I have been off work for over 4 months now with anxiety and panic attacks. I was asked to attend a meeting Wednesday to talk with the head about being phased back into work.
I expected the worse but she was really understanding and said she would support me as much as she possibly could. When i came out i was like Phew as i had been so worried all morning about attending.
I had an appointment with the Doctor today and i am going back to work Tuesday being phased in for a few hours then increase until the end of the month.
Although i am determined to give it a try i am extremely nervous because of the journey to work on the dreaded bus. Sounds silly really to anyone who has never experienced what i feel while travelling.
I want to get my life back and get some normality and structure so i am going to give it a go.
Nothing ventured nothing gained as the saying goes.
The therapist advised me to think back for the last seven years i have travelled this route and with determination hopefully i can conquer this. Although to be honest i am scared and frightened Tuesday is not even here yet hahahahaha.
Hope everyone is having a good day
Hugs
Love Seyi xxx
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seyi
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Well done for getting this far....it's true things we anticipate always are worse than the actual thing itself....you have come such a long way and seem to have a determination....
You have done the journey many times and nothing bad has happened...I'm sure you will do it and imagine how good you will feel....put something nice like your favourite bar of choc and when you achieve it treat yourself....I'm sure you can do it, and really well done for getting to this stage....it's not an easy task..
Thanks Sue for your blog i really do appreciate what you are saying. I am smiling now thinking after all those lovely bars of chocolate i will have to join weight watchers
How about some music in your ears , some music is quite inspirational and can make you feel good....little pair of ear phones and dancing your way to the bus stop to your fave tunes..
Seriously hope it goes ok, I'm sure it will..
Let us know how it goes xx
Hi Seyi
I really feel for you! I am on my last day of my 4 week phased return and start fulltime tomorrow, so I hope this is encouraging,as I was also off for 4 months with anxiety and panic attacks too. The first day back was really hard, as just going through the door and staying in the building was a challenge! However being on a phased return means you get time to calm down and congratulate yourself on having made tiny steps of progress. The time not at work is still part of your recovery process, so don't feel bad about being 'phased' back.
The best of luck to you. I really hope it works out for you.
Hi Ann thank you kindly for your reassurance and to be honest after you have been off for so long the harder it is to return. Hope you dont mind me asking what hours and days? and how did you phase back in over the month. I am trying to work out something for myself but going around in circles. How do you know how your going to feel and like you said to cope with being in the building and not in your comfort zone.
My phased return was worked out for me based on a template from Occupational Health and then adjusted it slightly as we went along (basically, I was so nervous at first that I worked alongside somebody as an assistant!) and it has worked really well for me.
Week 1 -3 half days
Week 2 -4 half days
Week 3 -4 half days and 1 full
Week 4 -3 half days and 2 full
I didn't cover for anybody...once I'd done half a day I went home and rested! it was hard not to offer to do extra, but it was very tiring and I slept as soon as I got in. So don't be surprised if you suddenly find yourself nodding off during the day. I just thought to myself that it was part of the recovery process. Everything was so difficult to face at first, but it got easier!
Good Luck and keep resting, if you can!
Ann x
I no you will do this Seyi , you are going to have a certain amount of fear , but take each day as it comes
Look at how much those kids love you , when you went the other day , they obviously have missed you , which tells me what a special person you must be
That sounds like a nice plan and it is also nice that you have a supportive head and GP.
I wish you all the very best with the bus.
big hugs,
Marcus xxx
Hi seyi
Wishing you the best of luck, remember to take it slowly. If you took the plaster off your leg you wouldn't be able to start running and the is just as hard. There's some great advice from others on here and it has helped me too as I'm due back at the end of the month after 7 months off. Let us know how you manag and if you have any tips please share I'm soooo nervous too. Big hugs x
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