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Pickled Eggs
Beginner August 2008

So I have been signed off work but why do I feel so guilty ?

Pickled Eggs, 15 May, 2008 at 18:28 Posted on Off Topic Posts 0 9

My GP was wonderful, she sat and listened even though I made her surgery run very late. She has decided that it sounds more like anxiety than depression and has signed me off for 2 weeks, I didn't want to be signed off but she insisted that it WAS the best thing for me at the moment. I have just phoned my boss about it and told her what she said and I immediately felt guilty as I have dropped them in the crap with staffing and my boss obviously wasn't impressed by it. I know that its not my concern but I still feel guilty.

I am being ridiculous aren't I ?

9 replies

Latest activity by Melawen, 15 May, 2008 at 22:15
  • hazel
    VIP July 2007
    hazel ·
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    You feel guilty because youre conscientious, but you don't need to. It's only work. If they can't cope, it's about time they put some procedures in place that allow them to. Plus it's pretty common to feel guilty when anxious or depressed, but there's no need. It's part of how it works sometimes.

    Well done for going.

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  • RuthG
    Beginner July 2004
    RuthG ·
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    You are being ridiculous, but it's completely understandable. I've been in your situation, I can totally sympathise with how you are feeling. The doctor has signed you off for a good reason. Can I offer a piece of advice? Make sure you go out every day that you are off. I was initially signed off for a couple of weeks, and it turned into 2 months as I became really nervous about going out without my husband. I'm fine now, no problems at all, and I really needed the time off. You will get better, i promise!
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  • dinx
    Beginner July 2007
    dinx ·
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    I sympathise entirely. A couple of years ago I found myself in exactly the same situation. I thought I was suffering with depression but when I went to the GP, was signed off with work-related stress and the doc thought I was suffering with anxiety. I had a couple of weeks of work, and went and saw a fab counsellor for CBT sessions. I was soon feeling much improved and now I rarely suffer with anxiety. I wish I'd sought help years ago!

    Anyhoo, it terms of feeling guilty, I did too. But you mustn't. I'm convinced that my work-related stress was what brought my anxiety to a head (I'd been suffering with it for 10 years but the work stuff was just the last straw). A couple of weeks to get my head together was just what I needed. I did make myself get back to work after the two weeks, because I was scared that the longer I left it the harder it would be. I did a couple of short weeks (3 days) to ease myself back in, then went back full time with one afternoon off a week for the next six weeks to see my counsellor.

    Just wanted you to know you're not alone. Many people go through this and there is light at the end of the tunnel. Concentrate on getting yourself better and please try not to worry about work.

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  • Pickled Eggs
    Beginner August 2008
    Pickled Eggs ·
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    It was so hard actually getting myself there, I sat in the waiting room shaking whilst waiting and when I got in the room I burst into tears and poured all my issues out, she was great.

    I have always been worried about going out whilst off sick, just incase you get caught being out, but I suppose this is different isn't it.

    Thanks for the advice ?

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  • Chunk
    Beginner
    Chunk ·
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    Well done for taking the step and seeing your GP.

    I was signed off work about 2 years ago for a month with work related stress and the GP prescribed me antidepressants. I didn't take the antidepressants, I waited to see if the time off work to sort my head out would have an effect, which it did, quite a lot. Like Dinx, I made sure I went back as it would only get harder. It was difficult enough to go back after the month so I dread to think how hard it would've been after a longer period (for me at least). I felt guilty too, not about my employers but about the girls I work with. Fortunately, we're all really close and they completely understood. They know I'd cover their jobs in heartbeat if it came to it.

    Try not to worry yourself about it. They will cope, even though it'll suck for the first day while everyone adapts. You've done nothing wrong so don't feel guilty. Take this time to relax.

    Hope you feel better soon x

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  • Clodders
    Beginner July 2007
    Clodders ·
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    So very glad you went to the Gp.Im sorry you feel guilty but right now it should be all about you and getting /feeling in a better place, so please try not to worry or feel guilty.(easy to say im sure).

    If you ever want a chat im always near my computer please just yell,I feel that i too went to hell a few years ago and had many thoughts re ending my life and being useless.

    Things are so different nowI have a new life and a man that loves me for me faults and all.

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  • Pickled Eggs
    Beginner August 2008
    Pickled Eggs ·
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    Huge thanks to everyone who have convinced me that I have done the right thing and that I am not to be gulity. My best mate is coming to see me tomorrow and has said that I can talk to her all day to get it out of my system if it helps so I may just try that, I may even "try" to talk to Mr PE and see if that helps.

    I may come asking for support off you guys, If I do, I apologise in advance for being annoying.

    Massive, Massive thanks to Bowski who kept me sane all day by texting me, I really appreciate it from you all too. ?

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  • S
    Scarlet Fifi La Voom ·
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    Glad everything went well today, will email you at work tomorrow. Not had a good evening if you see my post, going to bed soon I think!

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  • Jo.1981
    Beginner October 2008
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    I was signed off work sick last year for anxiety and IBS of all things, like so I felt so guilty, but unlike you my work were very understanding they would phone me every few days to see how I was and they sent me flowers. Still having problem now off a few days sick every few months but they are very understanding.

    You have to look at it this way, you need to look after yourself! Stay honest with how your feeling don't put a brave face on it even to your boss if you feel like crap you feel like crap.

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  • Melawen
    Beginner January 2007
    Melawen ·
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    I went back on tuesday after a week on stress leave after a week on annual leave. I'm only part time so I was out of the office for the best part of three weeks.

    I'd been avoiding being signed off since Christmas and went knowing what was likely to happen. That didn't stop me feeling guilty - although that changed when the first thing my boss said after being told the news was "Is it anything I've done". I'm not saying that this wasn't an appropriate question to ask but not as the first thing said.

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