Getting signed off for stress after all this time?

[MyOwnCircusMonkey]

Long story short. My husband died in front of me last year (16 months ago) totally unexpectedly. I had 6 weeks off work and then returned. I haven't grieved properly, never been able to cry and let it all out. I can feel myself that something big is coming, that I am either going to have some kind of huge breakdown/panic attack where its all going to come out, or I'm going to physically collapse myself in a serious way. I think I need to contact the Doctor and get myself signed off and evaluated and helped, but I keep putting it off. I'm scared I will lose my job, and it's further complicated by the fact my daughter works for the same company and is recently currently signed off with stress herself. I'm having all sorts of symptoms like chest pains, panicky feelings..I'm making silly mistakes at work. What do I do? Just keep going? Or risk work being furious at me?

What would you tell a friend to do in your situation?

OP it’s perfectly legitimate for such a massive bottled-up loss to come roaring back. Well done for going to your gp. Does your work have an occupational health team? Mine referred me to a psychotherapist for an extended term after I didn’t deal with my daughter very nearly dying in intensive care- ‘couldn’t’ take time off after she came home as work was pursuing an aggressive redundancy campaign at that time. The point is these things need to be dealt with, and they will kick you in the back of the knees if you don’t. Stuff work and what the gossips think. Look after yourself, process losing your poor DH, and come back stronger for the next stage of your life.

You have done the right thing OP. Please try and park the guilt and concentrate on yourself. You are helping yourself now and in the long run too. Wishing you lots of love, I know what an incredibly difficult time this must be.

Your Dr took you seriously and recommends some time off. I really can't imagine your work thinking you're making things up after what you've been through.

Please try and give yourself some space to look after your self.

Thank you everyone.

Just sending you and - really hope you can get the time off your body is saying you need. Good luck OP!

Please don't feel guilty OP. You're doing all the right things. I'm so sorry for your loss x

You need to put your health first, and now. Your bodily symptoms are surfacing to tell you that you can’t mentally keep pushing it all down - it wants to come out - can you get some talking therapy as well as time off? So sorry for your loss. You need to look after yourself - sod work for now.

Hope your hospital check up went ok.