Should I take time off?

[lemondrops4]

I have been struggling with GAD for most of my life, at times it gets worse then others and I usually cope ok. A recent house move and work being extremely stressful has triggered my anxiety at its worst point for an extremely long time. I don’t usually get sad with it but I’m crying every single day throughout the day, I’m barely coping and putting on a face at work which is draining me. I can’t even really pinpoint exactly what is wrong. I should be excited in my new home, and I’m not. My job is so stressful and pressured. That won’t change. I feel guilt and shame that I’m struggling. I feel so down, and feel sick and tearful a lot.
i haven’t never taken antidepressants and have been prescribed some. Which I’m starting today. My doctor suggested time off and I said no because I have immense guilt taking any time off and because I’ve been recently promoted I feel I can’t. But I’m at work now, I feel sick, crying and really I should be taking time off and would probably benefit from some headspace but I hate letting my team down. But I’m not my best self at the moment either.

should I go back to gp and ask for some time off? I’m an absolute mess. I don’t know what’s wrong with me or why it’s become so severe.

You need time off. You would be replaced at work easily, you will not be replaced at home, in your family, to you friends etc. your mental health recovery is more important than whatever work you do in the Grand scheme of things. I know the guilt, I worked with foster children and felt horrific guilt any time I needed off as we were short staffed and it always meant letting people down etc but your team will cope I promise you that! You on the other hand don't seem to be.

Take at least two weeks off, that's at a bare minimum to at least get through any side effects of the antidepressants you've started.

I’m sorry you’re having such a rough time. Your doctor won’t have suggested it lightly. Rest is an important component to getting better. As someone who under-complained for fear of overcomplaing and kept going till my mid 50s and then went ping and was hospitalised, I wouldn’t hesitate to take some much needed time off. All the best.

It's so important to look after yourself - please go to your GP and take time off.
If you're not in the best frame of mind then taking some time out to recalibrate is the best thing for you and your team.
Sending you big hugs - I'm struggling with severe depression at the moment too and it's exhausting.

Please take some time off . If you were bursting into tears that is your body / emotions telling you things aren't quite right .
That's great that you have been to your GP. but I think you need to take their advice .

If your job is high pressurised , it will be easy to make mistakes and this could even put your job at risk . So far better that you take this time now and rest .
Take care .

Self certify for a week and request a fit/sick note for at least another two weeks for antidepressants to kick in. You might well need more time.
Be kind to yourself and try not to think about work.