Off work for emotional reasons - what to write on back to work form?

[Lottapianos]

I had a day off sick last week while my manager was on leave. I was in a lot of emotional distress after Christmas and wasn't able to function. I was back at work (WFH) the following day. This was the first day ive had off sick in about 18 months

My manager is now back from leave and has sent me a back to work form to complete. I have a good relationship with her but she is a fairly new manager and doesn't know any of the background about why Christmas was a struggle for me, and I would rather not go in to it. I really dont know what to put down as reason for absence - honestly don't know how to sum it up in a few words. What have you done in a similar situation? Ta

Maybe mental health or personal reasons? Hope you're feeling better now x

If you don’t want to explain your emotional distress, perhaps write down some of the symptoms? When I’m upset, for example, I often have a dodgy tummy, and can’t sleep, so I have a headache.

I’m being serious, you don’t need to go into all the details, you only took one day off. I hope you’re feeling better.💐

I'd probably put upset stomach to be honest (or rather, not to be honest)

I agree, just say upset stomach.

I’d just put stomach upset too - esp if you were wfh and didn’t need to isolate afterwards (if you do at your workplace).

Can you not just say you had a migraine or something and had been up all night, or a tummy bug. I've used that when I haven't wanted to explain heavy bleeding/ menstrual issues to a male boss.

@HappyGreen

Can you not just say you had a migraine or something and had been up all night, or a tummy bug. I've used that when I haven't wanted to explain heavy bleeding/ menstrual issues to a male boss.

In future please do say menstrual issues to a male boss. In this day and age there is simply no reason not to.

'I've used that when I haven't wanted to explain heavy bleeding/ menstrual issues to a male boss.'

Good example, very similar situation - you just don't want to to into the details.

Thanks all for advice. I'm going to go with 'migraine'. I had a splitting head, felt sick, and spent most of the day lying down so it's not far from the truth. And yes I am feeling better, thanks so much

They're making you complete a "back to work" form after having ONE sick day??

I've been freelance for years so I'm out of the loop, but that sounds extreme! Is it standard?

Glad you're feeling better. Christmas can be really tough. 🤗

@AlbertBridge

They're making you complete a "back to work" form after having ONE sick day??

I've been freelance for years so I'm out of the loop, but that sounds extreme! Is it standard?

Glad you're feeling better. Christmas can be really tough. 🤗

Yes very standard practice

Yes, it is standard. NHS worker

Thanks. Christmas is, indeed, utter shit. I look forward to January every year 🙂