to not want to be signed off with stress

[namechanger00]

I work in an extremely bitchy/toxic environment and I just can't cope at work anymore and need some time out. Im stressed, tearful and I'm worried about how the is affecting on my health.
My manager and co workers are constantly bitching about staff members, its the sort of environment that if your face doesn't fit your out.
I just can't cope anymore but I'm so scared of going to my GP and having stress on my sick note because I know that they will all be mocking me behind my back.

Well, I wouldn't. I would perhaps start looking at other job options.

So often people on mumsnet say "oh, just go to your gp and get signed off"... but unfortunately that can have very negative consequences.

Can you take a days leave and job hunt /apply to agencies?

Are you stressed though?
Because if you are, that can have serious long term affects on your mental and physical health. And if you are stressed you need to have time off. I kept working through similar circumstances for similar reasons and ended up basically having a nervous breakdown and couldn’t function properly for a month. Trust your body and do what is best for you, and in the mean time look for another job

I didn't want to be signed off so I carried on. Ended up having panic attacks... Then on beta blockers and 40mg of citalopram for a year....

Is there anyone above your manager you can go to about the situation? Health and Safety at work also includes mental health. They're obliged to ensure the environment you work in is acceptable. Give them a chance to fix it first.

Thats what worries me notcontent is the consequences but I just cant cope with it all at the moment and I have started looking for other jobs but there isn't much around - live in a rural area.

bolaria - i am stressed to the point im sitting here crying reading these comments I know my body is telling me im stressed and i cant cope and I feel like a failure for that. I dont want to tell my doctor all this because i dont want stress on my sicknote.

Stress / anxiety is an illness like any other and it’s sad that people regard it as shameful. Would it not help your manager to make some reasonable adjustments to help you back to work after some time off? Any HR you can involve.
I have a v high powered job and had a bit of a breakdown. I was able to be completely honest about it and took the help I needed, fortunately. Was such a relief to recover.
Unmumsnety hug.

When I was signed off the GP asked what I wanted to put on my sick note. If you're having physical symptoms, your doctor may agree to sign you off worth those instead if that's better for you.

I worked in the same kind of environment for 6 years and in the end (4 years ago) I had a breakdown and was signed off with stress and depression. After a few months I was offered a compromise agreement and left the organisation. I've not been able to work since.