Burned out: practical advice needed

[TiredOfBeingSh1t]

Hello,

I am overwhelmed, over worked and burned out (and possibly perimenopausal). I have come home from work today unable to cope.

I've seen a (lovely) healthcare assistant who has booked me in for a hormone blood test and referred me to some talk therapy.

She advised that I take some time off work, that I can self-certify for 7 days.

But I need help understanding this.

Do I need to ring in every day? Or can I do this once only?
She said it's 7 work days, is that right? So would take me up to next Friday?

I don't want to be a drip. But I can't do right for doing wrong at work. And now I can't trust myself.

Sorry you're feeling like this, you deserve better.
You might be best off going to the doctor and getting signed off for a bit. You then only need to let school know once.
I had the same feeling this time last week. I phoned the education support line and spoke to a lovely counsellor who said I should take some time off. I went to see my GP who said I should stay off until Christmas. He wrote a fit note straight away.
I think you can self certify for 7 calendar days if you prefer, but if you're burnt-out it won't be enough. You will need to have a complete break including planning and reading emails.
Take time to get better.

Thanks. That's really helpful.

Sorry to hear you're feeling the same.

Sure, the job has always been stressful but this year has been something else.

I'll see if I can get in to see an actual GP next week for some more useful advice. (And a note)

Totally understand. It's an exhausting relentless job.

Take some time off

Definitely look after yourself, get yourself signed off and speak to a counsellor.
I hope you feel better soon.

Ring in sick tomorrow and say you have are unwell and and seeking GP advice.

Do not disclose any reason. Just say I'm not really sure.

Email later and say you have seen a HCP for blood tests and they have told you to self certify for a week and you will back earliest next week and that you are to check in with the surgery later in the week.

"Hi Head I've sent the GP and they have taken blood and advise itself certify for the week to recover with a review at the end of the week if I'm not any better. I will keep you updated when I have some further info, but can confirm I will not be back until the 6th December at the earliest.

Kind regards

Only to most difficult person would make you ring in sick everyday

Hope you can get a really good rest and feel better soon 💐

@helpmyback thank you, this is exactly the specific advice I needed.

I will do exactly that.

"Only to most difficult person would make you ring in sick everyday" - I have a suspicion this is exactly what will happen.

Without a sick note, we'd be expected to call every day.

An update: I spoke to my GP today who was clear it sounded like I was in crisis, and this was work related stress. He's signed me off for the rest of this term.

I've sent the note in, and opened a case with my union.

I hope you manage to switch off from school and get yourself better. x

Take care of yourself, and don't even think about feeling guilty.

Funny you should mention that...

i feel very similar OP. Can I ask, have you been expected to set cover? I am a one person dept and the thought of setting cover is the only thing keeping me going to school.

Well done, @TiredOfBeingSh1t ! Now rest up and recover or make plans on how to escape. Do not even think about feeling guilty or setting cover - you have been signed off and there are other people in school on a higher level who are paid to sort out teacher absences!

No, I will not be setting cover.

The more I've thought about things over the last few days the more I've realised things were worse than I thought. Really, I should have stopped weeks ago before I reached crisis point and while I could have saved myself some shred of professional dignity.

Stop. Before you either go really wrong or before your body decides to make you.

Thank you. And yes, there are.

The guild is real, though. I teach my own DC and colleagues DCs. I hope they'll be charitable towards me.

But, if I can recover and get back in to finish the year, it'll be better than nothing.

Hope you are ok OP

I have been there. Glad the GP was supportive