Hey,
I've suffered with an array of PhD problems- depression/anxiety/bad supervision etc (all in previous posts).
I'm just under 2 years of a 4 year funded PhD, and the depression and anxiety has now led to pretty extreme fatigue.
I've previously taken a leave of absence for 4 months, which relieved the severe anxiety, however I didn't get a job or do much which I think probably led to me sitting around a lot and dwelling.
I'm now considering taking a 6 month leave of absence as I can't really go on like this and it makes more sense than to just outright quit without long thought.
I was just wondering if anyone had an experience/suggestions about this? How would I explain on a CV about suddenly taking time out?
I'm embarrassed to say I haven't really had a proper job and have just gone through the system of A-levels, degree, PhD. So I'm pretty nervous as all my work experience is in labs and very science based.
I wouldn't be looking for anything with particularly high wage, just enough to get me by. However, I do struggle with social anxiety so feel that bar work/waiting on etc isn't ideal.
Thanks for any advice!

No one will know on your CV if you have taken time out - just list it as a PhD from xxx year to xxx year.

Bear in mind you might struggle to even find a basic job - it's hard when you have a lot of qualifications as people think you will leave shortly afterwards, which of course you intend to.

But if you need to take time out, then you should do so.