First day of saying "I'm not ok" at work

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NHS worker here. Started a new rotation at the beginning of August which has just been so, so awful. I told my boss on the first day that I was going through a tough time in my personal life and might need a bit of extra support but instead have been utterly dumped with extra responsibility on an understaffed, struggling ward.

I've been not sleeping, feeling sick at the thought of work and this morning I cracked and was in tears so told work I wasn't coming in and was going to have a chat with my GP.

GP has signed me off. It's not the solution but it does give me some headspace and time to breathe. Everything had become a bit overwhelming.

Any hand holding that can be offered would be greatly appreciated.

When we strain our backs or suffer a broken bone etc we are looked upon with sympathy.

Your mind is just another part of your body and if it’s unwell or strained then you need recuperation just as you might from a physical injury.

During your time off, try to relax and think of ways that might help ease some of the stress you are under.

I hope you feel better soon.

I’m really sorry you’re experiencing this. How long are you signed off for and, guessing you are a doctor, can you speak to your educational supervisor or college tutor before you return?

I'm glad you recognised that you are not well and that you spoke up. I'm sorry that you got no support from your boss. Can you speak to Occy Health for more support? Or does your Trust have a policy about stress management? Portsmouth Trust has one online you can download, has some contact numbers of outside agencies who can help and support you.

The daughter of an ex NHS colleague was a Junior Doctor. She commited suicide a couple of years ago due to the pressures of her job.

Please keep speaking out and take as much time off as you need.

You're doing the right thing in looking after yourself and I really hope you feel better soon

Thank you. Yes, I have to start to look at who I need to let know and get support from tomorrow. It would've never got this bad had I received support from my seniors- as it is they've all booked the same week off so I have had nowhere to go.

So sorry you are feeling like this op, unfortunately the NHS are not great at supporting staff, even when it reaches crisis point.

You've done the right thing, it's time to focus on you now and your recovery

Well done for doing that. I really hope you feel better about work soon.
I also work for the NHS, am an emotional wreck, but haven't taken time off despite people saying I should (that's not quite true, I had a day off sick when I was sent home after I started crying at work and couldn't stop). I do have a very supportive manager though, and I wouldn't have got through the year if it wasn't for her. I hope there is someone who can support you with this.