How do you get signed off by a doctor

[Morph22010]

I’m in my 50s but I’ve only ever had odd days self certified off sick due to bugs/ bad cold etc ie. Something physical and obvious.

i have an autistic teenager who is very challenging at the minute, he’s not severely autistic although is severe enough to have ehcp and be in special school. I’m not entitled to any support with him outside of school although I do get dla.

work is also quite stressful at the minute, I work full time. It’s challenging this time of year as my son can’t be left alone so I juggle between my mum helping me and taking half days so I can work from home in morning and then do something with him in afternoon. We also have a lack of good staff and are overloaded with work which I’ve raised as an issue with work

we had early help do an assessment few months back and she suggested I ask doctor to be signed off as she said I’m really stressed. I didn’t want to. I subsequently found I had high blood pressure and severe anemia so a lot of the symptoms I had that were put down to stress were actually these and in now have medication to help but the anemia will take some time.

In just feel so drained and its making it difficult to cope with my son as he’s challenging anyway. Not sure if time off work would help anyway. Im worried to ask the doctor in case they say no and say I just need to get on with things as everyone else manages to juggle things in the holidays and that’s just how life is

You go off sick and self certify initially. During that time you contact your GP , say how stressed you are and aren't at work and ask for a longer note.

It's very unlikely they will argue as firstly they aren't your employer and secondly they don't want the hassle of you making a complaint.

what do i put on the self certify? I know these are stupid questions but I’ve got through my 30 plus years of working life without having this come up. Could I just put anemia on the self certify and not mention stress do you think or is that something you’d be expected to go to work with

I’d put both down - anaemia and stress from excessive workload.

You can just describe the symptoms - fatigue etc

Is there a carers support group within your locality who can offer advice?
They'll have come across this scenario many time before and be able to guide you.

Yes I’m member of several Facebook groups but most people with child of similar needs to my son have had to give up work years ago due to issues with schooling etc so there aren’t actually many that are in same situation. Luckily I’ve been at my employer for years and they were fairly flexible when I needed with taking holidays at short notice etc so I have been able to carry on working