Is it risky to get signed off work with stress or depression?

[Workquery1]

Previously diagnosed with ASD and depression. Declared ASD at work but I’ve not asked for ASD reasonable adjustments because not even sure what would be allowed. Never mentioned I have depression as worry about stigma

Recently depression has badly flared due to stressors at my job. I don’t have energy to shower daily or do basic self care. Bad IBS and insomnia too.

I cannot risk losing my job though especially with the current job market

Received good performance review but because of this manager continues to throw more workload including responsibility that is above my job ‘grade’. I’m regularly tearful because of the amount of pressure and workload is tough to keep up with. I tried so hard to politely decline the offer to take on extra responsibility due to workload and a knowledge gap but it was still forced on me. Now I’m soo stressed I will forget to eat three meals a day, no energy to do anything after work, fall asleep without brushing my teeth, and the constant dread of work the next morning. I’m scared I’ve forgotten to do something at work due to my brain being overwhelmed and I’ll get in trouble, be the ‘scapegoat’

There is also lots micromanaging, if you slightly overran on your lunch break or showed away for too long on teams, the manager will come for you.

This extra project I’ve taken on I’m pretty sure I’ve made plenty of mistakes and I’m just so scared what will happen. But I’m a junior grade and I never volunteered to be given this responsibility.

I’m really struggling to cope lately and having intrusive thoughts to be free from work (eg dreaming of walking on tube tracks before work or stepping into road).

Is it too risky if I get signed off work with depression? I’m public sector FS but not civil service if that makes a difference. I worry it may be seen as an ‘excuse’ or it may jeopardise my career (finding job market impossible so very grateful I at least have a job)

You can ask your GP to not write ‘depression’ on tbe fit note. They could write something less precise such as ‘mental health problem”. Explain your concerns to your GP. I’m sure they will understand your dilemma.

I’m not medically trained but what you’re describing sounds like work-related stress more than depression.

I think it may be bit of both, I have been diagnosed with both autism and moderate depression. According to Dr I saw depression is more common in people with ASD

I was thinking that if you don’t want to mention depression, work-related stress would also be relevant, you’re clearly being asked to do too much. 💐

I don't think you're pathetic.

The reason I commented on ChatGPT is because I was concerned about it making things worse for you - largely in terms of your mental wellbeing.

Don’t know when I looked into it actually seems the easiest thing rather than stress yourself doing the right thing. I’ve seen people not work notices to be able to confidently explain to the next employer why they are stressed.

I looked into people who had been unfortunate in having an operation beyond their control. (If you don’t have it you die, this is going to up to your lung to kill you). Not that for a moment the thick line manager of said call centre ever has to get it - and I’m glad for them.