Time off work for health anxiety and depression

I wake up choking in the night… I do not have anxiety.

its reflux. I take. pPI to help (when I forget to take it I wake up choking again)
may be worth looking into with your GP.

It's not sad! Its about having responsibilities and showing up to do the job you're paid for!

I'm gobsmacked at your attitude @Newbabynewhouse

I don't know why though.

Sorry, a pill getting stuck in your throat is a ridiculous reason for having a week off work.

You're taking the Michael out of your employers, your line manager and your colleagues.

I'm sorry @Newbabynewhouse I can't say what I really think. But you're massively out of order here.

And there the problem lies.
I'm pretty sure if you weren't being paid, you'd find the strength from somewhere.

I thought exactly the same. Early 20s max. An example of how society is going to shit

Exactly @Millytante with ops updates and I work in a LA dealing with sensitive information, a very busy office environment
am wondering if they’re either a newly qualified social worker or new admin in a social services setting.

I’m assuming new/young due to the absolutely self centred aspect of how they describe things, and diligaf attitude towards screwing over their colleagues by dumping their workload on them, from what I’ve read on here on other threads, even the most burnt out jaded worker would have a semblance of guilt towards colleagues being given an extra workload.

Yeah, it’s an unlovely attitude to reveal, when you’ve admitted that your absence shifts your workload onto your colleagues yet you blithely declare you can take as much time out as you jolly well feel like taking.

One thing about your anxiety and the physical sensations you are experiencing, especially a choking in your throat: consider whether it’s actually a kind of panic reaction to the thought of being back in the office, for whatever reason. Imagining a disciplinary meeting maybe, or your colleagues’ possible froideur; just general feelings of reluctance to leave your present freedom and maybe face all that.
In such a case, the only cure is biting the bullet and taking that step through the office doors! Then it’s over, and whatever might follow isn't anywhere near as daunting in your head.

To be fair, I'd say a huge majority of the population suffers from anxiety, depression and/or physical ailments at some point in their lives. But, people mostly continue to work whilst they're receiving treatment for all kinds of things they have, if it's possible to do so, because most issues can't really be fixed in the space of a week or two imo.

I understand you have anxiety, but how do you know you'll feel better with it by having another week off? If it's as severe as you imply, your anxiety won't suddenly stop with a week off.
Your best bet is to attend your therapy session (explain to work you need a couple of hours off if you can't rearrange your appointment for after work ), explain to your manager how you're feeling so that they can see for themselves if you suddenly feel panicky, and continue to work through it if you can. Having more time off could put your job at risk.

Also, ask yourself, if you didn't get full pay for being off work, would you make sure you went in?
If the answer yes, then it does seem that you want to make the most of having the time off, because you know you won't lose out financially, and that deep down, you are able to work,

You could take months off if you wanted to (most people take sick leave if they need to btw, not if they want to) but you might find yourself out of a job.

Why do you need a whole week off for one therapy session which lasts for one hour?

What medical advice have you had for the esophagitis and have you followed it to the letter?

Have you been focussing on a good mindfulness app? There are loads on the internet.

Have you asked your GP for propranolol (beta blocker) and anti-depressants?

It's your responsibility to make sure you are well to work. Your salary is paid for the services you provide.

Your l/m should have a formal rtw meeting with you and put in place a stress risk assessment and a referral to OH. These things are the building blocks to support an absence related dismissal.

I disagree with you about not going to work if you feel under par. You should make every effort to get up, get washed and dressed, have a cup of tea and providing you can keep it down, you crack on. Work occupies the mind and is a very good habit to keep.

Just try to imagine how anxious and depressed you will feel if you are dismissed and can't pay your rent.

Ultimately it is up to you! But if I were your line manager I might consider 2 weeks off in a 10 month period to be a high absence rate.

Only you and your GP can make an informed decision. I'd be wary of putting your employment in jeopardy though, having been in post such a short time.

Yeh, like most people do. It would be very rare for most places to allow unlimited sick pay for unlimited periods after a fairly short employment. I wouldn’t be quite so 😀about appearing to have very little resilience.

Have you been to your GP about anti-anxiety medication etc?
I would of thought work would want to know what steps you are taking to get better and what reasonable adjustments they can make.

See your gp if your anxiety is bad enough to miss work

How old are you and are you on HRT? I had terrible health anxiety and heart palpitations which have been made much better with HRT.

Some people have to, you seem rather blasé about the whole situation, you are naive if you don't think this won't impact your role long term, especially after only being there for 10 months.

And either not get paid, be on SSP, and potentially risk your job. 👏🏽

Can you afford to be without pay? I'm amazed you seem to feel you need a fortnight off for what you've described.

That sounds like a panic attack.

I would suggest trying to go back to work. Work is good for us. It gives routine and structure which helps when mental health is poor.

Bradford scale is usually 3 occasions or 10 days. If this is your second week off will you hit 10 days? And then you'll struggle if you need more time for something else later in 2026.

I would have thought doing something and spending time with colleagues would help take you mind off things? To predetermine to take a week off seems a bit strange.