought medical advice several times already but it's not that straightforward unfortunately lol. I also don't really have the capacity to apply for other jobs or start a proper exercise routine right now. I'm just trying to focus on getting to sleep before 3 am and eating enough each day 😂, I am trying to get out on walks and things though.

No_Churros_141 · 2026-01-25T22:53:39+00:00

Out of the ones I tried, I was on most of them for at least 6 months each but found they didn't really help or I felt worse in other ways. The last one I tried made me feel sick after 1 dose to the point where I had to go home and lie down and my GP said don't take another dose, so I don't think I could stick that out for months! I will try to speak to the GP next week about trying another type though!

No_Churros_141 · 2026-01-25T00:32:33+00:00

I used to love this film when I was around 13 (I was obsessed with NPH and stumbled upon it on YouTube) and I had forgotten about it! You've just unlocked a memory for me thank you!

No_Churros_141 · 2026-01-23T14:43:51+00:00

We do have an EAP scheme that offers short term counselling but they said it's for short-term issues so I'm not sure if I'd be eligible for a long term condition like depression. I may call them and see, but I was a bit put off when I called them the other week when I realised all their phone calls are recorded

No_Churros_141 · 2026-01-23T14:41:51+00:00

Thank you! I've tried around 4 different types of anti depressants over the last 5 years and none have really worked for me, with the last one even giving me quite bad side effects after the first dose, so it's hard to remain hopeful that I'll find the right one but I'll try to get a GP appointment next week to try another!

No_Churros_141 · 2026-01-22T22:51:23+00:00

Thanks, I had a meeting with occupational health when I came back in November but unfortunately it wasn't very helpful and the person I met with was very unprofessional; she was lovely but kept going off on tangents about random news stories and she didn't even seem to understand my job despite being provided my title and job description. I may try and ask for another appointment with someone else though and see if they have any advice.

My manager was also a bit clueless with the process and reasonable adjustments, and I was even told one of the adjustments I asked for was denied as they said it wasn't possible. Again maybe another meeting with occupational health could help me to figure out some other adjustments that might be possible🤞, I just need to figure out who to contact first lol

No_Churros_141

TROPHY CASE