Return to work

[Mic_Quid]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some advice around my return to work on Monday after a short absence.

I've suffered from anxiety for my entire life, but have been on a journey to better understand myself over the past seven years. I find that my anxiety has its ups and downs as I imagine it does for most people.

Recently there have been some additional pressures in life and I have found myself struggling more. I've been to the GP and have been working with a psychologist as a part of a mental health plan. One of my stressors at the moment is my work, where I don't feel valued or supported and management have unrealistic expectations.

Recently my psychologist recommended some time off work and my GP gave me three weeks off.

I'm due to go back on Monday but am concerned about what I tell them. I don't really want to divulge what's happening with my mental health as I don't think I will be supported at all and there's a chance it will be held against me.

Does anyone have any thoughts as to what I can tell my workplace about my absence to preserve my privacy?

[Tsuki]

If you gotta say something to your manager just me straight and ask if its necesary, which the specifics shouldnt be, if they pursist get defensive.
Any co-workers ask you could throw it to another physical issue you may have had, I had issues with my knee a while back and use that as an excuse to take shifts or explain problems(technically you could use this against a manager, but whether you bullshit is up to you, since they cant check really its fine I bet).
You should know that businesses tend to not be emotional (duh) but try not to take it personally and just try and humanise your little corner of the business and maybe someone will share some support back. You'd be suprised how un-emotional you can become when others are the same.
Hope all works out though, Aristotle says, “All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind”, but then again says “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work”, so maybe that can reflect the work on the mind. Maybe.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Mic_Quid,

Welcome to the forums and thank you for your post. I realised that I'm reading this on the Monday so I'm not sure if it's too late for you, but I'll reply to your original question and hopefully that's still relevant!

It's completely up to you with what you decide to tell your employer - perhaps it might feel comfortable saying "dealing with my mental health", or maybe you might prefer to say "some personal issues". I don't think that there is any right or wrong way to approach it.

You might want to check out HeadsUp. It's a site by BeyondBlue about workplaces and mental health (for both employees and employers) - https://www.headsup.org.au

Hopefully this helps somewhat. Wishing you the best for that difficult conversation.

RT