To call in sick for this

[sleepeat]

Struggling with MH for two years. Major major depressive episode over summer and saw psychiatrist and community MH team. Now reducing one medication SSRI (from 200mg to 0) and starting different one.

Side effects of withdrawing, and starting new drug, are awful awful, Sick, nausea, dreadful stomach cramps (on par with contractions), headache, shivery/sweaty, brain fog like nothing i have experienced before (like unable to finish sentences)

I'm at the end of week 1 of a 3 week process. I have gotten into work this week. My GP advised I may need /want to call in sick as the side effects of both (plus depression) would likely be hard work. However, I feel like a total idiot / pathetic to call in sick for this - somehow it doesnt feel like a real illness and self inflicted.

i don't really have a desk job - I teach at a uni so up and about and lots of student contact. So I can't have a week of doing a bit less / flying under the radar. I also cant work from home as it isn't that kind of job.

I need this medicine shift to work. and I feel so battered and tired by everything that has happened. WIBU to call in sick for this?

Yes - you are being unreasonable, suck it up and go to work
No - you are not being unreasonable, call in sick if you need to.

Your GP advised it, there is nothing daft about calling in sick with those symptoms, absolutely nothing at all. I would also argue that not listening to your body right now would put you in a more vulnerable position mental health wise. Take some time and take care of you, you matter too.

Of course it's a real illness. Side effects of SSRI withdrawal can be debilitating. I know, as I've had to change meds a few times. There is no shame in calling in sick, especially as doctor has advised you to.

Definitely YANBU.

Please be kind to yourself OP, take the time off as recommended. Hope you start to feel better soon, it takes time.

Hi @sleepeat
No, call in sick.
Your wellbeing is the priority. Don't rush to go back, work will always be there, just focus on yourself xx

I can only conclude that the 6% thinking yes you are being unreasonable have never gone through withdrawal. Take the time off as advised. Withdrawal from medication like that is awful. Hope you feel better soon x

Call in sick. You poor thing. Not one bit of this is self inflicted. This is something that has happened TO YOU and the doctor is right that you need the time to recover.

@Lou670 ive never done a vote before and I don't know how to see the results 😰(classic me really). but thank you and thank you all. I've pushed through today and now in bed and eating a potato waffle as thats about all i can manage right now

It's 95% reasonable at the moment 👍. Definitely put your health first and take some time off. It's better in the long run for you and your employer that this switch over is successful and you are happy and healthy x

OP I once ended up acutely suicidal in A&E when switching over to a different antidepressant. Please be kind to yourself. Yes it's real. No you're not inflicting it on yourself. And you're not pathetic, you are in the grip of a life-threatening condition. Take time off to give your body and mind the chance to adjust to the new meds, and keep rereading the answers here when you feel bad about being off work. Good luck OP I know only too well how horrific it can be

Of course you should call in sick!!

Def call in sick. Withdrawal is horrendous, I wouldn’t wish it on my enemy. Hope the new meds work well for you, but give them time to work.

@Bearcub101 withdrawal is so horrible! I don't want to put anyone off starting meds, as I am very pro medication for mental health where needed. It is vaguely reassuring that it isn't an 'illness' and will pass as my body adjusts but still.

Thanks everyone for support and validation. I do genuinely feel much better after reading your responses.