Been signed off with stress, can I go out to the cinema?

[GirlAfraid23]

So as you may have seen in my previous posts, I've been signed off due to stress and anxiety.

My partner has offered to take me to the cinema on Saturday night to see a film I've wanted to see for a while.
I live in a small town and it's the only cinema in the area so it's likely I might see someone from work.
I'm concerned a colleague will spot me and tell the headteacher that I'm out enjoying myself and socialising when I should be "off sick".

What do you all think? Should I go?

[TalkTonight]

Were a colleague of mine absent from work for any reason and I saw them out and about (God forbid engaging in something potentially therapeutic!) I would congratulate them on leaving the house and I certainly would not tell tales.

That said, folk can be vindictive.

So far as I'm aware, it's not unlawful to leave the house whilst off sick. Knowing most people's attitude to mental health though, I'm not sure what I'd do in your position.

Sorry - not massively worthwhile my posting was it really?!

[Arietis]

I was signed off for 3 months a few years ago with stress. I left the house most days and I didnt see a problem seeing anyone from work because its not like I was faking a cold/flu. My boss was aware of my issues and therefore didnt expect me to stay housebound for weeks because that would have made me worse!

Go to the cinema xxx

[GirlAfraid23]

I really want to see it...but I'm more concerned about the stigma still surrounding mental health & the fact people don't understand that going out is actually a good thing when trying to get over anxiety and depression.
I can see a couple of toxic colleagues going straight to the headteacher (I work in a school) and saying "she's been out enjoying herself, I saw her at the cinema" or something like that :( and they will draw their own conclusions...that I'm basically lying.

[uru]

go!

Just bear in mind...I sometimes feel the cinema doesn't help my anxiety...I can feel a bit trapped.

[GirlAfraid23]

go!

Just bear in mind...I sometimes feel the cinema doesn't help my anxiety...I can feel a bit trapped.

I know what you mean. However I'm usually ok if I really get into the film which I'm sure I will be with this one...
It's also a small independent cinema, not like the big Hollywood type ones.

[KeeKee]

Of course you can. I can't stand when you see people commenting on people who are depressed/stressed/anxious going on holiday (as an example). Should we just sit in the house?
I was off sick a while back and I used to go out drinking and everything. Going to work and having to mingle with strangers was horrendous for me at the time. Not to mention all the responsibilities within your job that you probably can't cope with right now.
Also even if they do tattle on you, I don't believe there is anything they can do about it. I suffer with severe depression at the moment and I have quite bad health anxiety, social anxiety, but I still go out most days. I go for a coffee in town. I'll walk to the Supermarket.


I'd also like to end this post by saying I HATE the mental health stigma. I'm sick to death of feeling judged every single day. If people don't understand it that's completely fine but there is no need to be critical, judgmental or anything of the sort towards them. I feel like the stigma actually contributes to it or at least prolongs/emphasises it.
Go to the Cinema, enjoy your movie and stuff what anyone else says.
Not to mention at CBT I was told to try to leave the house most days even just to pop to the local shop. You are advised to do 'fun' things and that's all you are doing.

[anxious1]

So as you may have seen in my previous posts, I've been signed off due to stress and anxiety.

My partner has offered to take me to the cinema on Saturday night to see a film I've wanted to see for a while.
I live in a small town and it's the only cinema in the area so it's likely I might see someone from work.
I'm concerned a colleague will spot me and tell the headteacher that I'm out enjoying myself and socialising when I should be "off sick".

What do you all think? Should I go?

You are entitled to live your life mate and whatever helps you to recover as quickly as possible and take your mind off things then do it. It all aids the overcoming anxiety/stress process and good for you for wanting to do things

[beatroon]

I think as long as you have your boss's support it should be fine. It's up to you what you do to help you feel better, and if you think this would help, you should go! Staying in the house worrying isn't going to help your recovery.

I do think people understand that depression and anxiety aren't like physical illnesses where you need to rest in bed (although sometimes they can be very physical too). If you do bump into someone, I'd suggest that you go over to them and 'check in' with them. Inevitably they will ask how you're doing and you can then explain that you're at the stage of just getting to starting to go out and about.

[GirlAfraid23]

I don't know if my boss supports me or not...I've not had the greatest time at the job as mentioned in my previous post. I am in two minds whether or not to hand in my notice while I am signed off. I can't face going back there. It's making me unwell.

What do I do if someone sees me and then tries to report me? What can I say to defend myself if I'm accused?

[KeeKee]

I would just say your therapist (if you don't have one your GP) advised you to have a night out to help you on your road to recovery.

[MyNameIsTerry]

It all depends on why you are off and what you are seen doing.

For instance, if you are off with a bad back and then someone sees you digging your garden up, it's hardly going to come across well.

Mental health is more complicated since many of the things you may be spotted doing could be contradictory to what most people think. However, your employer should understand this, should take advice on it and can always ask for an explanation from you.

Again, if you were signed off due to being a housebound agoraphobic and then someone sees you at the cinema, it is bound to be questioned. But if your issue is with work, does it even apply to the situation at the cinema?

Like has already been said, it's not a cold or a bad back, getting out and trying to actively feel better is way to return to work and sitting about at home is usually detrimental anyway.