Stress is the leading cause of long-term sick leave in the UK — and yet many people feel embarrassed or unsure about asking for a sick note because of it.

Let's be clear: stress is a genuine medical condition. You are entitled to time off work to recover, and you are entitled to a fit note to support that absence.

HOW MANY PEOPLE TAKE SICK LEAVE FOR STRESS?

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), stress, anxiety and depression account for more than half of all working days lost due to ill health in the UK. You are not alone — and you are not making it up.

WHAT IS WORK-RELATED STRESS?

Work-related stress is defined as a harmful reaction to undue pressures and demands placed on someone at work. Common causes include:

● Excessive workload or unrealistic deadlines

● Bullying, harassment or conflict with colleagues

● Lack of control over your work

● Poor management or unclear expectations

● Job insecurity or major workplace changes

Stress can also be caused or worsened by personal circumstances outside work. A doctor can issue a sick note for stress regardless of whether the source is work-related.

WHAT DOES A SICK NOTE FOR STRESS SAY?

A fit note for stress will typically describe your condition in terms of its effect on your ability to work, rather than listing a specific cause. It might reference "work-related stress," "stress and anxiety," or "adjustment disorder" — whichever is most clinically accurate.

HOW TO GET A SICK NOTE FOR STRESS ONLINE

At Dr Sick, you complete a short online consultation describing your symptoms and how they're affecting your daily functioning. Our GMC-registered doctors review your submission and, if appropriate, issue a fit note same day.

You don't need to have a formal diagnosis. You don't need to have seen a counsellor or therapist. You just need to describe honestly how you're feeling.

Get your stress sick note today at drsick.co.uk.