[precibus]

As the title says: do you feel guilty when you do this? I feel horrible doing it, like mental health issues are not a good reason to use my paid sick leave.

I have a note from my psychiatrist explicitly stating that my work situation has caused a severe anxiety disorder and thus I will need intermittent medical certificates until HR get their act together and move me out of a toxic department (long story, they've been aware since June). I'm very scared of using it though, like the company doctor would just laugh, tell me to get back to work and tell HR there's nothing wrong with me.

At the same time, crying and having panic attacks in the parking lot every day is NOT normal and not okay.

[dedicated]

No, I won't feel guilty at all because it could be worst if I had to force myself going to work sick. Don't feel guilty because there are many others who would use paid sick leave for less impact issues like hang over or mere headache.

If your job is causing severe health issue, please try to weigh matters: is it worthy to keep the job at higher risk to illness? You have proper documents to back up your request to be moved but if HR won't consider that request ASAP, I suggest, you seek for legal advise.

[Travelinglady]

I agree with dedicated. And if the company gives you a hard time, then maybe you can also keep your peepers open for a less stressful place to work.

[precibus]

My big fear is that, since when he comes by I most likely won't be in floods of tears or with fresh self harm marks, the company doc would say there's nothing really "wrong" with me. I actually have 2 notes from my psychiatrist: one which I gave to HR in July recommending an "immediate" move (which they have ignored), and 1 to keep with me explaining the anxiety disorder... I just don't know if a note from him is enough if I answer the door with no obvious signs of distress.

I'm also on daily (high) doses of an anxiolytic, an antidepressant and a benzo, if the note isn't proof enough that I am mentally not okay.

I have no idea what I would say when he asks why I wasn't at work. "I was too anxious" just seems lame.

Originally Posted by precibus

My big fear is that, since when he comes by I most likely won't be in floods of tears or with fresh self harm marks, the company doc would say there's nothing really "wrong" with me. I actually have 2 notes from my psychiatrist: one which I gave to HR in July recommending an "immediate" move (which they have ignored), and 1 to keep with me explaining the anxiety disorder... I just don't know if a note from him is enough if I answer the door with no obvious signs of distress.

I'm also on daily (high) doses of an anxiolytic, an antidepressant and a benzo, if the note isn't proof enough that I am mentally not okay.

I have no idea what I would say when he asks why I wasn't at work. "I was too anxious" just seems lame.

Say that you are dealing with a chronic non-communicative illness.

[CosmicRose]

There is such a thing as, "taking a mental health day." They are a good enough reason to call in sick. Think of it this way, would you rather have gone into work that day feeling horrible instead? Which is worse, staying home with a seasonal cold, or staying home because you need to take care of your emotional well being? Both are equal in my opinion.

[Vossie42]

You could say that you ate something that disagreed with you and that you're still feeling the effects of it.

But, really, the HR department needs to get the lead out. Seek legal advice. Maybe a letter from your attorney to HR is all that's needed.