Can someone help me with anxiety over absence?

[Kazeragi]

I'm really struggling with being off work. I know we're all dispensable, but I also know that my absence is causing extra work and inconvenience for colleagues. I'm at that stage in my illness where I could probably drag myself in, get through the day, and then crash into bed at 6pm. I know that is not sensible and will probably cause further health issues. But I also feel like being off is causing me so much stress that it's almost counter productive.
I'm not off long term, probably just a week at most.
I know exactly what I'd say to a friend or colleague, but can't seem to take my own advice. Actually sitting here wondering why I'm like this.
Does any one have any wise words?

Hi lovely. 😢

I have the worst dose of flu that I’ve ever had, and a hacking cough, and been off work since Friday afternoon (& in bed ever since) I said to my husband last night that I feel so much guilt over not being able to do anything and not go into work. I’ve struggled with that the last few days…. & then today I just thought “enough already!” and decided to be kind to myself and stop mentally beating myself up. I need time to get better and rest to allow my body to heal. Plus, nobody will thank me for going in to work and spreading my germs. You need to allow yourself time too - we all get ill and we are all human, so just cut yourself some bloody slack I say ❤️

hoping you get lots more sound advice from the rest of the guys in here ❤️‍🩹

You're setting a good example to other staff to take care of their health.

You're giving yourself a chance to recover fully, which means you won't do a half arsed job because you feel like crap.

You're giving yourself a chance to recover fully, which means you won't crash and burn in a month/two months/six months and then be off for far more than a week and being progressively less productive in the period leading up to the C&B.

You're no good to anybody if you go back too soon. We (as colleagues generally) won't particularly enjoy covering if we're already overworked, but it's better to do that for a week than have to do it for six months.

Thank you so much, I really appreciate you taking the time to reply. I'm exhausting myself having this dialogue over and over again with myself in my head, it's nice to hear someone else's "voice"!
Everything you've said is true and correct. Exactly what I'd be saying to anyone else. I think what is getting to me is I know how colleagues have spoken about other people being off...I feel so down knowing I'll be the subject of those conversations now.

Yes, I’m aware of a close colleague who is extremely dismissive of sick leave too. I can imagine what she is thinking of me. All I can say is…. Thank god I don’t think like her!!! It must be exhausting to be so bloody negative all the time and actually, what a shitty way to behave?!! Some people do not progress well from the school playground to the workplace, that’s all I can say.

I'm off work today op and I work in a school, so worked a grand total of one day after holidays before getting sick. Embarrassing tbh.

I also feel very guilty. But, since I projectile vomited about an hour after phoning in sick (sorry - tmi), I know I did the right thing.

I'll likely be off again tomorrow.

There's so much doing the rounds! Take care of yourself as you know you'll make things worse by dragging yourself into work before you've recovered.

Thank you!
Yes I have to just ignore the thought of being moaned about, logically I know it's not my fault.