To go outside whilst off on stress leave?

[Hogwartsian]

I have recently been signed off work for stress. I live in a small town where a lot of people know each other and I regularly see people I know. AIBU to go to the shops and try to continue normal life whilst I recover? Or go for a walk in the local park to clear my head? I've heard people in the past day things like "so and so is on stress leave but I saw her in town!!" about other people. I hate the thought of people thinking I'm being suspicious/faking/taking the piss, but I can't stay inside all the time, I'll go crazy and I need to buy food!

Of course you can go out, and you should.

You are currently unfit to work, you are not unfit to live.

If I were your line manager, I would be expecting you to take proactive steps to improve your mental wellbeing. Going out is an essential part of that.

I hope you feel better soon.

When I was signed off with work-related stress it was regular time out of the house that kept me going and helped to improve my wellbeing. You are absolutely allowed to go out to the shops or out for walks. I hope your mood improves soon.

Get out in nature for at least 30 minutes a day. Follow Dr Sian Williams on instagram. She talks great sense about anxiety and stress. X

One of the recommendations for lifting mood, is exercise and to go outside. If going out in the fresh air, seeing the signs of spring emerging and getting some exercise into the bargain, releasing endorphins to improve your mood, is a therapy, then go and do it. It’s not good to be indoors all the time. If anyone is critical, it’s worth reminding them that not all illnesses, like disabilities, are visible.

Staying in will just make you feel worse (not that I follow my own advice)
If you can I’d get shopping delivered as supermarkets can be stressful. Local shops might be good if you have any.
I’d go for a walk though to get fresh air and enjoy green spaces.
Hope you feel better soon.

Get out and about it’s good for you. You need to exercise and socialise and do things that you enjoy if you want to recover.

anyone judging or criticising is a bigoted and ignorant arsehole who doesn’t know anything about mental health.

Have a few phrases to hand to reassure yourself with, on the off chance someone were to say something.
I’m trying to make sure I get a daily walk in/stay active/get out of the house every day etc.

Rather than- I’ve run out of chocolate so had to leave the house! (Me).

YANBU, staying in won’t help.

But it sounds like going out might cause you a bit of stress due to the worry of people judging? Could you maybe go to a nearby town instead - not because you have to, but for your own sake.

Please get out of the house. It'll get so much worse if you stay cooped up inside.

Anyone who moans about you being out of the house when dealing mental health / stress is a major idiot. I know it doesn't make them easier to deal with, but remember that most people are at least somewhat reasonable and realise that you going out in the fresh air is what you SHOULD be doing right now to improve your health.

There will always be people who want to think the worst of others, sadly. But you are absolutely entitled, and right to go out and get exercise, be among people, and get some sun on your face (eventually!)

After my late husband's breakdown he was off for some considerable time. Initially he was really worried about going out, but it was part of his rehab, and fortunately he worked with good people. We even went on holiday to Cornwall during his sick leave, which really helped with his progress.

If you're unsure, you could always stay in communication with your boss, and explain what your recovery plan entails, and that it's essential that you don't shut yourself away.

YABU to be so daft and take it this literally.
What people mean by those comments you have heard is people doing stuff like going on outings, not essentials like going for a walk and getting food and medicine. How would you even expect to get any better if you couldn't do that?

Id not be wearing make up and id be dressed with significantly less effort, for impact. That way people will say ‘I saw Hog out. Probably getting some fresh air. She looked terrible.’

or, just this what the pp said, You are currently unfit to work, you are not unfit to live.

Fresh air and a good walk in a nice park are very good for lifting stress.
You dont have to be a prisoner in your own home.

I am also off work with stress/mild depression. I'm waiting for an appointment with my GP but have followed NHS advice with Every Mind Matters. The first piece of advice was try to stay away from stressful situations (I handed in my notice: big weight lifted!) The second was to take some exercise and get out of the house: i have been going for a one hour "prescribed" walk with an audio book every day for the last 8 days. The third was to see people: i have been for coffee with 3 friends in the time I've been off. I've yet to do something that I can find joy in every day, but I'm getting there (and if that was bungee jumping, going to bingo or having an evening at a show, I'd do it: doctor's orders :-) I hope you feel better soon: don't care or worry about what anyone else thinks xx

Fresh air, exercise, seeing friends and family. All things that help reduce stress.

Absolutely.

I felt the same guilt when off with stress but ultimately I was unfit to do my job but not unfit to live a normal life. Exercise, fresh air, socialising, errands etc were things I needed to do for a healthy mind and all things I had abandoned during the lead up to my time off and ultimately part of why I’d become so stressed (work had become all consuming)

Definitely not unreasonable! In fact isn't that what doctors suggest - if you can manage?

I'm also amazed that some people have voted that's unreasonable😱

Even if people have something physically wrong with them like a broken arm etc, it's still beneficial for them to go outside for fresh air.

One of my relatives had agoraphobia and became afraid to go out and mix with people. She had a course of cognitive behaviour therapy with a clinical psychologist As part of CBT he took her out for walks to parks and eventually shops so she would gradually become accustomed to being among people again. Of course you can have you food and anything else you need delivered. However when you have suffered stress or similar conditions gradually getting back your health includes going outside and doing normal things.

To hell with anyone else OP.
I was signed off for a month with stress and the doctor said "The worst thing for you would be to sit on the sofa for a month watching TV. Get out and get plenty of fresh air and exercise".
So I did - I went hiking, to the gym, to yoga classes, and walked my dog every day.

Being stressed doesn't mean you have to be confined to the house. Getting outside is good for your mental health.

Thank you so much everyone!! This is what I needed to hear. I think a lot of people think that unless you are literally bedridden then you should be in work.

And this isn't even people you work with, just people who live in your town?

Fuck em.

Well im on sick leave and im currently at the airport for a weeks r&r so i reckon leaving the house is fine.
Im not fit for work but i am mobile and the fresh sea air will do my poor sick body the power of good.