I have been dealing with major depression for the past year. Just when I think things are ok, something will trigger and I am right back where I started. This past episode was triggered by the sudden death of my father in May. I know the grieving process takes a while, however everything seemed to collapse at once. Conflicts in my family, problems with my job, my teenage daughter, in addition to my mother not feeling well (part medical, part grieving) I was working 5 days a week and traveling weekends to help my mother. I was completely overwhelmed with no support of my own. My job told me to leave my problems at the door that people don't care after awhile. I thought I was going to lose my mind. My doctor suggested I take some time off of work. I also started seeing a psychologist. When I told my job I was talking time off, they agreed and told me that I could not do anything work related for the time period I was out. I am under the impression my staff and coworkers were instructed not to call me.

I have been off from work for 5 weeks now. I will be returning to work in 10 days. I am feeling better for the most part. I am clearly not as emotional as I was. My mother is doing ok, my family situation will someday resolve itself but I learned that I cannot control that.

I am just looking to see if anyone has been in this sitation. Returning back to work after being out because of depression and how did you handle going back to work? I don't know what to say to anyone when I go back, especially someone who doesn't know why I was out. I work with the public, so I am sure I will be asked at least once. I was also told by my 'boss' to leave my personal problems at the door. I never dealt with anyone like her before. I've always had a good rapport with my supierors, but she is new to the organization. I have an appt with my psychologist before I go back.

Any advice would be really appreciated. I am just afraid that I won't be able to get back into the swing of things and people will look at me differently when I go back, like I can't handle my job much less my life. Thanks!!!!