URGENT My doctor has advised me to go off sick... help

[Losingthewill1]

So yesterday I went to the doctors as of had a string of panic attack in a row.

She advised me that I needed to come back this Thursday to discuss some mental help options and then again on Monday, she stressed the urgency of me resting and telling my employee that I could not return to work.

How do I write a letter ( email) to my boss explaining this? Can anyone draft myself up a quick one.

Because it’s due to my mental health people have told me I won’t be entitled to sick pay :( help

If she didn't want you to go to work she should have given you a sick note. Of course you get sick pay for sick leave due to mental health, it will be whatever your works normal sick pay policy is. Call your boss and explain and then ask the Dr for a sick note when you go on Thursday.

So far as I’m aware, you don’t need to explain why right now. You can just say you saw your GP, who has advised rest until x date.

Re sick pay - I have never heard of mental health reasons being excluded.

Dear boss,

At a doctor's appointment yesterday, I was advised to take some time off work so I'm afraid I will be taking some sick leave. I have follow up appointments on Thursday and Monday and will be back in touch after those to discuss my return to work.

Thanks,

Losing

ineedamoreadultieradult : I did ask for a note however, you cannot get one until 7 days have passed.

Mrsrochesterscat : oh that’s good

AdaTwist: THANK YOU

Yeah you can “self cetify” for the first 7 days - you don’t need a doctors note but you also don’t qualify for sick pay for those 7 days. If your doctor then feels your not fit fit with they will provide you with a sick note. This will then allow you to be off work an elegible for SSP - it doesn’t matter if this is for a physical or mental illness, if your signed off then your signed off!

@Wildingofthewest

That isn't quite right. SSP kicks in after 4 days. And the OP may have an enhanced scheme.

But you're right that you can self certify for 7 and then need a Drs note after that.

Dear boss, I attended a drs appointment yesterday with (Name GP) and they have instructed me to rest. I therefore will not be in work until further notice. I have a follow up appointment on this date, and then this date,after which I will contact you immediately to advise you of my drs further recommendations.
Yours with thanks.
Op

Something like that? You don't need to give details.

When I went to my Drs for depression he gave me a sick note right from the first day, it can be done.

I've had sick notes from the first day with mental health problems. I think there is an awareness that having to self certify adds stress. My gp also offered to put something more generic on my first note (stress at home or something) if I didn't want to have depression and anxiety listed. I would try to speak to your gp again and ask if they can do the note.

When I've had time off for depression and anxiety I’ve been given a sick note (fit note whatever) from day one. Only once when I had a horrible boss and was being bullied by management did I call in sick for two days with depression without a sick note.

Whatever your sick pay policy is will apply to mental illness equally with physical, whether you just get SSP or whether you have an enhanced deal.

A lot of employers require you to phone in sick and speak to someone. Check your work policy. They be happy to accept an email or text.