AIBU to get signed off work?

[Rarity75]

Bit of background we have been short staffed for over a year. I am in a middle management position in the public sector and have been trying to juggle 3 people's jobs.

I have worked extra hours and Saturday mornings and still can't keep up. I'm exhausted and management hired a locum and then put them in a different part of the service

I'm struggling to eat, sleep and take care of myself. I went to GP last week and started AD's. Work know but haven't offered any extra support. I've been off since Monday with an infection and I've crashed. I'm still in the same clothes I was wearing on Monday. Haven't showered. I'm sleeping for hours. I'm not eating properly either.

Gp offered to sign me off for a month to get my head together. But I feel guilty, and like I'm letting people down. But I can't see how I can carry on like this. AIBU to go off?

Sorry for the long post.

I did have an expectation that I would cope. I have high standards (for myself) and a boss who is very black and white. They would admit they don't do the fluffy stuff very well. In my position you are the jam in the sandwich.

Well after setting myself a few small jobs to do at home I have woken up just in time to do the school run .

Still waiting to hear from the GP but obviously not up to 9 hour day at the moment.

Thank you to everyone who has replied. There is a stigma in mental health I feel like it's viewed weakness rather than an illness.

And I've been signed off for two weeks. Just need to face ringing my boss on Monday

You can do this. Better to rest now whilst you are already struggling so badly than force yourself in and end up breaking, possibly endangering yourself or others in the process.

Take the time and get better.

OP Some people do indeed view MH issues as weakness, but IMO the majority don't. Your real problem is whether or not YOU view it as weakness. You comments about expecting yourself to cope, and having high standards for yourself suggest you haven't entirely squared that circle.

I too have seen a couple of colleagues take time out to recover from a MH crisis and I have cheered every one of them for making the right decision for the long run, even when I have had to pick up some of their work. When I had to do the same, I hated myself for making everyones lives difficult and for failing to cope. The biggest battle is always within yourself, but if you can find a way to truly believe you are doing the right thing, then it will be worth it.