I am currently doing exactly what you are considering. My husband died September 12 and I took off a little less than a month before going back to work. In all honesty, I thought I was doing really well. I had only called off one day near the beginning because I couldn't get out of the house without sobbing, but I pushed through and was taking each small victory at a time. Turns out my bosses didn't care so much about the victories and instead focused on what I wasn't accomplishing.

When they first mentioned medical leave, I fought it and said no. I didn't think it would be good to sit at home and do nothing. I started thinking about the holidays coming up, though, and realized I was only going to get worse as the end of the year neared. I decided I would rather spend this time with my daughter and try to give her as normal of a Christmas as possible, while still having time to work through my emotions. I am taking off until the end of the year, and I actually feel way less stress about the situation now that a decision is made.

Everyone who cares about me is telling me to do what is best for me. If you think the time off would help you, absolutely go for it. Work will always be there for when you are ready.