Feeling burnt out but scared to take MC for mental health, is that normal?

Totally normal to feel this way, and no you're not being dramatic. I work in an old-school environment too and used to think mental health leave was 'manja'. But I burnt out badly and it affected my physical health, gastric, insomnia, the works. What helped me: I spoke to a therapist (there are affordable options, some NGOs like Befrienders offer free listening support, and MMHA has resources). Taking care of your mind is not a luxury. If your workplace is toxic about it, you can frame the MC around the physical symptoms which are real too. But please reach out to a mental health professional, don't tough it out alone like I tried to. It gets better with help.

I hit full burnout in 2022, couldn't get out of bed, and I carried the same guilt you're describing. Here's what I learned: mental health IS health, and in Malaysia a doctor can legitimately give you MC for stress and burnout, it's valid. I finally saw a GP who referred me for proper help, and taking a few days off to reset was the turning point. The guilt is society talking, not reality. Please do consider seeing a professional, a counsellor or your GP, because burnout that drags on can turn into something more serious. I also started setting boundaries, no work messages after 8pm. You're not weak for needing rest, you're human.