To be considering being signed off work with stress

[WhatwouldhappenifI]

Never done this before, but I’m considering it.

The truth is, I have a horrible situation with a family member at the moment. It’s really getting to me and making my life difficult.

My job is very stressful too. However I have a new one. In some ways that’s actually making me more reluctant to be signed off, as I don’t want to look like someone who is taking the piss or leave on a sour note.

I don’t know what to do.

I wouldn't

Could you talk it through with your GP and ask their advice on whether being signed off would benefit you?

I can understand why you wouldn't want to leave on a bad note, but the first consideration should be your health, not the impression they're left with.

How long till you start your new job? Will the situation have improved by then?

Well, in a sense I don’t need to do that because the GP probably would sign me off.

I’m very depressed, low and anxious. But whether not being at work would help that is questionable. However work is a big source of stress so it would remove that.

On the other hand I’d feel guilty and probably very anxious about not being at work.

Stress is usually a bit more then being stressed about something self contained. I wouldn’t . Fact you’re having to consider it should speak volumes. You’d just spend your time on mumsnet me feeling guilty by the sounds of it but only you know how you feel .

Are you financially able to take the time off or would you get sick pay? If claiming benefits would be involved then frankly, your mental health will really be taxed during that process.

No, it would be paid.

If you are not capable of coping with work you need to be signed off to deal with that. Wether you are starting a new job should be irrelevant to that.

So you've started a new job and want to be signed off with stress due to personal life...? If you want to keep your job, I wouldn't be signed off.

If you're in a probation period then don't expect to pass if you're signed off sick.

What is staying off work going to Achieve?
Isn't it only going to add more stress to you as you will worry about works response too?

Being signed off with stress isn't a choice you make really is it? I mean you'd be signed off if you can't cope with work because of stress (and there is no harm in that) but it's not generally a decision you make - your health makes that decision for you.

It may look bad if you are signed off as too unwell to work out your notice but are subsequently well enough to start the new job. Depending on the industry you work in it may or may not matter if you look bad though.
Ultimately, if you are not well enough to work, or if work is exacerbating your symptoms then you may be best to take some time off. Only you know what is best for your health though, your GP will be led by what you think you need.

I'd say do it. Your mental health comes first. it's shit that it's in a new job and people haven't got to know you yet to know your not taking the piss but all you can do is explain how anxious and depressed you feel and hopefully you will have an understanding boss. take a couple of weeks to destress and do things to help yourself feel better and go back with a clear head. You have nothing to feel guilty for.

Would it help if you remove yourself from the family member? Go no contact?

If you would feel more anxious about taking sick pay just as you're leaving could you ask for unpaid leave? I'm assuming you have no annual leave left.

No, I haven’t started the new job yet.

I start January. Sorry, I’ve read my post back and that wasn’t clear.

idk but instinctively I'd say that if it's something you're able to consider and a decision you're able to make either way then you shouldn't be signed off.

My marker for whether or not I (or anyone - but I don't know how that marker feels for anyone else) should be working is whether work feels like a choice or an impossibility.