COVID19 - return to work anxiety

[Mac_Mini]

Hi 🙂

I have been fortunate enough that the company I work for were quick to take action and enabled us to work from home. It took a lot of adjusting and after 9 weeks I feel I have settled into a new rhythm. In the last few days they have started talking about implementing a return to work plan and the thought of going back makes me so anxious. Has anyone already gone back to work and experienced the same feelings/emotions? What coping strategies have you implemented to get through?

[Sophie_M]

Hey Mac Mini, welcome to the forums and thanks for joining us here.

We can understand the stress and anxiety you are feeling about returning to work. Please know that you've come to a safe space to talk about these thoughts and feelings and our wonderful community is here to offer as much support and advice as you need. If you feel up to it, we'd also recommend reaching out to our Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service. The website will be regularly updated with information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time. You can also call our dedicated support line, staffed by mental health professionals, which is available 24/7 on 1800 512 348.
We hope that you keep checking in to let us know how you're going, whenever you feel up to it. 
 

[CJs_mum]

Oh lord yes! I feel this too: I’m not returning to work but I know I will have to find work and soon! I went through a “phase” where I was too scared to leave the house - going shopping now that restrictions are lifting scares the heck out of me!
I do feel social phobic now, I didn’t often previously.
But we gotta just get through that fear and not let it take over our lives. We gotta leave the house and try to return to almost “normal” soon.

we have some control over this fear: washing hands, cleaning and disinfecting everything (hands, surfaces, etc), wearing a mask, trying to keep clear of everyone will help: don’t fear just keep aware.

good luck!!

[CJs_mum]

Some people have talked with their boss and asked to stay on working from home, while others take their own personal computers in to work so they don’t have any risk of having someone else touch a computer they’re going to use.
Everyone so far avoids using the communal kitchens, instead bringing their own cutlery, cups, coffee/tea, plates and lunches and washing everything in hot water and very good detergent.
All taps and doors aren’t to be touched by hands and if they are, hands are to be washed and sanitised and taps turned off with a paper towel or other towelling.

I know some are having more outdoor work than usual or having their lunch breaks outside and cleaners come in far more often. Benches, desks and other commonly touched surfaces need to be wiped down with disinfectant often.

its not easy, but it’s do able and hopefully we will only be doing this for a short while.
We are worth keeping us all clean and healthy 🙂

good luck

[CJs_mum]

Deep breathing, some quiet meditation and an awareness that you do feel anxious and it’s ok (it’s a good thing to feel a bit anxious sometimes) - but this will pass.
we’re going to be fine...and it might be good to see people you haven’t seen in a while again. Find some nice things to look forward to, to focus on: even if it’s just a nice garden you pass as you get into the workplace or the way the sun is shining or the clouds look in the sky, a bird singing or a song you like listening to on the way to work.

if things do get too much talk with beyond blue and your boss. Best wishes

[Mac_Mini]

I had similar anxiety about doing things like shopping. Went once and didn’t deal with the amount of people at all. Resulted in a panic attack. My husband has done the shopping since...

I know my workplace will look after us and have a similar setup to what you’ve talked about. I think once we get exact information about what the plan is it will help ease some of the anxiety as well.

I struggle with the idea of being around so many people again as our office is close to 400 people on our busy days. I have some time so I’m going to try and reintroduce myself to being in more crowded areas than just my office with my cats.

I have talked to my boss and she has been very understanding and supportive. I think both of us have the same concern that as I’m a team leader I need to get on top of this to make sure I can lead my team through that change as well. I have a feeling some of them will also have the same anxieties that I do so the more info I have on how to cope/what work is implementing/government guidelines, will mean I am better equipped for them and me.

Appreciate you taking the time to respond and for the advice you’ve shared