Can a GP give you a sick note for depresion from the first visit ?

I know what your talking about. You go to ur family doctor and have the give a HLMF think that’s what it’s called but it’s an excuse for health issues that makes sure you don’t lose ur job also ur HR would know what it is plus they can guide you with information on it and they will keep it confordental so others won’t know about ur condition. Plus talk to your family doctor on what your going through with ur medication.. I went through it and now going through SSI .. hope it helps good luck to you. 

If you're in the UK, yes a GP can give you a sick note the first time although this is at their discretion. If you don't want your company knowing why, they can put something general like stomach problems for the reason although it may be better to be truthful and use it as an opportunity to ask your employer for some extra support when you return.

And yes, if you are signed off work you can visit your family if you think it will be helpful - just maybe don't advertise the fact with any colleagues as it may be misinterpreted.

Hi it has to be a doctor to give you a sick note.  You can also certify yourself sick for work for up to 7 days without a sick note so do this first before asking for one from the doctor.  If you need information on benefits look at the Govt.uk site.  

I hope you are feeling a bit better soon.  x

Maria

Yes it can be done, I was withdrawn from work several times many years ago

One thing you need to consider, if you do not attend work for Depression could the fact of not being at work cause more negative symptoms as you sit at home worrying about your Depression it can be a real circle of bordom and depression.

Another problem you may have do you feel your employer will take you back or do you consider the job is dead and eventually they will get rid of you.

Sometimes  staying at work is a help to recover especially if allowed to attend a course of talking theraphy

BOB

I work in the USA. If we need extended time off for an illness we can coordinate it through our Human Resource Group. You inform your boss you submitted for extended medical leave, but you don't have to tell him the specific reason for it. I think it's company policy, but it's quite common in the USA.

We have older guys in my group, we call our team the 'Geriatric Squad'. lol. In the last couple of years we have had guys take extended medical leave for knee replacements, a minor stroke, an undefined gastro-intestinal illness, chest pains that were similar to a heart attack and so on.

I just took a week and a half off for severe depression which bordered on suicidal. I have never taken more than a day off at a time for illness in my 40 years of post college work, this was the first time. I was entered into an in-patient Psychiatric facility for a couple of days, then released on a day-care (nights at home) program which focused on stress reduction practices, anxiety coping and medication adjustment (there are Psychiatrist assigned to the facility). I was in bad shape last week, but through the love of others who INSISTED I be hospitalized I am much better today. Hope to go back to work next Monday.

So, if you're really feeling that bad I would expect there are similar programs where you are (England?). If your depression is so bad your worried about hurting yourself, get yourself admitted into a hospital with a Psychiatric Ward. A few days of rest, proper food, counselling and medication adjustment will make you feel MUCH better. Do it!

I had really bad anxiety after family problems, I was given a sick note without even asking for one on the first appointment,

I am sure if you ask the Dr they could put 'personal reasons' on the note