Bereavement and work absence form

[bootilicious]

I have been feeling pretty low this week. My mum died late last year and in the lead up to Mother's Day I am feeling increasingly down, crying, struggling to get out of bed, withdrawing from being around people, not wanting to talk, can't deal with things etc.

Anyway, have stayed home from work today, as just don't feel I can face it today. Just needed sometime on my own, I miss her so much :(

It is a small problem I know, but I don't know what to put on the absence form once I return? ( I am very happy to take it as unpaid leave, my workplace is usually okay with that)

They are usually very inquisitive regarding the reasons for being absent. I don't want to say the real reason because it will get round the office; I really don't want to have people come up to me being sympathetic again (I know they mean well, but it just makes me cry).

My work colleagues are very nice etc, but I would like some privacy regarding this matter so as to not reopen the matter for discussion etc.

So what kind of things would you suggest that would avoid to much prying or further discussion?

Would really appreciate some help/advice.

Thanks

"Stress and Anxiety".

We have to choose from about 8 categories though, I think the closest is something like "Psycological".

So sorry to hear about your mum, bootilicious.

If you're only staying off for one day, just put anything on the form - upset stomach, backache whatever. Did you have to ring in to work and explain?

I'm not very up to date with sick notes etc, but if you have to stay off longer, could you ask your gp could sign you off (or is it 'on' now?) for a few more days? My gp once told me she had to put the real reason on the official form but for my employers she wrote something non-specific. They were just like yours and very sceptical about illness.

I know from experience how hard Mother's day is when you've lost your own mum. Perhaps you could treat yourself to some flowers (and chocolates too )

Thank you for your replies Euphemi, BikeRunSki, hormonesnomore.

I phoned in, and left a message "I am sick" This is the first day off absence.

I rarely take time of sick for myself, I usually take time off due to the kids illness.

I think I will go with upset stomach or something similar otherwise everyone will be chatting etc again.

I am struggling today. Decisions (even small ones) are hard today.

Love the idea of flowers and chocolates, hormonesnomore, but am already comfort eating .

My kids are the only thing keeping me from lying in bed with my face to the wall.

But I know very well, that I am not the only girl in the world to have lost a lovely parent. There are worst things that could and do happen. :(

Bootilicious I still find my dad's birthday hard, and he died in 1993. But now I have DS (2.5), I tell him about his Grandpa and how much they would have loved each other. Take one day at a time and cherish your DCs. You can self certify yourself sick for 7 days. I can't see anything wrong with something general like a tummy bug for a few days.