Morning hope everyone is ok? I have just picked up the phone & called work! First time I've made a phonecall in 4 weeks. I have also said I'd like to return next Mon. I was a nervous wreck on the call, work were brilliant but, now I'm freaking out that I've set an unachievable goal. I haven't been outside by myself during this time either. I have agreed to go back to my dance class tonight too if I can do that thats huge! Sorry just panicked after the call, heart racing & drenched in sweat! Any tips, help & advice on managing work would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all x
Hi Lesley,
First of all, give yourself a pat on the back for calling work in the first place. You made this decision as hard as it was which is a great step forward.
How have you been feeling in yourself? How long have you been off work for?
Perhaps you could meet your manager for a coffee this week in a neutral place and see how things go?
The problem with anxiety is that it feeds off pressure. If you feel too much pressure to go back on Monday, maybe you’re just not ready yet. But even if that is true, just speaking on the phone to work and keeping that communication up is a great step forward.
Often we anticipate the situation to be so much worse than it ends up being. You may go back to work and think what was I so worried about?
Have you also considered a phased return?
Thank you so much for your reply. It's scary but it does feel like the right time, I feel like I have to push myself. I have asked if I could pop in the end of this week so I can check emails, sort my logins etc so that when I start back Mon it will all be clear & fresh. I had an op recently so have been off for 6 months I went back for a month in between, on a phased return then the anxiety took over, my GP put it down to PTSD after my op as I didn't recover well & had a few health scares. Its only been a month that the anxiety has been treated I now feel as though I need a purpose & something to get out for & focus on. Otherwise I fear I'll never return.
Ah good luck Lesley I’m pleased your feeling well enough to make that decision. It will be tough but hey your on the right road try and push through it and not give in to any feelings of turning round and running back! The first day will be he worst... well done, fingers crossed it all goes ok, let us know how your first day back is xxx