Panic.disorder ...what does it mean that mental health issues are protected?

[whatisforteamum]

Been employed 18 months with great track record.at my.current job.Over 30 years in the same industry.
Recently had some stress in work load.and in general diagnosed.SAD. and panic disorder that I ha ve had.before.
I work in an industry when sick leave is frowned upon.I had one.evening when I could not work and never heard the end of it!!
My question is it I were.to have one week off to decompress and.get on top of my issues without pills what does this mean with regards to colleagues being able to have a.go at me and.in effect make me feel worse.I would already feel guilty as I have a.great work ethic

Your colleagues should not know why you are off sick, it's confidential betweeen yourself, h.r. occupational health and possibly your manager. If they start talking about it then I would want to know how they found out. Don't discuss it with anyone, just ask your g.p. to sign you off for a week or self certify and send your fit note in.

Ok thank you.They did know I was off one evening for.being unable to walk.The one that covered me kept on and on.I told them next time refuse the few hours than make my life a misery on my return.I even offered to cover them whenever they chose.