Feel like I can't keep working today but guilty if I stop

[Burnt0utMum]

I've very recently been diagnosed with anxiety. Been prescribed medication but the pharmacy won't answer the phone so I don't know if it's ready to collect. Work is very busy, it's always busy and high pressure. I just can't do it. It's just too much. I've done my best this morning but I'm just struggling so much and when I try to reason with my manager about the workload I'm not listened to. I WFH so could just plod through not getting much done but that will be picked up on. I'm off for a few days after today but don't feel like I can make it through the day regardless. AIBU to log off sick for the rest of the day? Feel bad that my colleagues will have to pick up the work but I'm not managing to get it done anyway. I have a constant sick feeling of worry and feel like I could cry at any moment. I've always coped with pressure so well but not anymore.

You should log off. It is totally understandable.

When you feel up to it, you need to have a calm discussion with your manager where you explain everything you have just said and make sure you very clearly explain the impact the work is having on you. The fact that your manager hasn’t listened or offered support is adding to your stress.

If you really feel unable to speak to them, you could consider getting signed off with stress.

Hope you feel better soon!

It sounds like you are feeling very unwell. I am sure you could contact your manager to say that you feel too poorly to work without your medication and that you need to go into the pharmacy in person to see about it so you are signing off for now. Once you have been to the pharmacy you might feel better for knowing what has happened.

You’re unwell. You should have time off.

If they are not listening to you, and your work is adding to your anxiety, then you could legitimately go off with work related stress. You can now self certify for 28 days -increased from the usual 7-before needing a fit note from your Dr.

Log off sick, take a walk to the pharmacy for the fresh air to see if your prescription is ready, and take the time you need off to recover and become well. I hope things improve for you soon

Thank you all. I've now logged off and am just trying to calm down. At least I have a few days now away from work and will aim to go back after my annual leave but it's reassuring to know I can self certify 28 days if I do need more time.