Going off with stress - why do I feel so guilty?

[nameychange]

I’m at breaking point with my work stress, there’s a lot going on and it has been for around a year, and I think I’ve finally hit the point where I just have to walk away.
im not sleeping, getting approx 4 hours on average, I’m not throwing up most mornings and stay nauseous all day, I have a permanent headache which paracetamol doesn’t touch, my heart feels like it is racing constantly, I’m totally exhausted and not thinking straight.
so why do I feel like I should just keep going as it’ll get better soon and then it’ll be ok
i have a GPs apt this afternoon and I just want her to say right I’m signing you off as I know I’ll just not be able to get ask. I need someone to tell me for the sake of my health and wellbeing I need a break

To me it sounds like getting away on a holiday would help. I wish you a speedy recovery but pleasebear in mind to make sure you feel better before going back. It does sound like having some time to yourself will help.

I hope you are ok today. Get a GP appointment sorted. What helped me was reading up how the brain protects itself in times of extreme stress, in effect you get stuck in the panic bit of the brain. It needs time and trust and kindness to get back to normal. Then with some help you realise you’d completely lost any sense of perspective.

@nameychangedid OH suggest a work stress risk assessment? Was it implemented?
You are burnt out.
Take the time off to rest, heal and optimise your health. Menopause symptoms are worse with stress as well. A CBT for menopause course may be good for you?

i spoke to the GP yesterday and she without any hesitation signed me off for a month, and made an apt for 2 weeks time to see I need any extra support antidepressants or sleeping tablets to help but agreed to give it two weeks to see if taking away the stress started to make an impact.
my work have been so supportive to date, stress action plan OH support it’s just the situation and the longevity of it. It would try the resilience of most people but coupled with the onset of menopause it’s just defeated me.
im planning to just chill today and then look for an exercise plan and sort a meditation programme. I can access counselling through work but I’m going to wait until I can concentrate properly as at the moment stuff is going in but not hitting. I’m just in the too overwhelmed space.

i really appreciate all of the comments and support it’s helping majorly with the burden of guilt

i managed to write a lengthy document on stuff which needs doing in my absence which helped to show quite how much I’ve been juggling and trying to fit in a round the main day job!

now to find some daytime tv and just try and switch off

Yes they can. A GP doesn't have to issue a certificate for the first week but they can if it's appropriate. I would usually issue a couple of weeks at first then review to see how you were.

Hi OP, so glad your GP has signed you off for a decent amount of time. Hope you can completely limit contact with work as you need to do this to give yourself space.
Just to say that counselling doesn't require any focus, it can just be a space to cry, process anxiety, or whatever it needs to be for you. It might be worth trying it as a way of looking after yourself so you don't return to this place again when you return to work. The stress of work won't necessarily change but your capacity to deal with it can. All the best to you.