I was signed off work for two weeks (which is actually only six working days as I have been part time since my return from maternity leave last year). The sign off was prompted by a long period struggling with the responsibility of work juggled with family life and finally waking up one morning in the midst of a panic attack. That first week it was like taking off a corset - I could breathe again, fill my lungs and empty them properly for the first time in quite a while. But we are now into the second week and although I still have until next Tuesday I have found myself worrying about going back and mild anxiety attacks have been bothering me since last night. I am trying not to focus on them but until my husband and girls get back home there are very few distractions. The doctor advised me last week not to consider a change of job because frankly the idea of an interview at present is terrifying and to be honest my job isn't that stressful so if I can't do that I fail to see what I can do. I don't exactly know what I am asking - I suppose just if anyone else has managed to work through similar feelings and what they have found helpful to get them through it?
Thank you in advance xxxx
Hi Hunnibee, I too had to have time off of work due to my panic attacks and just starting antidepressants.
I had a whole month off though and that seemed to really sort me out. Eventually when the antidepressants kicked in I felt a lot calmer and beta blockers helped stop the panic attacks.
Even though I had a month off I still dreaded the inevitable day that would come where I would have to return to work, that id get stressed too quickly and id be back in the cycle of depression, anxiety and panic attacks, but it wasn't as bad as my imagination made it out to be and work were really supportive about it.
My doctor always said if I needed a sick note because I wasn't feeling up to work or it became too stressful to just go back and ask for one.
I'm not saying abuse the system and get a sick note just because you can, but if you're not ready to go back then maybe another 2 weeks couldn't hurt?
simply tell your doctor the thought of going back is bringing back the anxiety and you need a little more time to settle yourself down. The main thing for them is to make sure you're ok before returning to work.
I found that once I got back into the swing of things at work, slowly but surely, I began to act like my old self again and I found the distraction of work really took my mind off of the anxiety and off of the panic attacks as I was constantly busy and didn't have time to focus on anything else
I hope you're feeling better soon and are able to get back to normal life.
All the best
Danielle x
Thank you Danielle, the doc did say it was two weeks to start with and see how we went so trying to keep that in mind so I know I have options. I have been given antidepressants (paroxotene) but because I am breastfeeding I am really struggling to make myself take them even though I was prescribed these specific ones because they are safe for breastfeeding.
I am glad you have found work supportive - it makes thinga a bit easier if you know there is someone you can talk to there (I am not sure what my lot are going to be like. Probably fine, it's just me imagining the worst I am sure!).
Thank you again for your reply and advice. Take care xxxx
im going through a similar thing, i was signed off for 6 weeks -something which is a big deal for me. i still have a few weeks left, but already im feeling the pressure to return