Back to work advice

[blossomgirl]

So after 5 weeks off I'm heading back to work - petrified. Not sure what my role will be, how people will look at me 😔. Every time someone asks how I'm going I cry. Trying to be strong.

[Gambit62]

did you work yesterday - how did it go?

generally if you have been off work for a period of time best practice would involve reviewing your needs in the workplace and looking at whether a phased return would be appropriate.

It is easy to be very anxious and have a lot of what if thoughts going through your head but that is quite natural - try not to let them overwhelm you - they are part of the way our brain reacts to stress and are not necessarily appropriate to the way we live life now - as explained a bit in this post

healthunlocked.com/couchtob...

try to find a way of accepting these thoughts.

how did you get on with work colleagues - most people will want to be supportive and just want to understand what is the best way that they can be supportive.

[blossomgirl in reply to Gambit62]

Hi tomorrow is my first day. Trying hard not to focus on negativity and people staring at me 😔

[Hidden in reply to blossomgirl]

I used to think people stared at me, my biggest problem was if I was wearing shorts on holiday at a beach or at a swimming pool.

I went early yesterday morning to the local pool for the first time in a very long time, I wanted to prove to myself that people starting at me was all in my imagination. I went to the pool and got into my swim shorts and just went for it. I felt nervous at first but when I walked to the edge of the pool and saw that every one was to busy doing their own thing I realized that the starring thing was all in my imagination.

If you are at work I'd say people would be to busy getting on with what they are paid to do.

I hope you will be ok, try not to worry about it.

Take care.

[mysmugcat]

I recognize that feeling. It is usually not as bad as you think.

[blossomgirl]

So went back to work and told no new role as promised. Devastated. Feeling back where I started with crying and panic attacks. Have 6 weeks to do a project then need to find myself a job. Told them thanks for putting timebomb on me whilst trying to get better.