If you’ve received a fit note for stress/anxiety

[Alphabravocharley]

Hi,

I’ve never requested a fit note but think I may need to now. Would you be able to share how much detail is provided on the fit note for reasons of stress/anxiety?

Im at rock bottom and I know my employer is going to kick off about this and any detail on there will be shared with others in the office.

Im also really, really worried about this information being given in a reference if I apply for other jobs.

Ive not taken a day’s sick leave in 4 years but have gone home early twice due to feeling very poorly.

I’d really appreciate any answers. Thank you.

Request from the GP to put “personal stress” as opposed to anxiety.

You will need to give more detail to your GP about what is causing the stress/ anxiety but looks better on a sick note if the reason for the anxiety is circumstantial.

Your employer may ask you about it but that is up to you if you divulge detail or just basic information.

Hope you feel better soon 💐

On my sick note all it said was "mixed anxiety and depression" you'll have to go into more detail with the gp. But your work don't have to know beyond that. Good luck. I hope you start to feel better soon.

Mine said domestic stress.
I was off work following a bereavement. I didn't have a disgnosis of depression or anything like that.

So sorry you're feeling like this OP. Try not to stress about the time off - it sounds like you need it.

My sick note just read "stress". That's it. The doctor may ask how you'd like it phrased (work stress, anxiety, mental illhealth, etc, depending on circumstance). It won't give any details at all about what is causing you said stress. Just that you're not fit for work and the given cause is stress.

Also, I know it's easier said than done, but try not to worry about referencing. New employers will often ask how many sick days you've taken in the previous year. I have just started a new job after being hit with hand foot and mouth, covid and norovirus all in my last year of my old job. All of which I was told I wasn't able to go in due to infection control. As there were three episodes, my new job just asked for a brief outline of what those were for, I told them and they said "oh bless you, that sounds rough!!". Sorted. No further mention!

It'll also become totally moot after a year as far as I'm aware.

It sounds like you're really struggling here OP, you've got an excellent sickness record and you need time for you to recover from this and get back on your feet.
A lot of us have been there. My bet is, a lot of the people you work with have too. Take the time, try not to let it add extra stress on top, and focus on getting back on an even keel. X

Forgot to mention - with the norovirus, HFM and covid, I also had two weeks off with stress when I just couldn't do it all anymore. So four episodes. I'd forgotten what I was trying to say!

My GP just wrote 'stress at home' on mine, no other details.

I really didn’t think anyone would reply - thank you all so much. I appreciate it very much.

My gp said they could put work related stress or something else if I didn't want it to say that - basically asked what I would like x

Mine said stress at work but the GP did check I was ok with that. I had an extended period of seeing three GPs over several weeks. The first two were really supportive, the last one not so much.

My GP also offered me options. As it happened, work related stress was what tipped me over the edge into being signed off however I was trying (even when on the verge of a breakdown ) to be "fair" so I asked the GP to state work related and personal stress. She said she was happy to state either one or the other, but we went for that as a middle road.

My GP asked me what I wanted written on it, gave me suggestions.

Best thing I did was get signed off work for a while.

Mine said anxiety. I called in a state and that's what the doctor suggested. I didn't even have words. Was off for a month and used the work counselling as it would have been a long wait with NHS. They are absolutely not allowed to share, remind them of GDPR if needed.

My GP wrote “work related stress.”, Then added “Princessglittery is very anxious that the reason for her absence will not be kept confidential.”

I’ve recently been off work for two months on various sick notes. First said ‘stress’ and the rest said ‘anxiety and depression.’ No further details on the note at all.

Thank you all x
Ive not had a response from employer after emailing them early this morning but have been locked out of my work emails.
I am registered with a mental health team so have left a message for them to call me back.