Can a GP sign me off work for this?

[Fairytoast]

In the 33 years that I have worked, I have never asked to be signed off work so I am not sure how to go about it.
I am at the lowest I have been right now. Both physically, emotionally and mentally.
I have had some mental and physical health issues for a few years now and have limped along, trying to push through. I put a mask on to the world but inside I have been struggling.
I have had digestive issues for years which have been getting worse and right now I have awful daily pain and uncomfortable symptoms (diagnosed with IBS but nothing I’ve tried is helping so I’ve convinced myself it’s something bad).
I have very heavy periods and now have anaemia. My ferritin levels dropped to 3 and I had to have an urgent iron infusion last week. This has made me feel worse, totally exhausted, with migraines and feeling so weak. Because of how I feel, the hospital cancelled my second infusion due yesterday to give my body time to adjust. I am waiting for an ablation for the heavy periods but can’t have that till the iron is higher so am stuck right now.
My mental and emotional health is currently at the lowest it’s ever been, I am so down with the physical side of things and now feel exhausted, very low, I am having daily panic, anxiety attacks and meltdowns. I just want to sleep.
This is really affecting every aspect of my life and in particular my dh and dc, which makes me feel a million times worse. I need to get better for their sakes as well as my own.
I also help look after my mum who has Alzheimer’s and need to be strong for her which I most certainly am not right now.
But the problem is my job.
I work part time as a PA for a disabled lady (physically, no learning disabilities). The job involves lifting her wheelchair in and out of her car which is tricky atm as I feel so weak and tired due to the anaemia. I also drive her some distance to her sports clubs and I have been feeling so tired which is worrying when driving.
I feel that I could benefit from taking a few weeks out and trying some antidepressants etc, they won’t help my iron levels of course but may help me feel able to cope a little better?
BUT I don’t get sick pay and I have to give notice for annual leave as she needs to find cover (something she never has in place!).
Would my GP be able to write a letter or a sick note that I can give her because I fear without that she won’t take me seriously?

Your gp will probably ask you to self-certify for a week then sign you off.

Ok, thanks Debroglie

I was in a similar position mentally last year. I didn't self certify. Spoke to my doctor & she signed me off straight away.

Thanks Redglitter I will call the surgery on Monday and get an appointment asap.

Redglitter did the time out help you?

@Fairytoast very much so. I got prescribed meds from the doctor which took a while to kick in but are helping. I was off for a lot longer than I expected but it was worth it. Don't keep trying to struggle on

Please ring your Dr's tomorrow and don't struggle on with this. Focus on yourself getting to a better place physically and mentally

Thank you. I will call tomorrow I just hope I can get my point across via the telephone. I’ve had a telephone appointment almost weekly recently and I just feel that they aren’t taking me seriously but they won’t see anyone face to face until they’ve had a phone appointment first and I can never get past that point. Not helped by dh saying those who ring regularly won’t get taken seriously as I’ll come across as neurotic but I am at rock bottom, I ring them because I need help.

@Fairytoast sit today and make notes on what the problems are and what you want to say to the doctor. Be totally honest with them.

I took about ten days off when my ferritin was 6.

OP, am currently signed off from work with similar issues. I've worked since 16 and always felt bad taking time off for "mental health" reasons rather than a physical ailment. But I feel physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted. GP has started me on setraline and has been really supportive. Not being at work and having the ability to press "pause" has really helped.

Red glitter I am compiling a list now, I just feel it falls on deaf ears. Obviously I am not assertive enough!
CottonSock in hindsight I should have done the same but I genuinely thought I'd be bouncing full of energy after it but the reality is completely different.
bonfire heart I am so sorry you are going through a similar thing, it's pants isn't it?
I hate the thought of taking time off sick as I feel I've failed but I'm feeling awful even at the weekends, sat in bed today feeling really down. I desperately need to pause and take some time out, just hope I can get my GP to understand.

I spoke to my gp this morning. He has signed me off work for two weeks and given me a prescription for nortriptyline to help with my IBS and sleep. I am really hoping it will help, I’m exhausted.

Have you ever been tested for coeliac disease? Would explain the anaemia.

LiveintheNow yes, I have had blood tests and biopsies taken during a gastroscope. They say my low iron levels are down to very heavy periods caused by uterine polyps and a thickened lining. I was supposed to have an ablation 10 days ago but once they found my levels were so low they say they can’t do it till they are higher as it’s a risk.