[ouch]

Going back to work on mon. Have been on sick leave for 2 months and will have to face work that I left when I was very sick (depressed). Scared I won't be able to face it, or that I will sink again because I have to face it. Not sure if I can go back!! Has anyone had to go back after a sick leave? what do you say? how did you cope? Very nervous and scared about failing or having break down again...

[lenjan]

I had a job that was bad and got so much worse that it ended up putting me in a psych hospital for a week. The Sunday before the Monday I was supposed to go back to work, I stopped in the office (I lived around the corner) to see what had piled up in my absence, and was so upset by what I found that I ended up on a 2-week, pdoc-enforced "vacation" instead of going back to work.

I used the 2 weeks off to find another job!

I wish you good luck -- I know it's hard going back, especially if everybody knows why you were gone. Chances are they still don't understand, even if they know. I came back to a gift bag on my desk full of Post-it notes ... and colored index cards ... and a dozen Sharpies ... and assorted other office supplies. When I, bemused, went over to thank the person who left it, she said she had wanted to get me things that were "bright and cheerful."

Nice thought, totally missed the point, though!

[therealme]

ouch , please take care going back to work, i tried to go back to work when i first became ill, it was the worst time of my working life,
at first i was told that they were going to help me, and put me on light dutys. that lasted for about 2 days.
i had to deal with work mates chanting "dead man walking" and offensive pictures drawn on my locker.
i lasted 2 weeks before i had a relapse, i have been off work now for nearly 18 mths.
im not saying your work mates or bosses are like this and i dont want to scare you even more, but i thought you needed to know what can happen,

good luck ouch

dec xox

Hi Ouch,
It's going to be fine. TheRealMe had a very lousy experience with a bunch of immature jerks. There's a chance it may happen to you but you won't know until you try. You'll be fine. Whatever happens, we'll be here for you to talk to when all is said and done. You can get through this. Be proud of yourself for going back no matter what happens.
We'll be with you in spirit cheering you on. (((((((((Ouch))))))))

[drunksunflower]

wow sounds like a huge step ouch ... i hope it all goes well for you.

kia kaha
(be strong)

[ouch]

Very stressed! Had a bad day today - spent most of the afternoon on the sofa - very scared of going back - 1 colleague and my supervisor know why I was away - everyone else doesn't know (and will for sure be curious).

Not sure if I can handle it without relapsing. Have to go live in the city alone again - my mom is coming with, because she's scared to let me go alone and then my sister will be there for a bit, but still worried!!

Just moved to a new city a year and a half ago - don't know if I can cope being away from my family and close friends.... Feel like I may slip again - feel like I haven't fully begun swimming!!! sorry, just really worried...

[drunksunflower]

oh my goodness ... EMBRACE it ...

i've lived away from home so many times ... Maine (from New Zealand), Wellington (capital in NZ) from a small town, Oxford, Glasgow, Auckland (NZ) ... and am currently looking at New York or Dubai.

I've been a mess in some of these places (but I've managed to get through it without anyone really knowing). Embrace a new opportunity ... it IS a good opportunity ... don' t let it slip or let 'depression' get the better of you.

Develop ... get some backbone ... be strong ... YOU WILL BE FINE

Ouch, You feeling your mother is scared to let you live alone doesnt sound good. I think your mother needs to show she has faith in you or you and her will just be validating each others own fears!

I'm not sure how old you are? But maybe you really do need to step away from this very bound relationship wiht mother?

[Soidhonia]

Hello Ouch.
I hope everything goes well when you go back to work on Monday. Take things day by day and try to stay positive as much as you can. If it becomes too much then you should address the issue and not try to premeditate the outcome of Monday too much if possible. If you become too overwhelmed call the Dr and let them help you if needed. Take care Soidhonia

[WinterRose]

I'm on part time disability and I expect to go back to full time this year and it scares me too. Are you going back full time or will they let you ramp up by doing part time for a while and then increase your hours? Small steps are easier.

[ouch]

Going back to just 1 job (had 2 part-time ones), so will only be working 3 days per week. Hope I don't mess it up. Not so confident - really liked my job before falling into a dark hole.... Wish me luck!! terrified... But, feel like if I don't go back now, I never will...

[CJR520]

I took a two month leave of absence because of stress and anxiety, etc. Went to a therapist during that time, and worked things out pretty good. Then, I went back, and I'm glad I did. Kind of like facing the demons!! There were some immature idiots working there who are gone now. I hope it all goes well, and I wish you the best! You will be o.k.