Feel stressed need time off do I need to go to Gp?

[pencilcase11]

My sickness policy says I need self sertification if I have illness or injury and stay off work for 5 calendar days. If more than 5 days the medical certificate from GP. does it mean that I can stay 4 days off work and explain to my school that I am stressed? Thank you!

[SummerHatOn]

Yes, just phone in sick in lines with the school policy. For the first 5 days off you don't need to see a doctor, although you will need to pick up a 'self certification' form from the doctors (or get someone else to for you), fill it in and get it to school some how - on your return, or get someone to drop it in.

[Wolfiefan]

If it is that bad then surely a visit to the GP is a good idea? (I'm saying this as someone who has been off with the same thing.)

[CharlesRyder]

If you feel stressed enough to need time off you should be going straight to your GP anyway. Mine signed me off for two weeks on first visit and it was a relief as I knew I wouldn't have to have any contact with the school for that time.

It also triggered the Head taking my difficulties seriously and everything got sorted out so I could get on with life and be happy again.

[SummerHatOn]

I'm not certain as to whether or not that 5 days runs over weekends. e.g if you phone in sick tomorrow will the self certification cover you for 5 WORKING days (so you'd be due back Tuesday) or 5 days, so you'd be due back Monday. I think, you'd be due back Monday, but I wouldn't like to say for certain.

If 4 days off is going to all you need then fine, but I do advise maybe trying to make an appointment for Friday with your doctor. Nothing is worth damaging your health for and the doctor would be able to give you a sick note to cover another week or two (if you need it) or give you a referral for counselling.