Having a reason to get out of bed can be very therapeutic. When I'm depressed, I'm often thankful for my work because it distracts me. It's a very welcome distraction from being focused on how miserable I am. I tend to feel worse at home on weekends than I do during the week while I'm busy.

I know it's scary going back to work. A little over 2 years ago, I went back to work after a 3 year battle with agoraphobia. I was terrified. My psychiatrist didn't think I was ready, but I wanted to get on with my life. I decided it was a sink or swim situation. You can't succeed if you don't try. It worked out very well for me. I've moved up in my career since then and I love my job and agoraphobia is a distant, surreal memory.

I hope going back to work turns out to be a positive thing for you, Ouch. Usually the anticipation of something stressful is worse than the event itself. Just follow Soidhonia's advice. I always play the "what's the WORST thing that can happen" game with myself. When I went back to work the worst thing that could have happened is I wouldn't have been able to handle it and would have gone back on sick leave. I had been there before, so it wouldn't have been the end of the world. Reminding myself of that lessened my worries, and none of my fears came true. Things went better than I hoped they would. I wish the same for you.

Keep us posted and good luck!