I am sorry.  Trying to manage home, social and work lives is something I don't do - mainly as I don't work nor do I have much of a social life.

It's a risky situation whether or not to disclose your mental illness - not because you are mentally ill, but because of stigma and discrimination, so I guess you way up that yourself because the choice is yours and you know your work place and people better than any of us.

I haven't worked for over five years and I will never return to work, so I accept that.  My last boss didn't take my mental illness and chronic pain issues very well.  I left, but prior to that I was accommodated with re-arranging my hours so it wasn't all bad !

The thing that concerns me, from personal experience, is your psychologist saying that since you miss a lot of work anyways then you may as well miss work doing something productive - ie the group therapy course. (if I have gotten it correctly).

Chronic pain and/or mental health already impacts on our ability to work and stay employed.  I would seek a medical certificate from your doctor (if you don't want work to know about your condition/s, and you'd prefer it didn't come from your Psychiatrist).  The medical certificate doesn't need to list what conditions, it just will say 'conditions'.  Most people who have the odd 'sicky' don't get a medical certificate so it's not logged with your Doctor - unless it's 2 or 3 days or more depending on the employer.

I don't know how much leave you have as far as sick or personal leave, but I think it's important that any leave is documented and covered by a certificate (if applicable).  If you merely take a few hours off or leave early to attend a course, or it's a day, then unexplained absence may not be taken well in your job with your boss/other workers.

If down the track you have to seek disability or something, or even have workers comp or accident then documenting past leave is important.  Been there, done that and having those pieces of paper make a difference.

With a previous job I was able to re-arrange my hours, by taking less lunch break and leaving early one day a week.  That meant I could schedule appointments on that afternoon.

I would be very hesitant to take off 'more time' from work.  It may be worth finding a way to disclose your conditions confidentially to a certain person, and only have certificates handed to them.  And I know this really worries you, and I understand that.  Some employers are supportive and some are not.  Maybe your employer would organise some unpaid leave to accommodate your course and sessions, or rearrange your hours to help you attend those things you need to go to.

In any event, please diarise what you do.  Keep a diary of dates of appointments, courses and schedules.

It is worth considering a positive response if you disclosed your mental health, and maybe people around you would understand.  Things at work may improve, rather than discrimination and stigma.  But I know the 'not knowing' is the big worry.

Let us know how it all goes.  Whatever your decision I wish you well and I hope the 6 week therapy course is helpful for you.  Take care.

JJ.