Would a GP sign me out of work and if so what would they say in a sock note?

[YellowLead]

I work in the care profession and it's utterly utterly utterly exploitative. Today is day number 19 of work for me without a day off. Working laws are being broken. It's nearly 10.30 at night and I have been in work since 10 am (I am writing this in the toilet). I am so so so so tired.

My next day off scheduled is this Saturday and Sunday. But this is unreal.

The schedule was being prepared today for next week and the week after and the same stunt was nearly done yet again. Get me to work two solid weeks without even a break at a weekend. Also conjunction to not being given days off, the hours are so long.

My job makes me utterly utterly utterly suicidal. I live to work and that's it. I am not seeing an appropriate wage for what I am doing either. I think working 12 hours + shifts a day 7 days a week, I should be seeing over a thousand a week. I don't even make that much.

Would a GP sign me out of work for a week so that I can get a breather from all this so that I can apply for new work. Would I need to explain what's happening and tell them that this is too much for me now.

I'm sure if you spoke to your GP and explain how exhausted you are and the impact on your mental health, they will sign you off

You self-certificate for the first week. The GP might sign you off after that.

You're feeling "utterly, utterly suicidal". If theres truth in that, then please try to get an urgent appointment with yr GP.

Regardless of anything else, if your mental health is at the point of you having suicidal thoughts you need to get medical help.

From an ex healthcare professional to another, you matter, your mental health matters. You can’t practice safely like this. Take a week off, if you need longer speak to your GP, I found mine was utterly wonderful when I was struggling and she was the one that made me see it was unsustainable and dangerous to myself and my patients. Look after yourself

This is wrong on so many levels OP. Go sick, see your GP and get signed off. Do you have house insurance? Often there is employment law cover. I think it would benefit you to talk to someone about the working conditions. You need to take a step back, rest, recover your strength and find a route out of this slavery job.

Oh OP - that sounds bloody awful. No job is worth suicidal feelings, and what they are doing is terrible. You can self certify for the first seven days and during that time please go and see your GP and explain how you’re feeling - they can sign you off for stress or other MH conditions. You can’t keep going like this, your health is too important. Can you find something else?

Just say no.
48 hours is the max anyone can work in a week.

Self certify then get a fit note, ask acas for advice, look for another job and report them for breaking employment rules

I'm sure they would, I've worked with people (in finance) who have gone off for wayyyy less! You need to go and say what you've said and put an emphasis on your mental health.
Maybe also use that time to consider your employment options - it really sounds like the grass may be greener elsewhere!

You don't need anyone's approval to take a week off work when you are ill, run down, desperate for rest.

Not from us, not your employer, not your GP, not your friends. You are allowed to determine when enough is enough.

It's hard I get it, I ended up in hospital due to work. If you take time now, it will be much easier to process than waiting until your body gives you no choice. You don't have to break completely to stop.

If you need more time off see your GP.