To feel embarrassed handing in my sick note?

[ASickNote]

I don’t feel like I have a legitimate reason. It’s MH related so maybe that’s why. I self certified for last week and the GP has signed me off for this week too, saying he will do it for longer if necessary and he thinks it’s really important I rest well and do things that make me happy. I feel so awkward about handing it in! I’m on texting terms with my manager (would text instead of calling in sick) but how best do I do it, should I log onto my laptop and email it over then text manager in the morning explaining? I feel like I’m being cheeky even having the time off as it’s never something I’d usually do, and I feel bad to my colleagues

Mental heatlh is health, would you feel bad if you had broken a bone or was battling a horrible pneumonia? Your doctor obviously feels you need the time off to reccuperate, so take it, as ignoring it now may lead to a longer time off with a breakdown/burn out later. As for handing your sick note, depends on your workplace, they might be ok with a picture of it through whatsapp/text, a scanned copy or they may need to have the original for their administration, the best person to ask is your manager tomorrow morning when you let them know you won't be in for the next week.

Hope you feel better soon!

Your GP has signed you off. That's it - no guilt.

Relax, forget about work and do what you need to do to get better. Having thoughts about work you mean taking longer to get better; this will negatively impact on your company.

I think I'd feel more comfortable providing a GP certificate for stress than self certifying.

I did this, self certified for a week then I text my boss to give her the heads up that I had been signed off as I needed more time. I then emailed it to HR and copied in my boss. I felt a bit of guilt too but at mental health is really important. They would probably rather you take the time you need than you coming back before you felt ready and then needing more time as a result of you pushing yourself too far too soon. Wishing you all the best!

Please don't feel guilty. You absolutely should take as much time as you need to get better, as the doctor has already advised. I'd send the sick note over and just give your manager a text to let them know. Sending you lots of love and I hope you get the support you need

Thank you everyone. I guess it just feels so awkward, I’ll feel as though they’re judging me because I know they’re short staffed but I also know it’s not my problem and my priority is my wellbeing!