Feel stressed need time off do I need to go to Gp?

[pencilcase11]

My sickness policy says I need self sertification if I have illness or injury and stay off work for 5 calendar days. If more than 5 days the medical certificate from GP. does it mean that I can stay 4 days off work and explain to my school that I am stressed? Thank you!

Yes, just phone in sick in lines with the school policy. For the first 5 days off you don't need to see a doctor, although you will need to pick up a 'self certification' form from the doctors (or get someone else to for you), fill it in and get it to school some how - on your return, or get someone to drop it in.

If it is that bad then surely a visit to the GP is a good idea? (I'm saying this as someone who has been off with the same thing.)

If you feel stressed enough to need time off you should be going straight to your GP anyway. Mine signed me off for two weeks on first visit and it was a relief as I knew I wouldn't have to have any contact with the school for that time.

It also triggered the Head taking my difficulties seriously and everything got sorted out so I could get on with life and be happy again.

I'm not certain as to whether or not that 5 days runs over weekends. e.g if you phone in sick tomorrow will the self certification cover you for 5 WORKING days (so you'd be due back Tuesday) or 5 days, so you'd be due back Monday. I think, you'd be due back Monday, but I wouldn't like to say for certain.

If 4 days off is going to all you need then fine, but I do advise maybe trying to make an appointment for Friday with your doctor. Nothing is worth damaging your health for and the doctor would be able to give you a sick note to cover another week or two (if you need it) or give you a referral for counselling.