Citizens Advice Bureau, Family Counselling and GP
A 35-year-old nursing auxiliary who had been off work for three weeks with depression referred herself to OHSxtra.
In the initial interview with her case manager it emerged that she had been finding it difficult to cope with the demands of work, and had either been late in, or had odd days off in the two months preceding her sickness absence. Her GP had diagnosed mild depression and issued a medical certificate for four weeks.
The reasons for her difficultly in coping and subsequent depression arose from a combination of factors: the breakdown of her marriage meant she had to care for her three children alone, and this caused her and her children emotional problems (such as disturbed sleep patterns and behavioural problems). She was also in financial difficulty due to existing debts and childcare costs.
She wanted to return to work – which she enjoyed – and felt guilty about the extra work her colleagues were doing in her absence. However, she was unable to do so in her present circumstances.
The case manager made appointments for her to attend the Citizens Advice Bureau for financial advice, advised her to seek help from GP regarding the problems the children were having and provided details of an after-school club to help with childcare.
With the client’s permission, her case manager liaised with her line manager and the human resources department to make them aware that the client’s personal problems were affecting her ability to return to work. This resulted in a beneficial change to her working hours, which accommodated her domestic commitments.
The Citizens Advice Bureau were able to help with the client’s financial difficulties. Family counselling helped improve the behavioural problems and the childcare issues had improved.
The client found herself in more control of her situation and able to cope much better. With all this support and assistance she successfully returned to work.