change of plans

[Browny71]

I thought after feeling well for a couple of weeks I was ready to return to work tomorrow. I even called my boss telling her I was feeling better. Over the weekend I started to feel anxious and depressed. Now I’m feeling depressed, crying and a hot mess. This is my second major episode of depression in my lifetime. Hope it’s the last. How long should I be feeling stable before deciding to go back to work? I hate to go back and forth with my employer I know I can extend longer if I need to.

[Starrlight]

I agree

[Browny71]

Thanks Vonus for your advise

[Browny71]

Thanks for the advise.

[Dandyliondawn]

Maybe take another week off and ask when you return if you could work part time. I get anticipatory anxiety often. I think that's what is happening. But from my experience I usually do well once I start something that is making me extremely anxious

[Browny71 in reply to Dandyliondawn]

Yes I will ask for an extension, thanks for your advise.

[MindfulMoment]

The fact that your boss cares and is willing to support you is so awesome. Generally it takes me about 2-4 weeks to recover from a high anxiety cycle. My nerves get so sensitized I just can’t cope with anything. It takes time for the chemicals to adjust even if you have a med change. Even after that period I still feel vulnerable and fragile but I feel ok to rejoin life. Could you start back part time, maybe half days or a couple days a week just to get back into the swing of things slowly?

[Browny71 in reply to MindfulMoment]

Hi MindfulMoment, I am not able to go back to part time. The job itself is easy. The Dr will give me more time off. My depression is like a rollercoaster up and down. I have a new psychiatrist that is recommending TMS, (transcranial magnetic stimulation) it’s daily for like 40 days. So as long as I have a Doctors note my job is okay