Will my doctor send me back to work if there has been no change?

[Stephen654]

Hello everybody i was wondering if anybody could help me. I have very bad depression and anxiety to the point where im afraid to leave my home due to having panic attacks. My doctor has signed me off from work last week for two weeks to begin with but he did say if i need more time he can give me it. My question is though if there has been no change in me and im still afraid in the same manner that i was when i first whent to see my GP surely he would not send me back to work when i do not feel ready to go right?. This is my biggest panic and worry i cant face work right now and i dont want him to send me back as im not ready. Can someone please help me out with this. Thank you in advance.

[4Maddie44]

Just tell your doctor you are not feeling any better and don't feel ready to return to work.  No he will not send you back to work if you tell him you are not ready.  Ask him to sign you off for a few more weeks.  

Don't panic about it please.  Your doctor will do what is best for you.  Just make it clear to him how you are feeling.  He has your best interests at heart.  No doctor would send a person with depression back to work if they are not up to it.  I had months and months off work.  The employer has to accept that you are ill.  

[thatquietgirl]

He told you he would give you more time if needed, so I wouldn't worry.  However, I would ask for a referral to psychiatry so you can begin therapy to work on managing your anxiety.  Even if your GP can give you anxiety meds, therapy will help you learn to manage and cope with your anxiety over time by recognizing triggers, patterns, etc.