Stress affects people in different ways – one person’s challenge is another person’s stress. Factors such as levels of understanding, skills, experience in their work can affect whether they can cope or enjoy their job. Personal issues, including how they see themselves and the pressure they apply to themselves, as well as pressure from family and friends are all accumulative and can together lead to someone struggling or becoming unwell. Whether short-term episodic or long-term single episodes, Occupational Health professionals should be involved in assisting the organisation as well as the individual in the management of the absence. Good communication between the manager and the individual whilst they are absent from work due to sickness, especially with mental ill health, is strongly recommended even though at times it may be difficult. This will allow for the practical issues around sickness absence to be arranged and any worries relating to the job and pay can be addressed. This will also help to allay the social isolation and loss of confidence experienced by extensive sickness absence and offers the opportunity to discuss any rehabilitation options available that may be unknown to the individual.