Going back to work

I have just had a month off work while IP having ECT and other treatment. Tomorrow (Sunday Australian time GMT 8+) I start back at work and I am really worried about remembering to do my job properly and more worried about what to say to my colleges as it is the 3rd time in 12 months I have had to take time off so they will be curious as to what is wrong. Do I tell them about the bipolar or dismiss all questions outright. There are a few people who I know will be supportive but I expect once one knows all will know and some may judge. It is very hard to explain as it is clear I have been very unwell. So frustrating as if I had cancer it would be easy.

So what do I do? What do others do when they have to take extended time off work for bipolar? I am very panicked about going back to work now. On top of that I am having a bad day bipolar wise as it is. I just hope I wake up feeling a little better. Not going back is not an option at this point as I don't want to risk losing my job and I need the money.

I took three months off in the beginning of the school year. I just went back January 5, after Christmas break. I was very worried about going back. Only one of my coworkers knows what's going on. I was worried about questions, especially from the students, as they don't have the filter that adults do.

But when I went back everything went well. No one asked where I had been, they just accepted that I was sick. When the students asked, I just said I was sick. They concluded that I had Ebola lol.

I wouldn't tell anyone about bipolar, just deflect any questions by saying you were sick and now you're feeling better. Most polite people won't pry.

Good luck, I know you're still feeling a little poorly, so I hope it goes well for you. Try not to worry too much.

I was off a month after ip for op all day,, I have told only one co-worker I trust, If anyone asks, very few have, I say I had a break down from work stress, since almost everyone takes some kind of meds for stress they have had no issue with that,and it's the truth because work pressure was the trigger to it all.....good luck ...

This is a very important question Wander.

And I am very sure BP members who have had extended leave have been cautious as to what to say when they have had extended time off work.

I know I did when I was working.

I was apprehensive about "what" to say as a legitimate reason for being away.

In my experience my perception of how many would ask why I was away was generally dispreportionate, I kind of imagined everyone would ask me. My comments were generally more tending towards the "Hey welcome back we missed you" kind of comments.

I would just say "I was unwell" and leave it at that personally. I never really felt the reason to disclose why I was away?

I guess it depends on how comfortable you feel with disclosing your diagnosis.

I know lots of BP people who are very comfortable in disclosing the reasons why they were away. This is absolutely fine.

It comes down to our own comfort zone.

I had ONE person at work that I would confide in each time I was away.

I just didn't want gossip or anything. I tend to sort of think what happens is my business.

Don't think there's a right or wrong approach here.

Please be comfortable in the knowledge that if you are happy with what you are choosing to disclose, then this would be the right choice for you.

Best wishes for you on your first day back at work after your absence.

Let us know how everything goes.

Hang in there.

I know how you feel. Im in a similar situation and do not want the nosey questions.

Made it through my first day back at work with the support of my family and boyfriend...and you wonderful people! It was easier than i thought, just slotted back in as if I hadn't left. Once I told people I was unwell and now all better (God how I wish that were true) noone asked any questions so it was easy. I actually feel really good today. I think the treatment has helped a lot. I just hope it keeps going in the upwards direction without hypomania. One can only hope.

High 5 Wonderer

That's AWESOME

Yeah I used to find my returns to work when I was working were better than I had pre-anticipated.

Glad it went well.