Has anyone ever taken extended sick leave for mental health (while pregnant or not)?

I’ve taken a week off work as sick leave to try and recover a little as lately I’m so physically and mentally exhausted, I’m 26 weeks pregnant with my second child. Life has just been full on and I need a minute to gather myself. I thought 1 week would be enough but honestly I could really do with a slightly extended period of time.

I have a midwife appointment on Friday so I thought I’d mention it to her and then arrange a GP appointment Monday but I feel so awkward bringing up mental health, like I’m not depressed or struggling massively, it’s more of a overwhelmed feeling, I just need some time off you know. I don’t wanna be put on some sort of list or get judged for it.

Is it hard to get a sick note? Is the GP going to interrogate me or refer me to someone/somewhere?

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I have had time off due to mental health reasons and I’ve never known the GP to interrogate someone over it. Just explain to them how you’re feeling at the moment and you feel it might be beneficial to have some time off work to recuperate and recharge. You won’t be put on a list or judged, but they might suggest talking therapy or something similar to help

Been thinking about it a lot especially in my circumstances as I am pregnant with twins and work a physical job that can be a lot for me sometimes and effects my health recently with my heart being funny lately but I really want to try stay til I'm 29 weeks the earliest I can go on maternity

If you're pregnant they might refer you to perinatal mental health team but you can decline it if you want. GP's should be really supportive about mental health in pregnancy. I've always had good experiences with them. They don't usually ask too many questions as theyre not mental health professionals but will give a sick note x

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