Need more time off- is it wrong to lie to the doctor?

[hannahh82x]

I normally don't mind my job but the last year has been hell and I have broken down in tears every single day and physically vomited with the thought of going into work.

In November I went to the doctor and told him how awful I felt and he dismissed me that 'everyone is under pressure just now'. I went back in December and he prescribed me an anti depressant but still wouldn't sign me off work.

About a month ago I became suddenly and dramatically physically unwell. I got signed off no problem. I have now recovered physically but still struggling mentally. I'm due back at work on Tuesday and have a phone appointment with the doctor on Monday.

I am in the process of arranging therapy and working on positive coping mechanisms. I'm not ready to go back to work yet and the idea makes me feel sick.

Would it be wrong to exaggerate physical health symptoms to the doctor in order to extend my line to sort my head out a bit?

It sounds like your job is the issue and you would be better spending time applying for a new job. You have to go back at some stage, the longer you leave it the worse it will be.

I think you need to try and go back now

I think I would try and switch GPS op. It's wrong to lie to the doctor but you shouldn't have to exaggerate. Mental distress can lead to severe physical symptoms. You need to be able to talk to your GP openly and work with them towards recovery. I think you need to be honest with work too so that they can put provisions in place to help.you. Good luck

@Acheyknees

It sounds like your job is the issue and you would be better spending time applying for a new job. You have to go back at some stage, the longer you leave it the worse it will be.

I've been in it for a long time and it is recent developments that have made it so miserable- I'm hoping for things to pick up.

To be clear I'm not just delaying going back, I'm trying to get myself some support and coping methods in place so I'm mentally stronger and able to manage when I do go back.

@Cabriolelegs99

I think I would try and switch GPS op. It's wrong to lie to the doctor but you shouldn't have to exaggerate. Mental distress can lead to severe physical symptoms. You need to be able to talk to your GP openly and work with them towards recovery. I think you need to be honest with work too so that they can put provisions in place to help.you. Good luck

I have been honest with work and they have been unwilling to address the issues that are causing so much stress.

GP is very 'old school' and doesn't seem overly interested in anything relating to mental health.

Do what you need to do to get well which sounds as though includes more time off work which is perfectly valid.

Some people don't get the whole mental health thing but to say that the longer you leave if the worse it will be is simply wrong.

Get as much time off as you need and hopefully a different GP who actually understands and will support you in whatever way is required.

Are there other GPs in the practice? If so ask to speak to someone different.

Does your workplace have a well-being policy? If work is the issue that is affecting your mental health they surely have a duty to support you even if the the issues that are affecting you cannot be changed.

Op according to CAB:

Changing a GP
You can change your GP at any time you wish without having to give a reason. If you tell your local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) that you want to change your GP, they must give you details of how to do so and provide you with a list of alternative GPs.

You do not need the consent of your GP to change GPs. When you have found another GP willing to accept you, you should contact them and ask if they will take you on - see under the heading Registering with a GP. You can then make an appointment to see the new GP immediately.

Problems with changing a GP
If you wish to change your GP, but can't find a new GP who will accept you, you should contact your local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), who should find you an alternative - see under the heading Choosing a GP.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/health/nhs-healthcare/nhs-patients-rights/#:~:text=You%20can%20change%20your%20GP,your%20GP%20to%20change%20GPs.