Hugely strughling with Anxiety and MH do I need to self certificate before asking a GP to sign me off

[neverenoughwine]

Hi all,

I'm hugely struggling with anxiety, low mood and feel really unable to cope ATM.

I burst into tears all the time, I'm struggling to sleep, can't concentrate and just have racing thoughts of doom.

I lost a baby at 20 weeks last August it was sudden as I didn't know I was pg. Then the funeral, my grandpa's funeral and a high pressured new job happened all over several weeks.

I've recently found out I'm pregnant and as much as I should be happy and excited my mind's racing with gloomy thoughts.

My work is a small team but chaotic and toxic. My workload is more than overwhelming and my boss just doesn't care. Hot headed and toxic.

I went for an early scan last week and need to go back in 2 weeks, as I was 1.5 weeks-2weeks behind where I thought and no heartbeat is visible yet. I'm beside myself with worry already.

I'm overwhelmed and scared, there's no one at work to talk too (we are all remote and not 'pally') there's no HR.

I really feel like I need time out to be kind to myself, look after myself mentally and physically.

Can I call a GP to discuss this and a FIT note? My partner thinks I absolutely should. He's very supportive.

Any advice welcome. I'm just struggling so much 😢

Please ring your GP today. They will sign you off and hopefully give you something to take the edge off. Sending love.

Am I best to just tell my employer I need today off and I'm struggling with my mental health? Xx

I don't know what to do for the best!

Yes, call in sick. I’m off sick currently with my MH too.

Call in sick 💯 not sure I could work in a toxic workplace for too long 😞

It's absolutely horrible!! :( , aside from that I am just really struggling.

How you doing? How long did you take off work ?

Dani
been signed off for a month, got a week left, it’s not looking good at the moment…

I know what you mean just had a meds change was on mirtazapine 8 weeks no good then put on duloxetine Monday I feel rock bottom already had month off

Oh bless you. I’m on my third AD for anxiety in eight weeks. Praying this one works. I just want my life back!

You need to take a short break. Just get a self certificate and send in stating stress. Then make an appointment with your GP. They might give you a telephone appointment. Just tell them what you wrote here I'm sure your GP would write you a sick note for 2 weeks. That would give you 3 weeks to try to relax, get your head together and hopefully have another scan where the heartbeat is seen. Get plenty of rest, eat well and get out in fresh air for a walk or just sit in the garden or park. Best of luck.

OP, what did you decide to do?

I called the GP and it all came flooding out. We talked (well I cried for quite a while) and she's signed me off work for 2 weeks.

I'm overcome with emotion, this pregnancy has brought back memories of the sudden labour, loss and funeral of our baby last August.

I realise I need time to breathe, focus and be kind to myself. To sort through my thoughts and seek some clarity. I don't have a strong, close or local network of friends and as great as DP can be, he's too involved and has his own guilt/stresses related to my triggers.

Thank you all so much for your replies. Xx

How are you TreeHugger?

I am so pleased you’ve got some time off to clear your head. I hope it helps.
Im so up and down. Good days and bad.
This is my last week signed off work, but if im honest, I don’t think they’ll take me back yet. I’m no use to anybody. I barely function at home.

Here, if you fancy a chat. Feel free to message me.
Life can feel so hard and cruel!!
Big hugs xx