Off work sick with anxiety

[lostsoul90]

I'm off work with anxiety, really genuine anxiety

Feel like I have to stay trapped in the house or else it will look like I'm not unwell?

I have a 1 year old that will go mad just inside. Can I take her to the park? To our baby group?

Don't want to be accused of faking illness because I've gone out

You have to do what's right for you. Treat it as you would any other illness. Staying in won't help so get out and have days doing whatever you feel able to do.

If possible, send DC to their normal childcare and have some time doing what YOU need to do.

for you

Thank you, that's my plan x

If you're doing stuff during working hours how would they know anyway?

As long as you're not off for agoraphobia then I don't think anyone would be surprised to see you outside your house.

Surely getting out and about will be more conducive to your recovery rather than sitting in. Go out and enjoy yourself x

Totally fine to go out and do things. It will help you get better in the long run. I know someone in similar position ran half marathon while off sick so was out training etc. It helped them so much and work had no issue with this. Hope you start feeling better

Hi ok, I was off work for a long time with anxiety and I felt the same way. Staying indoors all day with a little one will make you even more anxious! I was worried about running into someone from work or someone I knew who would ask why I wasn't at work. I made up a little script to say should anyone ask in either of these situations. It helped to know I was prepared. I also made an effort to try to get outside most days in the week, even if it was a pop to the shops or a wander round the park. I found a lovely mums and tots group when I was off and the women there were so lovely I was able to say why I was off and it really helped. Hope you are feeling better soon, it's a horrible thing to have.

My partner is off sick with anxiety and I have been encouraging him to "relax productively" ie don't stay in all day playing video games.

Do something you enjoy :)

Definitely get out and do what feels right. Staying at home doesn't help. I was signed off for weeks with anxiety last year, and a few weeks this past month, and I know that feeling of worrying about being thought to be 'faking it', but if anyone asks, I had a GP line and was actively working on a new medication regime. If I'd stayed home the entire time I'd have had hell trying to get back to normal.

Hope your ok! I have anxiety and when it gets bad it’s awful.

Getting out of the house always improves my mind (and the physical effects of anxiety) I used to march for miles with dd in her pram because it’s when I stopped or sat still the waves of anxiety overpowered me.

Defo go out. Think of it as rehab

Staying in will make your anxiety worse. You need to get out, meet up with people and get fresh air. The worst thing you could do would be to stay home all day.

If you had a broken arm and were signed off, no one would think twice if they saw you at the shop buying milk.

Do what is best for you.