Returning to work next week 30 Jan

MissMc · ‎22-01-2017

Hi

I'm returning to work next Monday 30 January after having 9 weeks off due to my depression and anxiety ....

I'm very worried that I'm going to totally loose control on the said day 😞 I'm not on any meds for my anxiety only for my depression 🙂 ....

I'm having small bouts of anxiety even thinking about returning to work 😞 ....

I have written a list of positives to why returning to work is going to be good ... money, getting out of the house, wearing some make up ( yes vain I know ) but hey if it makes a person feel good why not!!! my work colleges ( which I haven't seen only communicated on social media ) having a purpose to life and some direction and commitment, and a routine ....

I see my psychologist on Friday the 27 Jan and hopefully she can give me some strategies I can use ...

I really need to return to work I know that, BUT!!!!! IM SCARED!!!!

I have no one I can talk to face to face not even family, so that's why I joined this site and I certainly have NO wish to discuss this with any work colleges as I want it kept secret, but I do know theres going to be a lot of question wanting to be asked by my work mates!!!!

Quiettall · ‎22-01-2017

Hello MissMc

Firstly thank you for trusting this site with your concerns. You can be assured there are people here that can help, so whenever you need, please post and we will respond.

If you have had time off for depression and/or anxiety, I would think that your employer is sensitive and aware of your plight and wanting to support you. When you return to work, I would seek to meet with the HR person ASAP, and have a confidential one-to-one with him/her, sharing your fears and concerns. Having been an employer, senior manager, and at another time, a person who has returned to work after a serious incident, can I encourage you as much as possible. It is scary. I understand. I was scared. I still get scared when I take on new volunteer assignments whether here or overseas, and I am now in my early 60's. So you are not alone.

It is good you see the positives of a return to work...that is a great step forward. Looking forward to a celebratory post from you after your first day back on the job

MsPurple · ‎22-01-2017

Hi MissMc

Thanks for sharing on the forums. The idea of returning to work after needed time off can be very stressful. Although I have never been in this situation I had to return to an ex workplace for a presentation which caused me great stress and anxiety going into it (note I had anxiety issues whilst at the workplace and this was during my diagnosis period).

I think looking at the positives is a great start. When you feel anxious thinking about work maybe say to yourself or think 'I need to go back for myself, I will see my friends, I will get out of the house, I will wear makeup and it will give me purpose. This stress will pass and my work life will go back to how it used to be'. This may sound silly but sometimes saying out loud and putting a voice to your concerns can help. Another thing that can help is maybe considering doing meditation. I do this when I'm anxious as it helps quiet my racing mind (which is usually full of worries). I use the app called 'calm' and I only use the free ones. I sometimes even use it before bed when my anxiety is playing up. Also try practice deep breathing. When anxiety hits it can cause your heart rate to increase and it can cause your breathing to become more shallow. Deep breathing slows down the breath (longer deeper breaths with longer exhaul) and slows down the heart which can help reduce anxiety. I know beyond blue have an app available for this called 'breath' which maybe useful for you.

I am not a doctor or physician so please talk to your doctor about any medication concerns. In saying this I also have anxiety and depression. My medication is typically used to treat depression however it helps with my GAD (general anxiety disorder). A lot of doctors prescribe anti depressants for anxiety as well. Some anxiety medication (such as benzos, I'm not to sure about others) are only used for short term as they can cause dependants and addiction. Again if you have any concerns please talk to your doctor.

I hope some of this advice helps. Good luck with your first day of work [not that you'll need it :)]

Keep us updated and feel free to ask more questions

Clare_B · ‎23-01-2017

Hi MissMc I am also returning to work on Monday 30th January. I have been off since October with anxiety and depression, mainly due to work pressure. Like you I feel worried. During the time I have been off some days have been good and then others I can hardly get out of bed

I am going to ask to return 3 days a week for at least a month and see how that goes. I am not keen to go back full time yet as I want time to recover in between.

Confidence is the issue for me but like you I am trying to think of all the positive things that getting back to work will give me such as a routine, companionship, finance etc.

I have downloaded lots of self help material on to my iPod and am listening to that at night before I go to sleep and when I wake in the morning.

I find mornings are the low point, how about you?

I wish you luck next Monday and hope that it goes well for both of us, which I am sure it will, it is just scary when we have been off work for so long.

Good to talk and keep in touch

Clare B

lily1995 · ‎01-02-2017

I hope everything went well with your first day back at work just remember that you're doing an amazing job and keep reminding yourself about all the amazing progress you've made, I think you should be really proud of yourself

MissMc · ‎04-02-2017

Hi Everyone

Thanks to all who made the effort to reply, greatly appreciated.

I've made it through my first week back @ work and to my surprise had little to no anxiety leading up to my first day, as I went for a run in the morning to help with the anxiety, which helped.

I've had an awesome first week back, with little drama work wise, a lot of work colleges missed me and welcome me back, customers have been all good so far, I know deep down there are going to be days where the customers are not going to be good, but will cross that bridge when that happens!!

The only slight set I had was when I hurt my back doing squats on the Saturday, in which my mental health suffered and my anxiety was sky high to the point of feeling physically sick, but rested up and put myself on pain meds which has been helping, my back has held up at work thank goodness and its on the mend, and ive made the decision NOT to add squats and deadlifts to my training routine anymore, just can not risk it with my mental health and work .... looking forwards to weekly massages though .....

Changing meds is on the next agenda with my doctor ....

So I may say onwards and upwards!!#

Quiettall · ‎08-02-2017

Hi MissMc

This is such good news that you had a great first week back at work. Be careful not to overdo the exercise routines. You are a valued member of our group and it is so good to see you heading in the right direction. Love to hear progress reports on how you are going when you feel the urge and have the time to post

Sunshine7 · ‎23-02-2017

Hi, that's great that you managed to return to work. I have been off work for nearly 12 weeks now and was due to return last week but didn't make it. The night before all the self doubt played around in my head and therefore I got very little sleep and therefore felt extremely anxious and on verge of panic attack so I didn't go in. I am having more time off, lucky my boss is very supportive. I have been going to nature path for about six weeks which has helped and my doctor started me on antidepressants last week. Don't think they have kicked in yet. My counsellor says to go I to work once a week and just hang around for a while, talk to staff, check emails, etc to reduce my fear before I have to start back officially. I think this is a great idea and will try it. I have concerns about travelling to work also as have to catch the train in and I worry about having a panic attack on the train and then passing out. The worry feeds it, it's a vicious cycle! I can't wait to have my normal happy go lucky self back again, I lost her last year which makes me very sad 😞

Clare_B · ‎25-02-2017

Hi Sunshine7

Everything you said I can totally relate to. I managed to get back briefly but confidence in myself has been the biggest issue. I have found a beautiful relaxation app that I put on just before I fall asleep. And also positive self talk just before falling asleep. The other thing that has really worked for me is a spiritual healer, but I think that is because I used to go to yoga and meditation that has helped me tune into my thoughts.

That said, this is the hardest battle I have ever encountered. When you are afraid of your own thoughts did is very frightening.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, you are so lucky to have a supportive boss. If only we could get more enlightened bosses, life would be great.

I started back 3 mornings first week, and loved it, so increased to three full days. Unfortunately I had a short relapse of a day but I do now believe we can re program our thoughts. I feel like I could write a book about this experience, or maybe become a public speaker on the subject.

Take care Sunshire 7 if I can win this battle, you can

Lots of love

Clare B