Anxious about returning to work

[Babalou722]

I was duanisd with depression and anxiety after a panic attack that I was hispitdlized for. When I returned to work after telling my boss the reason for my in consistent productivity over the past few months was my disability and I Agnes for reasonable accommodations

I was put in an action plan based on my performance I then had more anxiety that I was going to loose my job

I went out of work for another 2 weeks to adjust meds and see if I can handle the added stress

I don’t think I’m ready to go back

[pink83737]

You can do it, just do lots of breathing exercises and meditation before you go into work and listen to some music! you will be okay, keep telling yourself you can do it and it’s only part of your day and after work you can come home and rest!

[Babalou722 in reply to pink83737]

I wish it were that easy. Sometimes the problem is right in front of my face and as a manager I can’t just walk away andor meditate right while the problem is happening. It is also somewhat of a hostile work environment right now due to the fact that I have charges against my bosses for descrimination due to this illness

[pink83737 in reply to Babalou722]

Well you could always take a bathroom break and meditate there or you could use your breathing techniques while you are working too!

[Babalou722 in reply to pink83737]

I did return for a week and half. The whole time trying to avoid customers and trying my best to stay in office. I run a convienent Store I can’t just hide from people all day people is my job. I appreciate what you are saying but I can’t just disappear and not deal with people. I was confronted one day by a dissatisfied customer and had to choose to walk away luckily had an employee with a cooler head grab me and push me away from the confrontation or I may have ended up fired or worse in jail for using my fist to solve the problem.

Very much in fight or flight mode and flight is definatly the better way to go.

[pink83737 in reply to Babalou722]

Hope everything works out! Hang in there

[Dolphin14]

Does your psychiatrist feel you should go back? Do they feel you are ready?

[Babalou722 in reply to Dolphin14]

I told my psychiatrist how I was feeling and I’m a manager that has to deal with customers and employees.

I’m very aggressive since diagnosed and changing meds. I yell and say whatever comes to my mind. I was much more passive 6 months ago. I could risk loosing my job due to a response to a disgruntled employee or customer. So he agreed that until I feel my aggressiveness is more under control and see how new meds work I should stay out.

[Dolphin14]

Yes that sounds logical. To keep you out until you can do your job without anger.