AIBU to take time off work because I'm feeling stressed

[FFSitsonlyMonday]

I don't know how bad things need to be before you take time off. I am managing my work badly, emails not replied to, work submitted late. Partly this is due to being short staffed/others sick but also because I am tired. I have no idea how much is physical tiredness and how much is emotional. I am close to tears at times.

@WTFCanIDoAboutThis

Workload and low staff levels are undoubtedly adding to your tiredness. There is never one single reason for burnout. Don't second guess the reason for needing time off. Let your GP decide whether it's worthy of being signed off.

I agree with this. You sound like you need a proper check up. Anaemia can also affect your mental health. Have a discussion with the gp. Nobody on here knows how you really feel either physically or mentally. Please don't let guilt stop you from taking sick leave if that's what you need to do.

Thanks for the various views. I do feel guilty at the idea of time off but for whatever reason, I'm not coping with work. Tiredness, stress, overworked all blend in together. I'm definitely going to do something about it, GP, talk to work etc.

Speak to your manager. They ought to be able to help you prioritise appropriately.

And I agree, taking even a day of annual leave would be a good start, see if it refreshes you.

My DH has mental health issues and when he feels like the wheels are starting to fall off, the first thing he does is book a day or half a day leave for no more than a week ahead.

He then talks to his manager about the pressure he's feeling. She knows he's been on long term sick before and to treat it seriously (yes this has affected his long term career progression but what ya gunna do).

If your boss doesn't want to lose you on sick leave they need to take it seriously. Look at what can be pushed, what extra resource they can find etc.