TERRIFIED

Terrified to go back to work. Have been on sick leave for 2 months - still have huge problems getting out of bed, but I NEED to get back - I am bored and need a reason to get up in the morning. Just very scared that I'll break down again (since I don't even feel close to being ok yet). My psychiatrist suggested I wait, but I really feel that I need to go back. However, now I'm stressing out about it - don't know if I can handle it... I can't break down again - will lose my job...

Hello Ouch.
It is very hard to feel in the safe zone at times, but sometimes when you make the steps to feel better and do what you have to do things get better with time. Just take everyday as it comes and try not to get overwhelmed and stay in contact with your therapist as often as needed, and take your medication as prescribed. I hope things go well with going back to work just take things one day at a time Ouch. Take care soidhonia

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!

thanks... I hope you guys are right. It's true, the worst that could happen is that I would go back on sick leave - but I guess I'm scared that I'll get fired and then I won't get a reference, and then I won't be able to find a new job easily... I guess that's what I fear the most. I fear losing control again... It's a horrible feeling to not have any control over your life.

hi i know a lot of people have a real issue with the work thing there has been some sound advise here the best i've read ,my position is that it has been so long since i worked -15 years now i feel there would be zero chance of getting a job and because of the recurring nature of my illness i'd find it difficult to hold one down,it doesn't stop me torturing myself that i should be working though it may be a good idea to apply the idea of what would you say to someone else in your situation ,when i do it i never get a clear answer as i get so confused about it ! i wish you good luck, as you say what is the worst that can happen?