Hi Guys,
Just wondering if anyone knows what rights we anxiety sufferers have so far as being signed off for anxiety and workplace stress? My concern is that I'm working at the moment and have refused despite appalling experiences in work to go sick for my anxiety because I'm already under investigation for sickness awaiting an occupational health report as my works have a strict sickness policy and having had 2 weeks off with shingles that the doctor deduced was work stress induced tipped me over the "allowable" without action indicators.
I'm so stressed, depressed, anxious and strung out I really need to get away from work and doctor has said I should take time off and she will happily sign me off at any point I feel I can't cope. Well I'm not coping and it's compounded by worrying that if I allow the doctor to sign me off I'll get into more trouble in work. I'm being told by friends and family that for stress and anxiety they can't touch me no matter how long up to six months I have off but I just feel they are out to get me anyway.
I'm desperate for a new job and apply left right and centre but in the curtly climate competition is fierce and while I know I've excellent skills when it cones to competing or showing off as we have to do in applications and interview I've just lost all confidence that anyone would be interested in me.
Basically I feel from things said and done to me in work that I'm heading for pulling them up on constructive dismissal and am seeking legal advice for that.
I know many fellow sufferers on here have gotten signed off and many companies have their own sickness policies but does anyone know if we have legal rights over sickness absence?

My head is spinning , I'm frazzled and know I need the time off but I can't bring myself to do it for fear of reprisal or being sacked