Being signed off work, whether with an illness or injury, can be an incredibly stressful time. Not only are you dealing with the incapacities of your injury or illness, you could also have the added stress of money worries, alongside the boredom of finding yourself with a number of hours extra a week of ‘free time’.
All of these things can take a toll on your mental health, so it’s unsurprising if you’ve noticed a shift in your mood recently. In this article, we are going to explore how to keep on top of your mental health if you have to take a long-term absence, as well as provide you with some wellbeing tips and advice. Let’s get started!
Understanding the emotional toll of being unable to work
Not being able to stick to your normal routine of working and socialising due to being too unwell or injured can be a very difficult situation to navigate, and you may be dealing with emotions that you’ve not really had before.
For example, for people who are incredibly proud of their work, they could be facing a loss of identity. Others may be feeling very isolated and separate from a lot of their colleagues and friends. If money is a concern, not being able to work could be an added stresser.
The connection between physical and mental health
Unfortunately, mental and physical health issues go hand-in-hand and physical conditions can significantly increase the likelihood of developing mental health issues. In fact, almost 1/3rd of people who suffer from a long-term physical health condition also experience a mental health illness, such as depression or anxiety.
As well as this, emotional responses like grief or frustration can also further worsen physical health by increasing stress levels and disrupting sleep.
Prioritising mental health can complement medical treatment and support recovery. Understanding and addressing this connection between mental and physical health is essential for promoting holistic well-being during periods of illness or injury, helping people to recover quicker and return to their normal lives as soon as possible.
Mental health advice and wellbeing tips
Now that you have more of an understanding of the emotional toll of being unable to work and the connection between your physical and mental health, you are probably eager to get some insights into how to boost your mood and care for your mental wellbeing whilst being signed off. This section will explore various different tips and offer advice on how to try and reduce your suffering if you’re struggling with your mental health.
Build a support system
During times of illness or injury, building a strong support system is important to maintain mental well-being. Seeking support from friends, family, and health professionals can provide understanding, encouragement, and assistance with daily tasks, easing the burden of managing health challenges alone.
Effective communication is key to ensuring that your support network offers the assistance you need. As much as you can, try to express your thoughts and feelings openly and honestly, and set strict boundaries so that everyone is on the same page.
Involving healthcare providers in your support system can ensure that you receive comprehensive care tailored to your specific needs. By openly communicating your symptoms, concerns, and treatment preferences, your healthcare professionals can provide personalised care that addresses your physical and mental health needs.
Establish a routine and stick to it
Just because you aren’t working for the time being, doesn’t mean you can’t have a daily routine. By providing structure and organisation, routines can improve both your physical and mental health.
Sticking to regular sleep schedules, meal times and exercise routines can contribute to a sense of stability, which is especially important during periods of uncertainty. Sticking to a routine can help alleviate feelings of aimlessness that you may be feeling due to your inability to work, providing a sense of accomplishment and productivity. As well as this, adding activities that promote self-care into your daily routine, such as meditation or other hobbies, can improve your mental resilience and reduce stress levels.
Set realistic goals
Being unable to complete the tasks you used to because of your illness or injury can be frustrating, so it is important to set yourself realistic goals to maintain a sense of accomplishment. It can be as simple as getting yourself up and dressed every day, but giving yourself simple and realistic aims daily, as well as being flexible and compassionate towards yourself if you face a setback, can be imperative to your healing and your mental health.
Manage your financial stress
Of course, not working can add a real worry about money, how you’re going to pay your bills and not wanting to rely on loved ones. In 2022, 42% of people in the UK had one or more dependants, so it is easy to understand why missing out on income can impact the whole family, not just the unwell individual.
Keeping on top of your finances can help to reduce this concern while you're unable to work. If you have an Income Protection plan, either individually or through your employer, that can help to mitigate some of these worries as you would receive a percentage of your annual income regularly if you were off work due to illness or injury.
However, if you don’t have an Income Protection plan and you can’t claim Statutory Sick pay GOV.UK offers some benefits and financial support schemes. Get in touch with them to discover whether you’re eligible and how to claim.
Seek professional help
Seeking professional help through therapy can be essential to effectively manage your mental health during periods of illness or injury. Therapists provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment where individuals can explore their emotions and develop coping strategies.
When seeking professional help, it's essential to find a qualified mental health professional. You might be eligible for free therapy on the NHS, depending on your requirements, location and availability of services. If not, there are other free resources, low-cost online counselling or paid services that may work for you.
Staying on top of your mental wellbeing while you’re unable to work is an important step in aiding your recovery and helping you to return to work faster.
As you navigate this journey, consider exploring options for Income Protection Insurance. Having financial support in place can help to alleviate stress and provide peace of mind during periods of illness or injury. At Wiltshire Friendly, we offer Income Protection Insurance, designed to provide financial security if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. Contact us today to discover how we can help.