When is the right time to go back to work?

I have been off work now with almost 6 weeks and I am not sure if I am ready to go back? I had quite a severe bout of depression, lower than my usual depression with Suicidal thoughts and all that jazz. These thoughts dont come into my head so much and if they do they are fleeting. So I wanted to ask your advice about going back to work again, when did you feel you were ready?. Should I give myself more time or should I just get back into it? Your thoughts please..

Going back to work was part of my answer to a depressive/anxious episode. I did not feel ready but did it anyway (at the encouragement of my counselor) and it turned out that being at work helped get my mind off of my 'self'. Just my personal experience.

Only you can answer that, I'm afraid.

How does it make you feel when you think of going back to work? Is there any shade of doubt, or fear when you imagine yourself back to your old routine? Are you willing to go back? Or is it the thought of being out of work that is bothering you?

My wife, it took her nearly a year until she felt able and willing to go back to work. It "worked" for her (no pun intended).

I wish you the best!

I saw the psych doctor and she suggested that I don't go back to work until after Christmas. Did I miss something. I started to cry. Does she think I am that bad? I did not ask her this question of course. I feel like a total idiot. I have to see the company doctor tomorrow, that should be fun

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i think maybe your therapist was trying to let you know you're not ready in her eyes. maybe you were nervous when you were talking to her? if you don't feel ready yourself, i'd wait too, you need more time to recoup. you'll be happier in the end.good luck

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that if you broke down crying because someone suggested taking a couple more months, you are probably not ready.

I think that what she said doesn't necessarily mean that she thinks you're in a bad state. Only that perhaps you're not yet ready enough to face the challenges of a 9 to 5 routine.

Maybe you could talk to her about that next time?

Could you ask her what made her think you are not ready for return to work? Is there a way to ease back in part-time. It is probably best not to rush going back to work if you don't have to. But of course, the decision is yours. You know what you can handle and what you can't. Best wishes to you.

My anxiety is so high right now... In 2 hours I have to see the company doctor who is very intimidating to say the least. They want to know everything about my MH problems, which I am not comfortable with telling them everything. I dont think I should have to tell them everything.. My psych doctor said that they can ring her if they like and I gave consent to that, which I dont mind because she said she will tell them the minimum if they do call. I dont think I am ready to back yet but I would like to think I would be able to go back before christmas.. So I have to play the waiting game... I hate this.. I wish the appointment was earlier in the morning so I could get it over with. I hope I dont start crying... That is my worst fear...Deep breaths....... sorry guys for ranting on, and thanks for your input. I do appreciate it very much..

I agree with what Tauren said.

If at the suggestion you waited caused you to break down then I don't think you are ready. If you were I am thinking you would have been able to challenge her on that.

Hey, I can't seem to send you a PM for some reason, sorry

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How was the visit to the company doctor? Was everything alright? I hope everything went well!



I'll check with the admins what's going on, it must be a problem on their end

The outcome was good. I don't have to go back to him for a month so I hope in that month I will be better. Here's hoping!! Thanks for asking

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I'm going to say as soon as possible. Though my situation is somewhat different from yours, I think it still applies.

After a mental breakdown I quit a 5-year job that I had hated all along. I told myself I needed some time to "get my life in order" because depression and anxiety was seriously ****ing with my ability to cope with everyday stress. I thought I'd take a few weeks or months, get some help and then get right back into it "when I felt ready."

It's been 2 years since then and I STILL don't feel "ready"! I haven't even started looking for a job. I feel like a broken person who nobody would hire, and I'm seriously deathly afraid of interviews. So I continue to procrastinate. I'm beginning to realize that I'm NEVER going to feel "ready" and really need to just get back into work, because I can't rely on my parents to support me my whole life. Much as I hate society, I tend to feel really guilty about not being a "contributing member."

Thanks for your opinion, OneInBillions. I have a target set in my head to return to work after this month is up. You are correct in saying that I may never be "ready" but I think this gives me enough time to get my act together. Hopefully I will be "ready" as I am mentally preparing for it. Best wishes

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I'm glad to know that you've conquered it!

A month will pass really quickly, so make sure that you start building your daily routine back up to how it will be when you go back to work. Especially sleep and getting up routines. Another thing that could be worth doing about a week before you are due to go back is go into your workplace for an hour or so. Just to say hello to everyone and to see how you feel. You will know from making that visit whether you are ready or not.

Going back to work is really hard, if you are able to negotiate building up your hours and responsibilities over the course of a few weeks then I would recommend that.