Problem of Tensile Stress?

Is there a problem with going to the pub when you have been signed of work with genuine stress?

• My boyfriend has had a really crappy time at work lately due to poor management and bad work politics. He is usually a funny guy and very amorous, but lately he just isn't interested in anything, not having a laugh or even joining me in the bedroom. His doctor has signed him off work with work related stress for two weeks, and during this time his wages were mucked up again, i.e. he was underpaid by £1200 for the month leaving him a few hundred till they sort it next friday. Pay day was the 24th. Anyway today he met up with some friends at a pub in town and was seen later on in the evening by some work colleagues on their way to work and is now panicking that he may be disciplined for the time off or be sacked, even though his stress is genuine and he isn't just pulling a sickie. I said to him that he is off work with stress not a stomach bug and that going to the pub with mates is a man's way of de-stressing. Am I wrong about this or should he have something to worry about?

• Answer:

  this sounds as though there may be more involved. please make sure that you get support for yourself. you're being put-upon here to be holding everything together. a night at the pub can be a fast and hard road to a serious drinking problem .... is that something that may need intervention too?