Hi,

I am really struggling and have read this forum on and off for years and always found it really useful.

I am suffering from depression and don't think I can go on with my PhD right now. I need to take some time to sort myself out as I have been muddling through for years and finally need to accept I am not going to get better without help and time.

My problem is I can't take time off without pay, I have huge credit card debts which will spiral out of control if I am without an income and cannot make my payments, not to mention all the usual expenses of rent, bills, etc. I am on a NERC stipend and wondered if anyone knows if I am able to get paid sick leave and an extension on my PhD if I am signed off by a doctor?

Any advice and particularly if anyone has any experience of doing this would be hugely appreciated.