[maddnessreturns]

I'm cleared to go back to work Monday after being off for about six weeks because of my depression and anorexia. I'm terrified of it because it was not pretty me taking off on short term. It got to the point I needed a lawyer...so I'm scared how I will be treated when I go back. They know better than to say anything that fuels the fire they already started but I don't know how to handle questions from coworkers. I can't say oh you know I couldn't handle anything due to depression and anorexia so I was off for a while. And I'll also still miss Tuesday afternoons to go to outpatient eating disorder clinic. So nervous and the questions.

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[gayleggg]

I can understand why you would be anxious going back to work, but if management is smart they will keep their mouths shut.

As far as, coworkers inquiring, just say you needed personal time off. You shouldn't have tell them anymore than you want to. Hold your head high and just act like normal. After a day or two things should be back to normal. Best of luck to you.

[Travelinglady]

Yes, it's really none of their business. Maybe "personal time to deal with family matters?" (That might be stretching it, but.......Your problems likely affect you family....Whatever)

Let us know how it goes, please.

[Little Lulu]

I would feel anxious, too. I would worry about what people think me, feel guilty about letting the staff down, poo on myself for being "weak", ad nauseam ...

The truth is you probably will feel uncomfortable for a day or two and then it will be 'work as usual'.

I've worked with people who took time off for mental health issues and I always thought something like 'I am glad I am not in their shoes'. I don;t recall feeling resentful - just sad for them.

So maybe it won't be as bad as your are imagining. Keep your phone handy and call a friend if you feel really anxious. That always helps me - some loving support.

(((Hugs)))

[Mustkeepjob32]

I agree with the other posters. Caregivers don't really need to know anything but just telling them you had to take personal time off. Once you answer a few coworkers with that, you should be on your way to being back at work and doing your duties. To be fair, you will be anxious initially, but then it will go away.

[SharonSharonSharon]

Originally Posted by maddnessreturns

I'm cleared to go back to work Monday after being off for about six weeks because of my depression and anorexia. I'm terrified of it because it was not pretty me taking off on short term.

I will be in your situation soon, after being off work for two months. My response to the big question, which is nobody's business, will be "I was on leave for a medical condition." If anyone has the nerve to ask me what was wrong, I'll simply say, "I would rather not talk about it so that I can put it behind me."

That should shut up the busybodies!!

Good luck! Don't settle for retaliation or discrimination because you were on leave.

[maddnessreturns]

Survived my first day back at work. No one bothered me thankfully. I suppose having a lawyer on hand made them realize I wasn't going to take any retaliation or discrimination lightly. And my supervisor I was most worried about had a "change in roles" as my manager put it so that helped. No one asked me about what was wrong so that was nice. I'm glad it wasn't as bad as I thought it wasn't going to be.

[Little Lulu]

(((madness))) Thanks for letting us know. I am so happy to hear things went well.

[SharonSharonSharon]

Originally Posted by maddnessreturns

Survived my first day back at work. No one bothered me thankfully.

Yippee! I'm happy to hear it went well.

[Mustkeepjob32]

Madness,

Glad your day back at work went better than you thought it would. Hope it stays that way!

[maddnessreturns]

It didn't last unfortunately. I've heard every possible scenario of what my coworkers think happened. And now no one takes me seriously. I'm just "that" girl. Ya know because I'm the only person my age that works there.

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