Would A Doctor Suggest Taking Six Months Off Work?

[cazdee]

A family member is suffering from depression and is telling lies to cover up what is going on.. Has told us they have been to doctor and he said to take six months off work. Is this likely or just more lies?
Not sure what more we can do to help, any answers much appreciated.

[Postdog]

I doubt it

[VHG]

The doctor may give 2 or 3 weeks off work but would not suggest 6 months off unless it was combined with some intense medical support as well.

[lilacben]

Well I was pentioned off from work through long term depression..but had to see the doctor every few weeks... Think I had sick notes every month from him.

[bednobs]

it might not ncessarily be a lie - the doctor may have said "you'll need to be on treatment for six months" and your family member misunderstood

[saxy_jag]

I can't see any doctor giving someone a sick note for a full six months. I'm not even sure they'd be allowed to. When my other half was off with a mental breakdown a few years ago he had to go to the doctor every two to three weeks to get sick notes. It did end up with him taking six months off work in total and he was able to go back on a phased return, but only with the doctor's support.

Your relative really should talk to someone. It's nothing to be ashamed of. The doctor should be able to help them access services such as counselling, but as they say, if you don't ask, then you don't get.

[paddywak]

They can give you notes for up to a year if they want I know. When I had my stroke I got two for three months, one for six months and finally one for twelve during the course of the last one the DHSS wrote saying that after consultation I was classified as permanently unfit for work and not to bother with any more notes.Mind you I was in hospital then under therapy etc they didn't just give me the sick notes and say off you go then.

[boxtops]

It's not impossible, but it would be a month at a time. I have known people be off sick months with clinical depression, if their condition warrants that time away from work. Having suffered with it myself and been off work several weeks many years back, I think it's entirely possible.

[B00]

Are you sure about the month at a time thing?

When I broke my wrist I was given a 12 week sick note.

[Dizmo]

My sick notes cover me for 8 weeks at a time and I've not had to see a GP regarding my depression for well over 2 years. They just re-issue them without seeing me.

It's simple really - just play a bit stupid and say "6 months? wow I didn't realise they could sign a sick note for so long. Is it on the standard A5 or the new A4" - just ask to see the sick note.

[jd_1984]

A GP would never be able to suggest more than 8 weeks or so at a time, with progress review after each period. Depression is a tricky diagnosis sometimes with no physical signs what so ever. People, if they feel inclined, can play on the issue and employers are often afraid to anything but accept what the employee is saying. I am not in a position to accuse family member of lying but this seems suspicious.

[boxtops]

B00, that was my experience, at that long-ago time - it sounds as if certs could be offered for longer these days. I had to see him monthly, anyway to review my medication :-(

I'm not suspicious of this person, I think it's likely, but I know too well how if you are not in a clear state of mind, it's very easy to misunderstand or not hear what a GP is saying to you. It might be helpful if another family member went with them next time, as their representative/supporter, so they get the full picture.