I had a meeting last week with my boss as I have had 6 days off in 6 months. Some days I have been unable to call in as I have been asleep all day. Even though I know that have to call in, I told my manager that I was suffering with severe depression and was on prescription drugs for this and also under the care of a psychiatrist. She told me she found it 'hard to believe' that I could be depressed when I have a lovely life. I had a breakdown last week and didn't go in, didn't call up in accordance with the staff handbook but managed to get a doctor to see me and got a sick note. Where do I stand? I told her I was unwell. Can I get sacked immediately? Iv been there for 9months. Thank you.
*my breakdown was 2 days after my meeting about my absences.
Hi hopingtosmile, I'm sorry you've been having a bad time. I personally find it disgusting that your manager hasn't been supportive of your situation and that she dismissed your depression. People like her really do need to be aware of what it means to have a mental illness and how it impacts all aspects of life. I'm not 100% sure, but i would assume that it would be unfair dismissal if you were sacked. The fact you have a sick note means you have evidence to back up why you were off work. Best of luck with your recovery, Amy.
I suggest you take a break and replenish. I want to help you, can we talk privately? message me
Hi
Sorry to hear that you are going through such a tough time..i would very much doubt they can sack you outright for not ringing in sick...although this is a breach of their company rules i very much doubt it is gross misconduct...if they are to finish you they must follow the company disciplinary procedures e.g. verbal warning; written warning; final written warning etc.
Unfortunately you now have to be with a company for 2yrs + before you can claim unfair dismissal against them.
Hi again, just wondering how you've been over the last few weeks? How has it been at work for you?
Amy
Hi, I have been sacked now, and as I have been with the company less than a year I can't do anything about it. My company commissioned a doctors report, then sacked me the day before I was due to go in for a meeting with the letter, I think they decided it was easier to get rid of me than help me! I am a bit better after spending a few days with friends in the sun, feeding the ducks, any inboxes would be much appreciated though!
xxx
Hi Hopingtosmile
OMG I've just seen your post and update that you have been sacked, that's disgusting and it should not matter how long you have worked for an organisation no wonder peoople are fearful of telling their employers!
My husband worked 24/7 for 17 years with an NHS Mental Health Trust, his boss the CEO knows he has depression and has done so since last January, to add insult to injury he was bullied. He supposedly left his job in April and had to sign a "gagging order" he has left with a few months salary so we now face repossession and bancruptcy. His boss told me last year he was too expensive to let go, so we his family know something is drastically wrong.
He left the home 9 months ago, so he has no home, no family (not our doing we've offered support and help but has refused even professional help) and now no job, he's moved for a fresh start to a house share/bed sit and is till not happy!
Sometimes people aren't able to ask for help for themselves, feel weak for asking for help or feel ashamed, but you were honest with your employer , they have failed you, your employers are a disgrace. I wish you all the very best, take care of yourself.
Jackie x
That's terrible that they've sacked you! I'm sorry to hear that (although they obviously aren't nice people to work for so hopefully you'll get something way better!).
I'm very fortunate where I work. They know I've had manic depression for about 10 years. I was off sick in 2010 for 7 months, and I have just gone off sick again this week. My manager is really good though. She called Occupational Health (during 2010 absence) who checked up on the problem and reiterated to my employers that I shouldn't be at work and am currently receiving treatment for a long term illness (the depression).
Plus, due to the fact I am receiving treatment it goes down as disability rather than sick. If I rang in and said 'I'm depressed today so I won't be coming in' then that would go down as sick, but not if I'm off for receiving treatment.
I think most large companies are meant to check with Occupational Health for such things really. Hopefully your next employers will do so!
Glad to hear you're feeling a bit better anyway 
Gem xxx
So sorry to hear about you losing your job Hopingtosmile. Although it probably doesn't feel like it now, i'm sure in the long run it will be a good thing. I've been having cognitive behavioural therapy, which teaches you to learn how to think positively about even the worst of situations. (I'd have a read into it if you haven't already On the flip side, I'd say that at least you are no longer working for such an awful company who clearly don't have any compassion towards their employees. Plus, you've mentioned how nice it is to have spent time with your friends, so that's another plus. Hopefully in your next job your employer will be more understanding
No you can't get sacked but a poor manager will try and insinuate this could be a possibility. It is a form of bullying and it's rife in work places at the moment. Consequence of the recession, where all business are keen to get the most out of their staff but there are rules which are there to protect you. You have a sick note so that should be the end of the matter. Probably because she's got someone on her back telling her to keep absences down but that's not your fault. If she still puts pressure on you get in touch with ACAS, just type ACAS into google and you'll get their site up and they'll be able to advise. I used them to start a tribunal against a former employer last year over a similar situation to yours and they were great.
Thank you everyone for your replies, I am feeling a bit better at the moment, and my dr has helped me. My friends are all being very supportive and also I have really found everyone's responses on here very supportive and kind. Thank you xxx
No problem, happy to hear you are on the up and have a good support network around you