Ready for work

[April_Rianne]

I'm suffering with social anxiety and depression. I am receiving encouragement to get back to working (even part time) but I am not sure if I am ready yet. So my questions are:

How do you know if you're ready to get back to work? If not, how do you tell people that you need more time?

I'm very confused at the moment any advice would be appreciated.

[Topbananamac]

It is so hard when you feel like this and I found it hard to talk about in the 80s,but today their is plenty of support plz find it and try to work out what's the root cause to the SA.Something might have sparked it off.tc good luck

[April_Rianne in reply to Topbananamac]

Thank you Topbananamac

[bailey01]

Hi are you currently on the sick from work or are you looking for a job? How long have you been off? I`ve been off work since end Oct 2017, during which time i have had severe depression. I`m due back in work myself next week and not sure if i am ready but i know they will ease me in gently, and i am now on £300 less a month as i`ve been off so long and had two other episodes previously last year. i have however worked for the same employer for 20 years. i am looking for some thing less stressful but i don`t know what this ideal job will be and if i will ever get it ! sending hugs

[April_Rianne in reply to bailey01]

I have been off work since May 2017. I have had to stop university and move back home. I was working in hospitality while studying full time. I am starting to look for work again but it is difficult for me. Most of the jobs available are in hospitality which causes me stress and even panic attacks. You are very lucky your work are able and willing to work with you and help you. Thank you for your support.

[bailey01]

No worries glad to help. Saw my nurse today and she recommends another month off work so got doctors Fri to see if they will do a note for me.

I know what you mean about hospitality. I've been applying for loads of jobs and got an interview next week as a "hospitality and events assistant " posh way of saying cateringI guess. Not sure if its for me and it's less money.

I may have to do a course or something to get anything decent.

Good luck in your search x x

[April_Rianne in reply to bailey01]

You too.

Thanks, it's nice to know your not the only one.

I've started doing a university course online via distance learning. It is really helping. It gives me something to do.

I'd recommend giving it a try.

all the best xx

[bailey01]

Thank you yes I just need to decide what course to do! What are you doing?

[En1234]

I have worked all my life since the age of 16. I am now 51 and in the last 3 months I found myself in unemployment for the first time in my life. It was a scary experience. I have now found full-time work again (an even better job), but don't start until next month sometime. I have not had the start date confirmed as yet.

I am beginning to feel quite anxious myself because I feel as though I have been out of work for years, when in actual fact it HAS only been a matter of weeks really!..So I kind of know the anxiety you are feeling, but to be honest I think our situation is very much like going into cold water. Instead of dipping our toes in and out and wondering how to get in a bit at a time, it might be better if we just dive in head first, cos once we're in we will probably realise it wasn't that bad....

Once you are in among company again also, you will have something to look forward to because it's always good to meet new people and new friends. I have not got a clue what I am going into in my new job but I am looking upon it as an adventure. If it works out, great and if it doesn't then I will just look for something else.

Try not to overthink things and see problems that are not there. Keep everything simple and you will be fine.....

Let us know how you get on!!.....Will be thinking about you!!

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