GP sick note

[SaltandPepperPot]

I’ve been struggling with my mental health I think. I’ve had to take sick leave from work as I was just sat crying at my PC and couldn’t concentrate on my tasks - struggling to make even basic decisions. I just want to sleep, which isn’t like me. My chest is tight and I have frequent bouts of palpitations. I can’t face the thought of leaving the house or talking to anyone.

I needed to request a sick note from the GP, so I put in a request online. A few hours later they sent the sick note as requested. I thought they might want to see/talk to me first? Is this usual?

I thought maybe I should be seeing the GP about my mental health. I just feel completely overwhelmed. But now I’m thinking they don’t want to see me? If they thought I needed to see someone would they not have asked to see me when I put in the request for a sick note?

In an ideal world absolutely yes. However in reality, the GP working through dozens and dozens of online requests will be on a very tight deadline and will be trying to do what needs to be done with no luxury of being able offer more or dig a little deeper.
You asked for a sick note and you got a sick note. Send another request asking for an appt. It's not great but the system is broken

You need to book an appointment to see the GP, not just because there can be underlying causes (thyroid, low b12, low iron etc) that they need to rule out, but because they can’t force you to attend or book you an appointment. Mine would always at least speak to me but many surgeries are overwhelmed with the amount of requests but too little time.
I hope things improve soon for you

I’ve been off sick for a year with depression and haven’t had any contact with my GP apart from them providing the fitnotes after my online requests.

Yes, please make an appointment and see how they can help you, OP. I was similar a few years ago and having full-on panic attacks at home.

Luckily, I already had some annual leave booked so I saw my doctor then, burst into tears and received counseling and medication. Three weeks later I felt so much better and could cope again at work.

I’m diagnosed with GAD, which I think I’ve actually suffered from for years, but now it’s well managed. Don’t just suffer, please ask for help.💐