work anxiety

[drews]

ive been off work for the last month due to anxiety and depression I have to go back in 2 weeks time and I can feel myself getting more and more anxious all the time knowing I have to start back had to take diazepam today just to stop me feeling this way.

[Hidden]

Hi Drews,

I totally understand what you mean. I've been off work since April and I've got my second sickness meeting tomorrow. I'm already feeling nervous about it. My boss has put in the letter about making back to work plans!!! I don't want to make any back to work plans. I've only just started to feel a bit better, although I don't trust myself to be the same everyday.

I'm sorry I don't have any solutions for you. Try to relax

Take care xxxx

[drews in reply to Hidden]

Thanks winter for taking the time to respond to my post I feel a little better knowing that there are people like you who know what its like so don't feel alone.

[Gambit62]

have had a few episodes of being signed off with depression and anxiety - quite natural to be really nervous about going back. Just remember that you don't have to go back to full time immediately - doctor is likely to recommend a phased return. Just take it one day at a time. I sort of feel okay about going back now after an episode earlier this year but for a long time I really struggled and it took me well over a month to get back properly - not even sure I'm back to that now - tend to do bits at home to break up the day a bit. Don't know if that is an option for you.

[seyi]

Hi Drew

May i introduce myself. I have been down this road being off work for over 5 months then being phased back in. The thought terrified me but it was not as bad as i imagined. The people were supportive some understood and i spoke with management. I explained how i felt and they said that if i felt uneasy take a break and try and stay strong.

Please try and not waste energy with worrying about returning to work just take each day at a time. I hope it all goes well for you.

Best wishes hugs

Love Seyi xxx

[Hidden]

Hi Drews I had this too in my last job. Your workplace should be able to do a phased return where you don't have to do your full hours immediately but can work up to it slowly. Your employer might also be able to put in place 'reasonable adjustments' to help you cope when you return. These could be less work, more breaks etc. You could also ask them for a stress risk assessment form.

It's hard to cover much here because I don't know enough about your situation. If you want any more specific help please pm me.

Bev x

[missmarie]

I understand exactly what you are going through. I was signed off for a month myself 2 years ago. Firstly, is it definite that you are going back? As I was signed off for a month, and when I went for my next appointment with my doctor we discussed how I was etc the week before I was due to go back and she signed me off for another 2 weeks. So firstly do you have an appointment booked?

It is really important that you feel ready to go back. I could have gone back after a month but something was telling me I wasn't ready. Even after another 2 weeks off I still felt anxious about going back - that is natural. Have you had contact from your HR department at work? As you should have an appointment with occupational health before you start. They should be following your doctors advice on a phased return? Making adjustments to your working week so that thing are as best as they possibly can be for YOU.

Last but not least, when you finally do go back believe that the doctor and occupational health would not be letting you go back to work unless you were ready. Have faith that YOU CAN do this. I was soooooo scared about going back to work but It actually helped in many ways.

missmarieanxietynomore.tumb... is my blog you may find some things on their helpful.

Good luck and believe in yourself x