I have a history of depression since I was 8 years old – moderate to severe. I have kept it in check for a good 13 year now and been able to work (a lot), even worked my way into a head chef position and properly got my life in order, even managed to buy an apartment and got a great wife and a couple of amazing kids. The last months mental health has slowly declined, culminating in suicidal thoughts and being barely functioning again.
Doctor suggested putting me on sick leave while I get into therapy and start up medication. Before social services in Norway can help economically, they need information about payment from the workplace, which they are obliged to give. The workplace also has to pay the first 16 days of any sick leave.
I called the social service yesterday, and it turns out my employers haven't given any information and does not answer either them or me. It might take months before I can get any help from social services.
They also didn't pay the hours I worked last months or the 16 days they were obliged to. Now they do not answer the phone, sms or e-mail. Which means I have no income and a family to feed and loans to pay, while already battling suicidal thoughts and a pretty severe depression. The only reason I haven't already done anything “stupid” is my two small kids.
They generally view the law more like guidelines than rules, they have talked openly earlier about simply firing employees instead of giving them their obligatory notice period.
I don't really know what I want with this post, just had to get it out. I don't really know what to do right now. I worked my way from being homeless to owning my own apartment to give stability to my kids, now I am afraid to lose it all again. Worst case I have life insurance, but I don't want my kids to grow up without a parent either. I am just lost at the moment.