Introducing myself

[djr1217]

Hi everyone,

I am an almost 50 year old from Brisbane. Lost my Mum at age 7, and since then have battled with undiagnosed mental health issues until recently when I was diagnosed with BPD, Anxiety and Depression. For me, applying labels to my situation makes it easier to accept, but right now I am struggling with massive reservations about returning to a new job after 12 months off work with a back injury. I found this forum and feel that it really might help me to stay relatively well, and perhaps by being transparent and sharing my experiences some of you may benefit as well. Great to be here, and thanks.

[geoff]

hi Djr, great for you to join us, and it is much easier when you know what you are suffering from but never the less difficult to comprehend.
It's very understandable why you are worried about returning to work after 12 months off, because there will be many reservations in how you will be treated and whether you can actually cope.
I wonder whether you can start back working half days for 3 or 4 days and then slowly build up to fulltime, so you can gradually establish your confidence once again because now that's what you may not have.
You may be put into an area that was different to when you had your back injury so that it won't be injured again, and that's what needs to be done, because your back is very important and doesn't need anymore damage to it.
I would think that it was a Worksafe injury and have they determined that it's now OK to go back to your job, however that depends on how you feel and what your doctor has to say, plus I do hope that you also have a lawyer who has been consulted.Hope to hear back from you. Geoff.

[kanga_brumby]

A great big welcome to beyond blue forums slowly take a look around the areas in here fined the areas that apply to you and post what you need to reply to some try be helpful as most of us are. Most of all be yourself have fun and again welcome

Kanga

[djr1217]

Hi Geoff, my previous employer let me go when they discovered I had engaged a lawyer. This is a completely new employer, but just to read your supportive words has given me some hope. Really glad I am here and thank you 🙂

[djr1217]

Thanks Kanga, this site is incredibly helpful. Beyond Blue even went so far as to offering potential support places for my wife who, as much as she loves me, struggles at times under the load of my illness. I have found a home online where I can just be me, thank you again 🙂

[quirkywords]

Djr

I want to welcome you to the forum.This is a safe and comfortable place that is very friendly.

There are lots of thread you may find interesting and/or fun.

Quirky

[djr1217]

Thank you Quirky. I am already feeling a sense of friendship on here, realising that I am not alone in this "fight". 🙂

[geoff]

hi Djr, if you had your back injury with your previous employer then your w/c file will still be open unless it has been settled, however if it hasn't been settled and if you lose this new job because of your back injury, then this will be added onto your claim, simply because you are unable to work, but curious to know. Geoff.

[djr1217]

Hi Geoff, indirectly this was as a result of the injury, but more the secondary psychological injury. Certainly, my pre-existing conditions don't help, but the entire work cover process which has now finished added to the anxiety over returning to work.