Day off for mental health?

[Newbienetter]

Hi everyone, I suffer with bipolar and severe anxiety/paranoia and work in a management role. Currently under lots of pressure due to short staffing and annual leave and feel as though in sinking. I haven't told management because of the industry I work in is so cut throats and not understanding of MH issues at all. I really just need a day off this week to get my head back together as all the pressure I'm under is making me ill. I'd also like to make an appointment with my CPN. What should I tell my management? What's the best way to put it across? I've recently been offered a less stressful job in a different industry so they'll be getting reference requests through soon. Sorry for the ramble, thank you in advance xx

I do this all the time and either say that a) my DD is poorly or b) I have food poisoning. They're pretty understanding with either of them.

Hi revolution thanks for your comment, I oppose it's worth a try! :-) thank you.

You don't need to say what's wrong. Just say you're not well and won't be coming in. You can self certify for 7 days before you need a GP note. Take care of yourself OP.

Absolutely take a day off.
Your MH is just as important as your physical health.
It's good you can recognise that you are feeling low.

Just take the day off. D&V is a self-cert option. It gives you the option of 1/2 days plus, which you need.

How ridiculous that we still can't be honest about "brain" health.

I used to work in Occ Health. It's always been the same, sadly.

Does anyone know how your sickness record effects future employment? I've been offered a less stressful job and I'm concerned about my sickness record

Have you ever thought about changing your job? That sort of high pressure is not appropriate for someone with a mental health problem.

I am now 69 and retired, and when I look back I think about all those years of getting up early, putting my all into a very pressured job and coming home tired, as a complete waste of large chunks of my life and of time with my DC.

Hi Blossomdeary you are right, I have been looking for a less stressful job for a long time and have found a part time job (money is rubbish but I'll just have to make it work) and am awaiting a start date but just need to get my references sorted.
I sometimes feel terrible because I come home from work and don't have any energy to focus and play. My son loves his childminder but it's not the same as his mummy. My new part time job would allow me to spend more time with him

I don't think a few sick days now will impact majorly from a sickness record perspective and your mental health is too important to risk. If you don't look after yourself properly now you may well end up off sick for longer later. D&V is a good one if you don't want to disclose, no one will want you in work to spread that arround.