Been signed off with stress at work - too scared to hand in the fit note and don’t know how!

[workdilemma123abc]

I’ve spoken to my GP due to issues with my mental health and stress ant work and he has advised that I am to take 2 weeks off work, and has provided me with a fit note.

He did offer more than this but I went with 2 weeks for now and we can re-assess closer to the end date of the sick leave.

I’m in a bit of a pickle here as I’ve never had to hand in a fit note before and obviously if I’ve been signed off for stress/mental health reasons you can imagine that maybe these people might not be very accommodating…

They are a big company and I know I should be okay - I just feel like I’m abandoning them all and letting everyone down.

I didn’t take any time off first - just spoke to the GP who recommended I get signed off - I didn’t need to self-certify through work first.

My manager is aware I’ve been struggling recently (vaguely) and the fit note states the reason as ‘Mental Health’ as he didn’t want to go into too much detail. I have OCD, anxiety and depression alongside very likely ND (my psychiatrist suggested this).

I think because people love to say MH issues are not the same as physical health issues, and that people claim to have these as there’s no proof, it creates such a stigma for people who actually have issues and now I’m bloody terrified of handing it in.

I think I’m just looking for some advice on how to phrase it, how to tell my boss and HR etc please

Any advice would be greatly appreciated please, and maybe someone else telling me everything was fine when they handed it in!

Thanks in advance xxxxx

As HR I can say that you really don’t need to worry about this. Simply email over the note, explain that you’re unwell. Nothing more is needed.

wishing you a quick recovery

I had a lot of time off sick with pregnancy related illness. You need to check your sickness policy. Ours was that you had to call in before 7 to inform them of the absence. So I'd call in on the first day and say I've been signed off from x - y and will email HR with the certificate. I'd also CC my line manager.

Op your ocd will be making you overthink this. I know because im exactly the same. Dont worry im sure work will be supportive. Take some needed you time.

As per previous poster, always follow the specific protocol for reporting your absence. Don't over explain, don't feel the need to justify yourself. Simply state "I'm unwell and will be off work until at least X date, here's my sick note".

I always think it looks more suspicious if people go into copious detail and try and over justify their illness. A straightforward statement is all thats required.

Mental health is absolutely a valid reason to be off sick and I wish you a speedy recovery x

If you work for a big company, their own handbook should give pointers

Send it to your manager's email as a start off, contact your Occupational Health Dept and start the process of getting a follow up appointment with your GP before the fit note runs out

Take a pic of your sick note then attached to an email that advises them you will not attending work, please see attached fit note.

If you are also required to ring so that too.

Right now you need this time off to look after yourself - best wishes

Don’t worry about it, you have a legitimate doctors note and reason for being off, don’t over explain, keep it brief and any decent manager will be supportive. Remember the company was there long before you and will be after, you have to look after yourself, hand the note in and go back when you feel better.

Follow your company procedures, hand your fit note in and walk away. It’s time to concentrate on yourself and do not feel guilty for letting anyone down or not being there.

I was off for a cancer diagnosis and spent far too much time worrying about not being at work and letting them down, I went back far too soon and within a couple of months completely crashed & was signed of again. Fit note stated mental health. I was off an additional 6 weeks and completely forgot about work and it was the best thing I did.

Don’t overthink it, take as much time as you need/can and focus on yourself so you can move forward to a better place. The long term gain will be so worth it in the end. Sending you best wishes for a calm few weeks.

Sorry to hijack OP but I’ve been wondering about this too as have been having a horrendous time at work in a toxic environment & my friend suggested getting signed off with stress at work as the reason. But I’m worried it will make it worse as they will start interrogating me as to why I am stressed at work. Do they not have to get HR involved to investigate what is causing the stress at work? In my case it is partly HR that’s causing it.
Wishing you all the best OP & hoping you feel better with some rest.

Thank you all for your advice/help - i feel a bit more at ease now with the situation :) xx

I was just telling my DP about my post and he said you’re all lovely, so thank you for your well wishes x

This is one of my worries too - HR will definitely be involved but I’m not sure what to advise if they’re also part of the problem. Perhaps another poster on here might be able to help?

And thank you :) x

ETA: I believe they have a duty to make your return to work easier where they can - I’m not 100% sure of the specifics but they should be there to help you so may need further info. I’m also worried about the same x

I’m sorry to hear this, I hope you’re feeling much better now x

thank you xx

It’s so frustrating isn’t it! My mind is in overdrive xx

Thank you xxxx

It really is! The MH board on here is good for speaking to fellow sufferers when you need to x

Your fit note doesn't need to specify that your issue is work related. It can just say stress. When you do return to work you can ask your gp to give instructions on the fit note. They can recommend reduced hours, phased returned back to work.rest breaks, restricted duties ect.

I've had a week off for stress/anxiety (mid size organisation, and previously was signed off for a month with stress/anxiety (large organisation).

Both absolutely fine. Please do not worry at all about this.

Please don’t worry and don’t be worried about linking your illness to your work

just email your manager and HR a copy of your 2 week note and tell them you will be in touch with them before the fit note expires

this means you tell them when you will update so they know when you will contact them with no reference to what’s causing it

You don’t need to say stress at work. Just stress then when you return can discuss what caused it. Your union can be supportive in the return to work interview.