Need help getting back to work :(

[Phenn]

Hi all.

In November 2016 I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression which has really scared me. I'm 36yo and started a new job in August but my heart was not in it and I left. In the lead-up to me leaving I got major anxiety and even now, unemployed and trying to look for work, I freak out at the thought of trying to find/start a new job. I haven't really had to deal with this level of worry before so its really quite a shock to my system. I am on a mental health plan, speak to my GP regularly and am seeing a psychologist but I just can't seem to get the courage to get back to work, although I really want to. My wife and family is very supportive, thank god.

Does anyone know of any help/support groups that help people with anxiety ease themselves back into work by finding low stress part time opportunities or something similar? I have asked my GP, Psych and called Beyond Blue helpline and no one seems to know of anyone that offers help in this area.

Your advice is much appreciated.

Thank you.

Phenn

[blondguy]

Hi Phenn

Welcome again and Im sorry for the lag time in responding

I understand where you are coming from as I had the same severe anxiety and dread of returning to work in my 30's

I am not aware of any support groups that come to mind. You are a pro-active and self aware legend when it come to your well being Phenn 🙂 Seeing your GP and a therapist too!

If it helps....I found a mental health care worker (a psychiatric nurse) through my local council and he insisted I see him every week for 6 months. This guy was fabulous and he got me back to work by this period of intensive therapy which did reduce my apprehension of going back to work

I have a background in human resources and management in the private sector if you wish to post back about what you wish to do for a job.

Even if you start with a couple of days a week and slowly increase your hours you will find peace of mind again

I hope you can post back. There are great people here on the forums that can be here for you.

my kindest thoughts

Paul

[Clare_B]

Hi Phenn and Blondguy

I know what you mean about feeling panicked about returning to the workplace. Today was meant to be my first day back after severe anxiety and depression. I had built up the courage and off I went and would you believe I was in a car crash. Two cars drove into the back of me at speed, my car was a mess and I had a major panic attack on the side of the road. Anyway I cant let it beat me so I am determined to try again tomorrow.

I, similar to you Phenn have had a great doctor and an average psychologist. I have to say though that I kept having major setbacks which were really scary. I didn't start coping until I saw a spiritual healer and then a hypnotherapist. It was quiet amazing during the sessions I got physical pain in my shoulder and arm and my hands were burning. But what really surprised me was that I felt totally calm even when thinking about work after the first session. The day before I was due back I had a panic and practiced a technique that she had taken me through a 'tapping' routine, no idea how it worked but the panic just stopped and within 10 minutes I couldn't understand what I was worrying about. A friend recommended the healer to me in October but I couldn't see her until January as she was fully booked up.

I know it doesn't work for everyone but for me it made me feel very strong and anxiety free. I also found I was dreaming through the night about being happy back at work instead of waking up panicking. Although today was awful, I am determined to get back tomorrow so that I can get my life back in order.

Phenn one thing that may help you is to consider volunteering to build your confidence up whilst looking for a new job. That way you could try out different types of work that you think you might like. I suggested this to my son as he had a lot of bad experiences with work and he found a volunteering job that was perfect for his interests. I think he is really enjoying it.

I hope things work out for you, it is so awful to feel so unwell when you think about work. My issue was micromanagement and constant criticism and unfortunately it made me really unwell. Lucky for me another person requested that I work in her team so I can start back there.

Take care of yourself and I hope you conquer those feelings.

Kindest thoughts

Clare B

[blondguy]

Im sorry to hijack your thread Phenn.....and once again for the overdue response to your post too..

ClareB Its beyond belief that you had a nose to tail (behind you) on your fist day back. I will find your original thread and talk on there 🙂

Thankyou for being on the forums and helping Phenn 🙂

Paul