Signed off work

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Named changed but been around for ever.

I’ve been signed off work for stress, I have never had this before and slightly freaking out, though it is the right decision.

I have a lot of cumulative stress in my life but work is a big one and the only one I can step away from for a bit.

I am now getting really worried that I should be ill so can’t do things with my DD’s school and stuff as I’ll be publicly ‘out’ - I am supposed to be helping out with the village event this weekend which I actively enjoy and don’t want to let people down there. We’re also supposed to be going on holiday for half term and I’m worried that’ll look bizarre?

I suspect a lot of this is irrational worry and I am seeing a counsellor to work through these patterns.

Technically speaking going on holiday and getting out and about isn’t against the rules of being signed off with stress ….what your colleagues and employer think behind closed doors is another matter

Being off with stress is not the same as being off with a broken leg.

being out and about, doing things with your family, school, social etc is good for you and will help with your recovery

you should be doing things you enjoy and you should go on holiday.

if you are nervous speak to your GP again or ask to see the mental health nurse and discuss it with them.

they will agree with me.

when I was off these are the things I was advised to do along with exercise and getting outdoors.

Both of you make good points both of which I’m considering. Ironically I don’t have any other plans aside from these two things and exercise which is very good for my head.

I’m hoping to get a few more therapy sessions booked in as well.

The holiday is actually something I’m somewhat dreading but not sure cancelling and then having to wrangle DD in half term is a better solution tbh 😂

When it comes to depression going outside to get some fresh air, some exercise and meeting with people (friends/family) who can help you feel better is part of the recovery process.

Focus on doing what it takes to feel better.

I burned out two years ago and had a complete breakdown and was under the care of the Mental Health Crisis Team. They came to my house every morning and after a week they encourage me to go out a bit with the outreach workers coming with me for a little walk into town.

''@usererror57
Technically speaking going on holiday and getting out and about isn’t against the rules of being signed off with stress ….what your colleagues and employer think behind closed doors is another matter''

Frankly the OP's priority is to get better, not to worry about about people's misunderstanding of mental health issues...

@Greenartywitch
my point is that I’ve known loads of colleagues signed off with stress who continued the enjoyable parts of their home life - days out and holidays etc - the employer always found a way to manage them out/ make redundancies

''@usererror57 · Today 08:46
my point is that I’ve known loads of colleagues signed off with stress who continued the enjoyable parts of their home life - days out and holidays etc - the employer always found a way to manage them out/ make redundancies''

An employer getting rid of people simply because they have mental health issues is discrimination and illegal.

Any employer who does that will eventually found themselves in front of an employment tribunal.

I was off with serotonin syndrome - I was very agitated . I went for regular walks with my ear pods in to calm me .

i am off the past few days with mh issues . I was at Aldi yesterday because i need to eat , dropped and collected my Dc from work and also a trip to the Gp followed by the chemist for meds .

I am not fit for work but that doesn’t mean I can’t function .

I personally would keep what you do off S media ( if you do post on it ) it allows you to truly enjoy yourself without worrying what people think on the photos .,

staying in the house all day is not good for mental health