Has anyone ever taken long term leave for depression and mental health issues?
I've been battling mental health issues my entire life but since the summer I've been battling depression, anxiety and overcoming trauma after years of being relatively healthy. I'm not sleeping well, my appetite is up and down. I'm experiencing vertigo, headaches and digestive issues. All of this has led to significant brain fog as well. I've been on short term leave for a little while now and I've been trying to push myself to get back but I'm realizing I need longer term leave.
If I go on a long term leave, what does this look like? Do I still get benefits? I need them to stick with my current counsellor (I know about EFAS, I've used it in the past and it has not been incredibly helpful so I need to stick with my current RCC).
Do I have to meet with an occupational H&S nurse at the PSA?
Can my team fill my position temporarily? (I only ask as I know the overwhelming amount of work there already is and I have a lot of guilt around taking leave).
How long did you go on leave for and how did this benefit you?
I appreciate the answers in advance. I know I can find these answers online but I don't have the brain capacity to do it at the moment so I'm hoping for answers and hearing other people's experiences.