Any advice on being off work with stress please?

[GetUpAgain]

My boss has got it in for me and I'm finding work so stressful. Which then makes the rest of life very difficult too. I have a tough enough job as it is without my boss adding to it all.

I am sort of at a loss though, as if I have a sicknote stating stress, my boss will be even worse with me. There is no one above my boss to turn to for help and no HR. I think really I'm being bullied out but that's a whole other thread I guess.

For now I would just like to know if there is anything I could ask the GP to put on a sicknote other than stress. I dont want to ask the GP to lie but I'm really stuck.

I don’t think your GP would lie. Looking at it, it seems like your stress is caused by your job/boss so would time off really help? You would eventually need to go back. I think if at all possible you should look at handing your notice in - maybe you could use your stress leave to search for a new job.

What symptoms do you have? Headaches? Heart palpitations? Raised blood pressure? Most GPs would happily put that type of thing on if you ask (assuming they’re true!) and explain your concerns. Alternatively anxiety/ depression (if that’d be better received).
But do look for a new job!

Long term yes I do need a new job but I'm not functioning well enough to find one.

I am at the stage where just normal life is making me panic. Cooking a meal and being stressed about timings, worrying about parking spots days before I have to drive somewhere sort of thing.

According to my fitbit my heart rate has gone through the roof actually. And I never don't have a headache. I had forgotten thats not normal. Thank you.

PS I think time off would at least stop me telling my boss where to stick it, I am getting worryingly close to saying something I shouldn't!!

Your GP can write a fit note for anxiety or depression if you don’t want stress on there. You can always self cert for 5 day’s and see if that’s enough space to clear your head and see your GP if you need a bit longer?

If your boss makes it difficult when you are signed off, keep detailed notes / logs of any and all contact. You could threaten tribunal for discrimination due to sickness and leave with a package to tide you over..

Thanks. I am sure boss will take same view of stress, anxiety or depression. But yes I am keeping a log its just exhausting and I really don't want a fight. I just want to do my job for my lovely customers with my lovely team.