Calling in sick

[AnonNew]

I'm not very good at calling in sick. I have an irrational idea that people won't believe me. I'm not very good at looking after myself but I've come to the point where I have no choice. I feel ridiculous and am overthinking everything but I really don't like calling in sick and would rather just go to work than face the feelings I have about being judged etc. I know that after certain amount of days I can apply for a sick note but it's the time before that I worry about. People will say it's only a job. I know that how I feel is not correct but I don't know how to stop.

I used to be just like you op but then realised that no -one else at my workplace was like this and would take time off at the drop of a hat for virtually anything, and actually no-one really was bothered.

Yes we have people there that take the mick. I worry people will think I'm doing to the same. There's also some problems between some staff and I think they will believe I'm off because of this and not for the genuine reason.

What do you mean "people" will think you're doing the same and not because of the genuine reason? Are the team told what someone is off with in your workplace????

The reason why you are off sick is confidential between you and your manager. Surely everyone is just told AnonNew is off today. Your manager should absolutely not be telling anyone the reason you have given for being off and you do not need to discuss/disclose this to anyone else on your return.
A simple " yes I'm feeling better thanks" will suffice

Pretty much what's said above. Confidentiality should be a default but I guess plenty of us are in work places that leak like a sieve. If you don't want folks to know what you're off with then make that crystal clear when you report sick.

It's normal to self certify for the first 7 calendar days with a doctors 'fit note' required from day 8 on. The SC2 form is simple and can be completed on line and printed off. You've got about 200 characters but most conditions are only 3 or 4 words.

That's it. Job jobbed.

Most places require you to report in by phone and not email etc. This should be 1:1 with your manager. I've often found, as I like my absence to be known before it's noticed, that the person I need to speak to is not in at 08 00 in which case I'd either ask if one of the other seniors was in or just leave a message just saying I'm not well, won't be in, and asking to be called back.

Any decent manager will run through your condition in a bit of detail, including whether it's something self limiting that will clear up quickly or something that's going into longer term absence. That's reasonable enough; they'll need to work out how your post will be covered.

They should keep in touch and ensure your kept up to date on changes etc. But must not try and chivvy you into coming back before you're ready.

Try and break it down into steps like that!!