I've had several hospitalizations for mixed and depressive episodes.

I've noticed (even prior to being dx in 2012) that my cognitive functioning and anxiety have increased.

My last hospitalization was in Jan? I think for a major depressive episode.
Since then, I've noticed a significant decline in my cognitive functioning.

I'm due to see my pdoc on Monday, so I will bring this up, but I'm scared that he will say it's time to get back to work. I don't feel like I have the cognitive ability to go back to work. My brain is mush most of the time.

My husband is also under the impression that going back to work will improve my cognitive abilities.

So, what are your thoughts? I'm scared to death of going back to work. I had a mid-stress job that paid fairly well. I have this fear that I won't do well after being back at work and this may bring on another depressive episode (or I'll get fired).

EDIT: I've also changed jobs quite a bit in the last few years. The longest I've been at a job has been 4 years.

Options: Go back to work and deal with it
Apply for semi-permanent disability (I've read the cognitive functioning can return to almost like it was in approx 2 years, prior to having these difficulties) for a year or so and see how I am then.
Get a job that requires less cognitive abilities. (Which would likely pay equivalent to what I would get on disability.

WWYD? Help please!!

[SoupDragon]

Could you temporarily return to a job that requires less cognitive abilities while you continue to recover, with a view to returning to your previous job in the future?

Soup

Originally Posted by SoupDragon

Could you temporarily return to a job that requires less cognitive abilities while you continue to recover, with a view to returning to your previous job in the future?

Soup

I don't think that would be an option. The only way it would work is if I just take a job that requires less function then later apply to a different job. Also, we have a 2 year old, so even if I take a less paying job, we will still have to pay for daycare so we might even be worse off financially than if I took disability. Does that make sense?

[raspberrytorte]

Go back to work. It'll be good for you. I was scared to go back to work as well after I was in the hospital, but other than mild residual anxiety/paranoia I've been okay. You may find that you'll be okay as well, and maybe even feel better. I think the anxiety/anticipation about going back may be worse than the act of actually going back.

But that's just my opinion.

Originally Posted by raspberrytorte

Go back to work. It'll be good for you. I was scared to go back to work as well after I was in the hospital, but other than mild residual anxiety/paranoia I've been okay. You may find that you'll be okay as well, and maybe even feel better. I think the anxiety/anticipation about going back may be worse than the act of actually going back.

But that's just my opinion.

Thanks for the reply. I think that if it was only a little anxiety I would be ok with going back. I know the thought of doing something is always worse than actually doing it. But I'm very worried about my ability to perform work tasks. With my cognitive decline, I don't think I would be able to perform, at least no near how I used to.

[raspberrytorte]

Originally Posted by momof2boys5848

Thanks for the reply. I think that if it was only a little anxiety I would be ok with going back. I know the thought of doing something is always worse than actually doing it. But I'm very worried about my ability to perform work tasks. With my cognitive decline, I don't think I would be able to perform, at least no near how I used to.

Maybe working really will help with your cognition, like your husband said. I don't know. Like I said, it's just my opinion. You could go back and see how things go, and if it doesn't work out, could you go on leave again?

I totally understand the cognition thing. My mind is like mush at the moment too.

[Victoria'smom]

I would try it, if you have to you can take disability later but talk to PDOC. My husband's Pdoc took him out for a year and then wanted him to stay out of the workforce just due to the stress.