To go away while off sick?

[eggpoacher]

I'm off with depression and burnout. Can't cope with being around people, the phone ringing, answering the door, anything unexpected causes stress. My GP has signed me off for 6 weeks (and says that from listening to me, that might not be the end of this).
I want to take myself off camping in the middle of nowhere and take a complete break, but my colleague/friend thinks I shouldn't do that as people will think I'm taking advantage and I'm not really ill.
I feel I need this. I don't believe that the only way to be depressed is hiding under the duvet all day. AIBU to go?

[eggpoacher]

I know stopfuckingshoutingatme, I'm having counselling but what I need most of all is for things to settle down at home. I'm working on it, but it's a minefield. I feel guilty towards my colleagues because it's not my job that's causing the stress, but I can't work all the same.

[harderandharder2breathe]

I'm in your situation too and my manager knows I'm going camping and hasn't queried it.

Being outdoors, away from every day stresses, time to yourself, all good treatments for depression/anxiety!

I feel guilty if I'm out getting prescriptions if I'm off for physical ailments but mental illness can't be treated the same as the flu! My hr person was keen to stress to me that they want me to get out and about and see people and do things as shutting myself away on my own would be the worst thing I could do.

[mix56]

Yes, where I live, you are not allowed to go on holiday, you are sick, therefore they can check on you at home to make sure you are indeed, sick. & not pulling some sick pay scam.
I am clearly not in the UK !

[GhostBustersFavouriteMum]

Sometimes a change of location is exactly what helps. I would leave your tech at home (phone for emergencies obvs) and go. Hope it helps you xxx

[louisejxxx]

I think this is fine...surely a holiday (especially the therapeutic type you describe rather than a 7 day drinking binge in a party resort abroad!) will help your mental health if it gives you the space you need? I just wouldn't blast it all over social media.

[Toddlerteaplease]

I did when I was off sick for the same reason a few years ago. It did me the world of good.

[allegretto]

Where are you mix56? It's a terrible system imo. I was off after a serious accident and the doctor told me that I should go swimming every day as part of my rehabilitation - I couldn't go though as I was not allowed!

[eggpoacher]

What?! That's terrible!

[BellMcEnd]

Go.

Have a wonderful time and I really hope you feel better ASAP

[mix56]

A close European country !!!! I agree in the case of OP it would be great to go off as planned.
However the reality is that a lot of people are scamming the system here.

[RainyDayBear]

I agree, go away it'll do you the world of good. I'd just keep quiet on Facebook personally! Hope you feel better soon.