Returning to Work

[Loulou198]

Hi

I wondered if anyone has any advice on returning to work. Ive been off for 5 weeks.

Im very anxious still with low motivation.

Work have agreed I should try a phased return to work and that I can work from home for the first week.

Im worried about being back in work (not feeling that I want to be around other people) and that working might cause me to be more anxious (its quite a responsible job).

Does anyone have any tips how I can manage this?

[guynfl2chat]

Hello,

Have you tried to reachout to co=workers before you return to get "back in the groove" of the work environment? Can I ask why you were off for 5 weeks? Was it a leave or vacation.

It just might be easier to fit back in if you reachout first and see if there is anything new or get updated on office issues.

[Loulou198 in reply to guynfl2chat]

Hi

Work have been out to see me today, at home.

Ive been off due to anxiety. I have a community psychiatrist nurse who I see weekly and waiting to see a psychologist (long waiting list). So things are moving but Im still waiting for help.

Work have kept in contact over last 5 weeks and return to work plan is in place. Theyve been great, but now Im worried about returning. Im not the person I was a few months ago.

[guynfl2chat in reply to Loulou198]

Thats ok if you are not who you were before. Maybe can you go in for half days at first? Have you tried to drive by work on the weekend to get a feel for the drive and maybe park in the parking lot. All of this prepares you mentally.

[Loulou198 in reply to guynfl2chat]

This week they've agreed I can work from home.

Thats a good idea, I will drive to office at weekend so that I can get a feel of the place.

This just feels so totally and utterly overwhelming.

I know I have obligations and need to start functioning again but it feels like such a big step.

[guynfl2chat in reply to Loulou198]

Great! Just go drive there and park and drive back.. Get use to the surroundings again.

[Lt-Cookie]

Hello Loulou...

I am always find it helpful with work, especially during my dangerously low periods, is to write down exactly what i need to do for the first few days. By that i mean write down the steps from waking up to driving to sitting down at your desk. When you do this, you will get your mindset aiming towards accomplishment rather than focusing on your anxiety. If at all possible and your health permits, a high intensity 10-15 minutes workout in the morning is very likely to get your charged.

It is great that you have a supportive work environment. They are managing their expectations and you would help yourself by managing yours.

If you are feeling you do not want want to engage with others at work, headphones and some music could always create a minuscule barrier from being disturbed.