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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Getting Signed Off Work?

28 replies

GoosberryGhost · 20/01/2021 01:33

I can't cope anymore. I work from home and have great supportive bosses so I should be able to. But very difficult personal circumstances/ home life has meant I just need the world to stop spinning for a week or two so I can gather myself and process things. If I phone my GP do you think they would agree to sign me off? I am worried they and work will just think I ABU and will tell me to get a grip. But I can't sleep for thinking I can't do it all again tomorrow. (Today).

OP posts:

Notimeforaname · 20/01/2021 01:37

No I'm sure if you explain the situation they may help and put it down as extreme stress or exhaustion and give you a week or two.

I've had to do it once before. Doctor was very understanding and sympathetic.

I know all doctors are different but definitely speak to yours.

DramaAlpaca · 20/01/2021 01:38

Yes, I think they will. GPs know how hard it's been for many people recently. Give them a ring and ask.

A similar thing happened to me a year or so ago. My GP signed me off for two weeks and it was just what I needed to get my head straight again.

Runkle · 20/01/2021 01:38

Can you self cert for a week and arrange a telephone appointment with your GP in the mean time?

Notimeforaname · 20/01/2021 01:38

I hope you get the time you need to reset op such a crappy time.

Original poster

GoosberryGhost · 20/01/2021 01:49

I feel guilty that this is such a crap time for everyone. Everyone is struggling and most people are able to just get on with it. And I want to be able to do that but I just can't at the moment.

OP posts:

Torvean32 · 20/01/2021 01:59

Normally you would certify for the first 7 days. If you need longer, you call your GP if you need more.

HerNameIsIncontinentiaButtocks · 20/01/2021 02:07

Feeling guilty about needing the space to recover is often one of the symptoms - and really means you need to get out and get your head straight.

Call in sick tomorrow, self-cert is good until next Wednesday. Book yourself a doctor's phone call for Monday or so, for an official sign-off.

Look after yourself. Work can look after itself - that's why there are so many spare managers, to organise that stuff. Let them do that.

Enough4me · 20/01/2021 02:18

Last summer I asked my GP for a Dr note to help with reimbursement for an AIRBNB booking (I had booked before 1st lockdown and wanted refund not credit due to additional stress). I was stressed with WFH/homeschooling etc. and needed the money back. My GP wrote the note and offered to sign me off work due to stress. I didn't take the offer, but I know others that have and if you know you need it then go for it. It has been months of uncertainties so GPs know the public are strained. Plus mental health is as important as physical health.

Original poster

GoosberryGhost · 20/01/2021 08:57

I have asked for a telephone GP appointment and now I feel sick.

OP posts:

Timeforabiscuit · 20/01/2021 08:59

Just to say my surgery could not have been kinder about stress

You will be listened to.

Fivews · 20/01/2021 09:06

You sound like me a few months ago. The doctor was lovely. Insisted that i needed 4 weeks to rest. I was also able to arrange counselling via my private healthcare at work.
In hindsight I should have taken time off and sought help much earlier.
You're not alone. So many of us are living with anxiety and depression at the moment.

Original poster

GoosberryGhost · 20/01/2021 09:29

I am just worried that the GP won't agree to sign me off and everything will feel much more desperate. I am good at putting on a front and concerned I won't be able to break that down enough for the GP to see how bleak everything is at the moment.

OP posts:

Bubbles1st · 20/01/2021 09:34

When this happened to me I was I. Tears within about 15 seconds.... the gp agora it immediately. You'd be surprised how often they see this sadly.

Original poster

GoosberryGhost · 20/01/2021 10:50

I hope everyone else who has struggled is doing better.

OP posts:

YogaMommyyyyy · 20/01/2021 11:13

Congratulations on your self awareness. I have also been in this situation and have no doubt that a dr would sign you off. I believe you can self certify for a week. I would also add that my boss was incredibly supportive. Please get off the treadmill and look after yourself.

Backbee · 20/01/2021 11:14

Yes OP, glad you are waiting for a call back from the GP. Taking the first step is often the hardest, and you should be proud of yourself and hope it helps. Please don't compare to others or lean on others having it 'harder', how you feel is just as valid.

Original poster

GoosberryGhost · 20/01/2021 13:02

Am still waiting for call back. Maybe they have decided not to bother.

OP posts:

Katrinawaves · 20/01/2021 13:06

I am sure they will call you back and will be understanding. I hope you feel better soon.

I was signed off for 6 weeks during the first lockdown with stress and it really helped my mood come up.

Original poster

GoosberryGhost · 20/01/2021 13:44

They have signed me off and put me on anti depressants. Only signed me off for 2weeks though and I don't see me being able to cope then. So what happens after the 2 weeks?

OP posts:

YardleyX · 20/01/2021 13:51

2 weeks is the norm for first sick note. Especially if also prescribed the anti depressants.

They will want to check in with you after 2 weeks to see how the drugs are affecting you.

Highly unlikely there will be any problem with then signing you off for longer at that point

Original poster

GoosberryGhost · 20/01/2021 15:08

So if I needed to I could get another 2 weeks?

OP posts:

Katrinawaves · 20/01/2021 16:03

Yes. Your GP will not be trying to force you back to work before you are ready so don’t worry.

In my case I had 6 weeks off and it was my choice to return at that point. I’ve also over the years had people I manage off with stress and they have been off in most cases for several weeks with fit notes being renewed until they were able to return and returns sometimes being on a phased basis.

Bubbles1st · 20/01/2021 16:25

Do you feel you need anti depressants? I only ask as being off work was such a release for me. My dr agreed I was not depressed but clearly just need to have a time out. I was actually off for 3 months in the end but it was mainly because of anxiety about returning.

Just be sure that is the direction you want to go in rather than take the time and some space and seeing how it makes you feel.

Backbee · 20/01/2021 18:01

2 weeks tends to be standard, but if you feel you need more time when it's finished then call them again and they will more than likely extend. Its good to 'check in' though, and make sure you are doing okay and don't need any further support etc.

Original poster

GoosberryGhost · 21/01/2021 00:12

If anyone is still here can you help answer an anxiety please? Work are aware that my DH has depression that is very bad at times. They are now obviously aware that I'm struggling too. And they know that there are mental health teams/ GPs involved. Would they pass this information to social/other services or trust that the GP in charge of our care is dealing with things in the appropriate way? Only worried because I know my bosses wife is a social networking.

OP posts:

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