I am due to go to work later but I don't know if I am ok

[ToothpickLady]

Due to go to work soon but I don't know if I am ok. I was considering on taking a sick day on Monday. I didn't have a contagious illness. It was migraine and mental health issues over the weekend.

I pushed through Monday. I went to work yesterday.

I don't want to talk about my issues here but I am really struggling this morning. Mentally. I just want to stay in bed all day. I am just not well.

I am due to go to work later. I don't know if I should push through this or take a sick day. I want to stay in bed all day. Or get up and sit in my chair beside my bed. I don't know.

Although I do some peace and happiness in my work. I have some animals in work that come to greet me every day and I love them. They are so sociable and hugely enjoyable.

What would someone who knew you really well and wanted the best for you tell you right now?

Would taking the day allow you to recharge and get back to 'normal'?

Have you taken many absences?
If its a one off and you really don't feel well then don't go in.

I never kept track. I think I had 2 very genuine dick days so far this year. Definitely at least 1.

Would staying in bed help? Would it allow you to recharge?

I don't know.

There is a lot of tremendous stress at home. I am so depressed.

They would likely tell me to take time for myself

Take the time off and go to at your GP, with the plan to stay off for the rest of the week. Better to take 1 longer period of sickness than go back too soon and need a further period of work. Your GP may want to sign you off for a couple of weeks, particularly if they offer medication.

You have to take care of yourself. You can't care for others unless you do. X

In all honesty, would staying home just for a day help in the long term? Would it be better to go to work so you have something to take your mind off the situation at home?
IMO, you should go to work but arrange to see your GP.

I wish I’d listened to a friend who told me to take time off of work when my mental health was so bad. I ended up making mistakes at work and got suspended, it resulted in a breakdown and I ended up being off for almost 3 months. I was lucky to keep my job.

Please look after you.

I think that's your answer.

Whatever you do at work, you are replaceable there. Your health is not replaceable. Take it from someone who learned the hard way.

Please take some time off for yourself to look after yourself and your mental health just as you would your physical health. Book an appointment with GP and explain the situation and get referred or self refer for talking therapy support . Depression needs to be taken very seriously. During the time off I would take some time and space to reflect on things and perhaps with a journal start to write about how you feel. Even if it’s a few words or single words for feelings. Just naming the thoughts and feelings in a list. I find this helps me to start to process what is happening when things are so totally overwhelming and you are in a freeze state. I would try and be very gentle and caring with yourself in the same way you would a friend. Think of baby steps. Rest first, then take small manageable steps when you feel ready. Self care is so important.

I think there's a balance and it's hard for other people to judge.

Will a day off help, or just make it harder to go back tomorrow?

Will taking the day off push you into sickness monitoring policies and create more stress in the long run?

I know the answer should be to stay off when you aren't well, but my experience is that work places aren't always as supportive as they should be.

If the stress was work-related, the obvious answer would be to stay at home. However, if it is home-related, you might be better off at work, away from the source of stress, especially given what you say about the animals.

It’s sounds like you have bigger issues than whether to take one day off. And it’s not a question anyone on here can answer. If this is a temporary blip and one ‘mental health’ day will refresh you and you can go back energised the next day then do it. But if you are likely to keep needing these days, then it’s likely to be a bigger problem and by not addressing it you are just saving up bigger problems. You need to talk to your GP.