Severe anxiety after ringing in sick

[Hdkatznahtw125sgh]

Posting for traffic

I’ve rang in sick to work. It’s the first time I’ve rang in since I started (14 months ago) and despite the fact I do feel dreadful (cough, feverish, achey, nauseous, sore throat, sore sinuses) and that I had 3 hours sleep tossing and turning I feel very anxious about being off.

It took a lot to ring in and I very nearly dragged myself in but felt too dizzy when standing.

I have no sickness record and one absence less than 7 days won’t flag up any issues but I can’t shake the anxiety

I don’t know what responses I was expecting but I suppose aibu

Your colleagues and manager will be grateful you haven't gone into work and infected them all!

Have you done a PCR?

I agree with Blooeyes.

Look after yourself. Try to distract yourself so you don't focus on work

@Blooeyes

Thanks, no I haven’t. The cough and feeling feverish only appeared overnight, I’ve had the rest of the symptoms since Monday.

However, I should now probably get one so thanks for bringing that to my attention

No sane employer wants you in and infecting everyone else. You won't be up to doing the job anyway.

And if your employer has an issue with you taking sick leave when you are genuinely ill, then they aren't worth working for. Lots of job opportunities out there. Find another job.

We've had SSP since 1983, nearly 40 years. They should have got their policy heads around it by now,

Go back to bed x

It's OK. It seems like a big deal to you because you're the one who phoned in, plus you're unwell and that makes everything feel worse. But your employer will think nothing much of it (would be a different story if you rang in sick regularly). Focus on resting up and getting better

@Blooeyes

Your colleagues and manager will be grateful you haven't gone into work and infected them all!

Have you done a PCR?

Absolutely this.

You shouldn’t be going anywhere near work.

Are you normally so anxious, or what’s triggered this?

Please do not worry. I'm sure when a colleague has had to take time off sick, you don't give it a second thought and do not think anything negative. Don't put yourself under any additional stress and definitely take a PCR test.

They wouldn’t want you in anyway, and will probably require a negative PCR before you go back.

Thanks everyone

@Luredbyapomegranate I’m quite anxious anyway and have a lot of job related anxiety

PCR is required and I think a lot of employers are treating COVID related sickness differently. Do you think you’re anxious because you haven’t been through the process before?

PCR is booked for later today

@Emelene yes I think that’s partly why I’m so anxious

I know what you mean. I recently had 10 days off with bloody covid, and it was horrible being stuck at home and knowing colleagues were having to cover for me.

You obviously can't talk yourself out of anxiety, but I do find it helps to remind myself often that the anxious thoughts are not rational, and that of course you shouldn't be at work if you're unwell. Remind yourself that you would be very 🙄 if a colleague turned up clearly unwell and infectious (covid or not).

Ps hope you're feeling better soon xx

Thanks everyone

I had the PCR today, just waiting on the results

My sore throat is better but I know have severe back pain and GI upset

Oh no could it be kidneys?

@Juniper68 maybe but I’m hoping not

It might be a water infection? Or have you laid in an awkward position?

Just wanted to add, your employer would/should be grateful you called in sick, especially now. Our workplace has signs up reminding us we can’t be in if we have symptoms you describe ( we would actually face disciplinary action if we did). You’ve 100% done the right thing op, hope you feel better soon.

Thanks everyone

Waiting on PCR test

Started some meds for anxiety and yes a likely UTI in addition to whatever virus (not necessarily covid that I had)

Have you tried a guided meditation?

Hi, you did the right thing.
All the symptoms you describe can be due to Covid. You only have to read the Covid threads, common symptoms at the moment include temperatures, feeling achy, nausea, sore throat, upset stomach, back ache etc. The list is quite long.
It could be something else of course, but could be Covid and I'm glad you had the PCR.

I understand the stress of ringing in sick, it's awful. Remember that you have prevented other people from catching your illness and have done the right thing for YOU and for them.

Hope you feel better soon. Remember to rest, stay hydrated and take regular paracetamol.