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Is this enough to be signed off work?

11 replies

SliceoQuiche · 14/08/2023 00:09

I feel completely burnt out; I’m mentally and physically exhausted. This last 9 months have been the hardest I’ve ever dealt with, yet I’m still not sure if it’s enough to get a sick note for work to get my head straight.

My father passed away suddenly from a cardiac arrest at the end of last year (I was sitting talking to him normally two hours before he died with no indication he was sick).

My grandmother has been diagnosed with dementia and is getting increasingly unwell and in need of support.

Our family holiday to France at the end of July resulted in my son being rushed to intensive care due to undiagnosed type one diabetes, a week long stay in hospital before being repatriated to the U.K. last week. Now of course learning to deal with the diagnosis, the condition, organising appointments and his move to high school in September, which now requires a care plan to be in place.

I work in internal audit for local government, so my job requires lots of critical thinking and obtaining and digesting lots of information. I just don’t feel like there’s any room left in my head- I feel utterly defeated by life at the moment but feel like I should maybe just be sucking it up and carrying on as normal because everybody has ‘stuff’ going on.

OP posts:
RubyWedding · 14/08/2023 00:15

If you feel you need it, then your GP should agree. The diabetes diagnosis alone is enough to shake a family; I have several friends with diabetic children. I feel for you. Good luck x

vipersnest1 · 14/08/2023 00:18

To echo @RubyWedding, absolutely yes. You have more than enough valid reasons to be signed off work. Flowers

kizziee · 14/08/2023 00:19

Take some time off.
I didn't and ended up having a horrible breakdown which I'm still struggling to recover from. I would give anything to be able to go back and have a break before it was too late. Flowers

Cakeandcoffee93 · 14/08/2023 00:20

1 month off sick op- mental health
staggered return to work when ready
dont need to explain to anyone

Thewolvesarerunningagain · 14/08/2023 00:20

Short answer, yes it is. You need to focus on getting your mind around what has happened and having some space to process and grieve. Consider also asking for compassionate leave. You may be entitled to parental/ carer leave so I’d approach your HR dept before your period of health leave ends.

pamplemoussemousse · 14/08/2023 00:24

SliceoQuiche · 14/08/2023 00:09

I feel completely burnt out; I’m mentally and physically exhausted. This last 9 months have been the hardest I’ve ever dealt with, yet I’m still not sure if it’s enough to get a sick note for work to get my head straight.

My father passed away suddenly from a cardiac arrest at the end of last year (I was sitting talking to him normally two hours before he died with no indication he was sick).

My grandmother has been diagnosed with dementia and is getting increasingly unwell and in need of support.

Our family holiday to France at the end of July resulted in my son being rushed to intensive care due to undiagnosed type one diabetes, a week long stay in hospital before being repatriated to the U.K. last week. Now of course learning to deal with the diagnosis, the condition, organising appointments and his move to high school in September, which now requires a care plan to be in place.

I work in internal audit for local government, so my job requires lots of critical thinking and obtaining and digesting lots of information. I just don’t feel like there’s any room left in my head- I feel utterly defeated by life at the moment but feel like I should maybe just be sucking it up and carrying on as normal because everybody has ‘stuff’ going on.

I'm not going through half of what you are (poorly pet, twat husband) but if I can't concentrate on duo lingo then you most likely can't concentrate enough to do your job properly. There's no bar to being signed off, lovely. You've been through the mill, unless your doctor is a sadist they'll not only sign you off but they'll refer you for counselling (might be worth seeing if you can get this through work easier) sending you an unmumsnetty but warranted hug x

Bonniethewestie · 14/08/2023 00:30

I always thought it would be really hard to get signed off but I had to do it for the first time due to stress/burn out and the doctor was super understanding and happy to do it. Then she said if I needed an extension after two weeks I didn’t even need to call up just request it online and it would automatically go through.

Hopefully you will have a similar experience and it won’t be as bad as you think. Sounds like you’ve had a really tough time and definitely need some time to recover. Give the doctors a call tomorrow.

talknomore · 14/08/2023 00:31

Definitely take some time off. My DD was diagnosed wtith T1 in the first term of her 1st year at Uni and that was stressfull enough.
Reach out to DiabetesUK. They gave my DD a lot of support when she was finding out how to manage her diabetes.

SmokeyToo · 14/08/2023 00:58

I feel for you, OP. I'm currently taking a break. I lost my Father, my partner of ten years, my job and two beloved pets in the space of nine months, so I completely understand how you're feeling. Your own mental health is something you should always treat first - because if you have a full on breakdown, you'll be no help to anyone. Don't hesitate in going to your doctor, most are very invested in the mental health of their patients. And remember to be kind to yourself! My thoughts are with you.

Oblomov23 · 14/08/2023 02:09

God yes. Ask GP for 2 weeks sick note. The T1 ds diagnosis is enough in itself and will take a long time to re-adjust. Get yourself into some diabetic online support groups for parents, they will help you a lot. (T1 myself).

WaitingforSummer77 · 14/08/2023 02:13

Yes, it is enough.

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