Anxiety returning to work

[Ronkoz]

This site has been so helpful to me. Four months ago had to go on leave for depression and anxiety - I feel better from the professional help received and taking on new activities to try and break the lows and maybe experience some highs even.

That being said the leave is coming to an end and I can feel the anxiety creep in am I ready- how will others react now (some dropped me bc upset and not supportive of leave)-can I mentally function a full day and so on.

Mainly sharing and thankful others can relate and the great thoughts that get shared

[peyton_o]

That's so brave of you to return to work, I'm sure since the therapy seemed to help, that'll you'll be able to function at work, just try to continue your therapy after work

[Ronkoz in reply to peyton_o]

Thank you so much I even have anxiety how to manage work and my well being. I guess I'm scared I can't manage both but working through that - thanks so much!!

[peyton_o in reply to Ronkoz]

I recommend breathing exercises and when you get home make a safe place and idk if you're into it but yoga always helps my anxiety

[Ronkoz in reply to peyton_o]

Love the yoga idea thank you

[peyton_o in reply to Ronkoz]

I hope work goes well, what day do you go back??

[Ronkoz in reply to peyton_o]

The 15th even typing it made me anxious ha I got to start playing it out and let some positive thoughts and actions dull the anxiety

[peyton_o in reply to Ronkoz]

I'm sorry it's making you so anxious. I hope thinking back to therapy will help and allow the positive thoughts to flow.. Where do you work?

[Ronkoz in reply to peyton_o]

In accounting not so go w the flow at times 😊But you're

Right

On thank you!

[peyton_o in reply to Ronkoz]

Ya I see why wouldn't want to go back. Be positive and focus your extra time on yourself, good luck!! I'm always here for you to vent

[Ronkoz in reply to peyton_o]

Same to you and keep standing up for yourself and I'm here for you too

[peyton_o in reply to Ronkoz]

Thank you 😊

[awanna]

Great..I'm so excited for you..You go get em tiger..I know you gonna be OK..Just stay positive and I know you will be fine..Cheers..We are here cheering for you..Never forget you are not alone

[Hidden]

Hi anxiety is very natural when you have been off work for a long time and are due to return.. Are your employers allowing you a phased return to work to break you in gently? If not maybe you could ask for this.

I would just play it cool with your colleagues - remember you haven't got to talk about it with them if you don't want to. Just concentrate on your work and the time will fly. If anyone asks you how you are just say fine and leave it at that. Good luck.

[Ronkoz in reply to Hidden]

Thanks

[TAPNewEngland]

Is the job the source of your anxiety? If so, it may be time to look for a new career.

[ChicagoGirl1961]

I'm betting your biggest source of anxiety is what your co-workers will be thinking and how you will be received upon returning. First, you will not be bombarded with questions about why you were on leave. You may have isolated instances where someone may ask you how you're doing, you simply reply that you are fine and just glad to be back at work. In the unlikely event you have an insensitive co-worker who asks an intrusive question you can simply say you appreciate their concern but that you just want to move forward, are glad to be back at work and want to focus on the job at hand. After your first day back you will quickly realize that the anxiety you had about returning was without merit. Your co-workers are to busy with there own jobs and lives to focus on your return. You could even go into the office at some point prior to your return just to have a chat with your manager which would quite iikely reduce your anxiety about returning. Don't worry about what others think because they won't be paying much attention to you anyway, just concern yourself with what makes you feel good and concentrate on doing your job to the best of your ability. I assure you the level of anxiety you have about returning is way out of proportion to the circumstances. Everything will be fine. Rest easy and be well.