Work is affecting my mental health

Takka45

I work at a large care home and have worked all the way through lockdown except for 14 days at the beginning of lockdown when I had to self isolate as a precaution. I have never taken time off sick in the 5 years I've worked here but recently I have been struggling to cope. I've found myself snapping at family, friends and people really easily. When I get worked up about something my heart races really fast like I am having an adrenaline rush and have been getting headaches only when I am at work. Work have an employee assistance programme which I have enrolled with voluntarily. Speaking with someone about what is affecting me at work has helped so far but I have only had 2 sessions. I have 4 more which are due to end next Friday. I have phoned in sick at work since Monday and informed them that I have enrolled with the EAP but now I am worrying that I also need to see the doctor and get a sick note just so I don't be considered involuntarily absent which becomes a disciplinary matter if the percentage is high enough. I don't want to see the doctor because they might sign me off sick when I feel having help from the EAP is already helping me. I've never had a disciplinary at work but they are very strict on unauthorised absences and have dismissed several staff in the past. 

AskAsk

the doctor won't do anything that you don't agree with or that you feel will be bad for you.  they are there to help you, not get you into trouble.

oh_really

Self cert for the time being. Having a fit note is no barrier to the employer commencing the disciplinary process.
Please say your a member of a trade union.

Takka45

oh_really said:

Self cert for the time being. Having a fit note is no barrier to the employer commencing the disciplinary process.
Please say your a member of a trade union.

Yes I am a member of UNISON but have never needed them before. Do I need to contact them?

oh_really

Takka45 said:

Yes I am a member of UNISON but have never needed them before. Do I need to contact them?

Yes, contact either a steward for support or if you feel you may be covered by equality legislation request a chat with a steward from the disabled members self organised group for support and advice.  Don't let issues get out of control when they may be nipped in the bud, keep your steward informed of the situation and any developments. If you have problems accessing, contact the branch office.

Savvy_Sue

You don't need to supply a Fit Note for the first week. However, if you don't manage to return to work next Monday, will you be able to get a GP appointment quickly? And if not, will they backdate a Fit Note? 

(What I'm saying is that it might be worth finding out how soon you'd be able to see your GP if you needed to.)

oh_really

Did you manage to arrange support?

elsien

EAP is voluntary and confidential. While you may feel it is helping, it does not negate the need for a fitnote if you’re off for over 7 days.
You also need to bear in mind that having two or more shorter periods of time off tends to hit the trigger points more quickly than longer absence. It may be better to take a bit more time and get yourself properly sorted than to return too soon and have to go off again.
Particularly if you are known to be a conscientious employee who isn’t taking the proverbial.