Signed off with MH- how to not feel guilty?

[NotmySundaybest]

Have just been signed off work with anxiety. Had 4 weeks off & work didn't really leave me alone. Just been signed off for another 4 weeks.
I never have time off work, am currently in middle management. My team are great. Not so great above me.

How do you not feel guilty about being off?

I think you're going to need to "disconnect" with work in order to stop feeling guilty. It doesn't sound like you've managed to do that.

When you say Had 4 weeks off & work didn't really leave me alone what does this mean?
Were they ringing or messaging you every few days asking you work related questions? Asking when you'd be back?

Once you hand in a sick note then they should stop contacting you, except for pre-arranged catch-ups to check on your welfare eg phone call/text messaging/Occ health once a fortnight or month.
Sounds like they are intentionally not respecting this and that's what's making you feel guilty

You're going to have to lay down some firm boundaries. In your situation I'd just use the GP as your excuse.
Send in the new sick note with a covering note stating you've been advised by GP you need a complete break from work and you will not be answering any calls or messages except for 1 pre-arranged check in, You need to be able to focus on your recovery and the current situation is negatively affecting this.

Sorry you're struggling and hope you start to feel better soon

Your priority is you. You deserve to get better. You only get one life, looking after your mental health will make it better, working more won't. Look at this way - will anyone die if you're not at work? Will the world stop turning? All that happens is that maybe a few people have to pick up some additional tasks. In the scheme of things that is so unimportant.

I've been signed off with depression before and I'm also the sort of person who feels guilty for a single sick day so I don't say any of this lightly, but the company will carry on without you. You can't carry on without your mental health.

I hope you feel stronger soon and get whatever support is right for you ❤