Unfortunately "calling in sick" is one of the few acceptable ways to take a break in our culture. It's one of your only tickets, so it's your responsibility to use it when you need it.

Read through the comments in this very thread and you'll see how thoroughly conditioned we are to feel guilt.

It's sad that you need a debilitating physical ailment to catch a break in most institutions while mental health is thoroughly ignored.

Need a break? Take one. It's not your fault if you have to fake-cough or lie about a funeral to keep your job while you take that break. Think about it. It's about control.