feeling terrible at 29+3 - would love advice about going off sick

[heraldgerald]

My anxiety and stress levels have gone through the roof over the last two weeks. My job is very busy and I just don't feel like I can cope at the moment. Not sleeping, thoughts spiralling out of control, totally panicking. Part of my worry is actually going sick- I had a terrible experience with panic attacks a few years ago - had about 40 in 3 weeks- and my then boss was awful about it, didn't believe it despite doctors letters, made me go into detail about the problem and so on. New place is very nice and I dont think same would happen again but I dont want to give exact detail to them if I get signed off - just say something like preg related headaches and tiredness. I'm also worried because I'm a temp where I am, been there for a year but still nervous about taking any time off. I think I need a fortnight to get back on track. Should I just go straight to go and ask? Sorry. Head a mess. Any help appreciated

*gp

Yes. My gp has signed me off for weeks at a time in pg when she feels I've needed a break ( I didn't ask!) On the sick note she'd write pregnancy-related-something-vague.....

Well worth a try - sounds like you need it badly.

But - also think you should talk to work about reducing your workload and stress.

My doc signed me off for 4 weeks at 32 weeks to link with when my company could then force maternity leave. He put a vague 'pregnancy related complications' as the reason. I have felt much better and I am sure baby has appreciated a less stressed mummy too. Go and see your doc as soon as you can x

I have been signed off for a few weeks in both pregnancies due to anxiety and stress. My doctor put complications of pregnancy on my note xx

Similar to other posts I was signed off before my maternity leave. My workload was too big, the days were too long and I wasn't getting breaks... I did try to speak to the company first (even put in a grievance) but in the end the Dr said enough was enough and signed me off for the last 3 weeks before my maternity started. They don't like to take any chances with us Mums and tums.

It could be worth speaking to the company about reducing the workload at this stage? If they're a nice/reasonable bunch.

Pre pregnancy it never really occurred to me, but some jobs just aren't possible for heavily pregnant ladies. Mine unfortunately was one of them.

Hi, I'm the same. I went to gp on Monday and she gave me this week and next off, she has put complications of pregnancy on it.
I'm 31 weeks at weekend.
Hope you feel better soon x

Gosh thanks for all the supportive replies, I'm so grateful. So sorry to hear others not feeling good too

No, I don't think my job is great for heavily pregnant lady... I was planning to self certificate for 5 working days and then get a note but I can see that way round I might feel like I have to go back sooner than I'm ready for. Relieved to hear I won't need to go into detail, I found it so humiliating with that awful old boss, but that was also in the context of what I felt was bullying more generally and I must remind myself this is different, they are really nice reasonable people.

Ok. Deep breath.
Step 1 get a docs note
Step 2 take 2 weeks off to recover. Never mind if I don't get full sick pay as I'm a temp.
Step 3 stop worrying about bullying and sacking as I'm relatively protected, right?

Thanks all.

I don't know how it works with temp work, does that mean they can give you work as and when or is it a temp contract?

They can't sack/punish/etc you for anything pregnancy related. It would count as descrimination. You are well protected!

Although badly behaved initially as soon as I got signed off the company totally changed their tune. I had HR managers and all sorts emailing me to check I was ok.... Little too late methinks! But they weren't reasonable or nice, so don't worry!

Just focus on you and bump being well, rested and relaxed. XxxxxX