Anxiety about Independent Medical Examination

[Rose_Davies26]

Hi everyone,

Not sure if this is the correct place to put this but I guess I’m quite overwhelmed about an upcoming psychological Independent Medical Examination appointment next Friday.

I’m 25 (F) and recently lost my mother three weeks ago. She was diagnosed with terminal cancer in September 2026. Her diagnosis did coincide with a few challenging circumstances that exacerbated by stress levels. As such, I did express suicidal ideations. On the week leading up to her death, I also had two significant anxiety attacks at work (away from customers!). As of two weeks ago, my manager has stood me down from work

Unbeknownst to my manager, the suicidal ideations had dissipated in November when the other circumstances improved. Except for the anxiety attacks and understandable sadness over my mother, I have been in a relatively good frame of mind.

I have also been regularly engaging with the EAP services, my own psychologist (who is happy to provide a letter supporting my immediate return to work) and have been accepted into a postgraduate program. I certainly have a lot of support and clear on ideas on how I’m moving forward.

I’m just apprehensive about this appointment, worried about the outcome and wondering if anyone had any advice or similar experiences.

Rose.

[Croix]

Dear Rose~

Welcome here to the Forum. I am sorry for your loss, even though the diagnosis was a fair while ago it is not all that much help when the event happens and you mum passed away.

Grief can be unpredictable and come back and leave a number of times, I'd suggest contacting a specialist organisation called Griefline to let you know how things happen and can give you advice and even counceling.

Suicidal thoughts can come back if circumstances become truly overwhelming and now that you are in a better place it is a good idea to prepare in case they return. I use a free smartphone app called BeyondNow, which needs to be set up in advance, preferably with someone who knows you well, and lists (apart from the usual things), the things you can do yourself to make you feel less overwhelmed -maybe distract or even humor.

I use favorite chapters in books, specific music, and comedy, on YouTube as part of this. It can be hard to think of these things which is where someone that knows you well can remember for you what you have enjoyed in the past.

Anxiety does need some clinical assistance, such as you have now, Beyond Blue has a section relating to anxiety including  the types, treatments and management strategies. If you are like me will be reduced to very manageable levels.

For all of these things in your life if you are not facing them alone, but have the support of family or friends that can make things better

I would imagine the independent examination will look at these things and estimate firstly how well you are coping and secondly what supports (such as mentioned above) you can rely upon. If they are sponsored by your work then they will be taking into account the organizations interests too. The best way to handle this is as above.

I wish you well with your examination, and should you like to come back and talk more you'd be very welcome

Croix

[audiology]

Hi - first and foremost allow me to reiterate all that Croix has already stated. Secondly - would you mind clarifying what exactly the appointment with the IME is actually for? Is it for them to assess your capability to return to work? 

[Croix]

Dear Rose~

I'm just popping in to see how you are getting on

Croix