[Can't Stop Crying]

nearing the end of 6 week short term disability leave.....scared out of my mind....I cannot lose my job, but this anxiety is overwhelming!

gentle safe hugs, my friend

[Love&Toil]

Have you been receiving care for your anxiety over the past 6 weeks?

[Can't Stop Crying]

Originally Posted by Love&Toil

Have you been receiving care for your anxiety over the past 6 weeks?

Yes.....

[anxteach]

I'm sorry you're feeling this way. I can totally identify. I have mini versions of what you're feeling pretty much every Sunday when I know I have to go to work the next day.

[guilloche]

*Good luck!* Have you been able to talk to your doctor or therapist about your return to work and the anxiety it's producing? Maybe they can help you work through some of it?

[Can't Stop Crying]

totally completely overwhelmed....been talking to T....boss called today...sent my panic through the roof! Due back 1 week from today, I don't think I can do this

I can totally relate. I quit my last job because of the stress and anxiety it caused. I know you said you can't lose this job, I technically couldn't either, because now I'm struggling to keep things paid. But regardless of my situation, I hope everything goes well for you and you have a successful return.

[livelaughlove22]

Can you find a new job? That sounds like a lot of stress.

[Can't Stop Crying]

Originally Posted by livelaughlove22

Can you find a new job? That sounds like a lot of stress.

Unfortunately, I am trapped. H doesn't work so I provide the only income plus the insurance. I can't find a job that comes close to my current salary in my area. And I'm really not qualified on paper for the job I do...internal promotions got me here.

[Can't Stop Crying]

trying to remind myself that I am fortunate to have a job, it could be worse I guess

[Can't Stop Crying]

5 days and counting....still have time to pull it together I hope

[Can't Stop Crying]

2 more days.....T wanted me to come up with a safety plan...it's a pretty pathetic one

[notz]

You can do this, csc!!!!!

[livelaughlove22]

You can do it.

[IamnotmyDx]

Originally Posted by Can't Stop Crying

nearing the end of 6 week short term disability leave.....scared out of my mind....I cannot lose my job, but this anxiety is overwhelming!

Increasing my anti-depressant helped a little when I had to go back. I felt like you describe starting three weeks ago and every workday since has been a battle to force myself to go in. I realize that I'd benefit from focusing on my illness right now, but I have to work to keep a roof over our heads and my health insurance paid. Knowing that I'm taking care of myself and my family by working has helped me to feel less helpless. (And to be honest, I'm not happier or less anxious when I'm home anyway. Ideally, I'd be in my day program for another 8 weeks until I'm healthier.)
I also plan some small "treat" for myself in the middle of each work day so that I have something to look forward to. A healthy snack. Aromatherapy hand cream. Listening to music I find comforting/uplifting.
Lastly, I make sure that I have arranged things at home to minimize stress so that I don't return exhausted/disheartened into domestic chaos. This is hard with kids because there's always some potential for an "emergency" --a lost item, spills, etc. We're eating takeout a lot more than I'd like and I did have to buy a clean shirt for the 8 year old one night because I was too wiped out to do laundry.
I hope that you and others in the same boat can find some small relief, too, from these approaches. They are drops in the bucket, I know.

(((((((( Can't Stop Crying ))))))))))
Right now maybe you feel like you have the Mount Everest there in front of you, getting ready to force yourself to climb.
The words of support from all your friends out here... try use them as an oxygen tank. Breathe and once you get going, you suddenly realize it wasn't Mount Everest after all, but a hill. You've done it all before... You're a good employee. You can master your own anxiety! I have faith in you and I'm asking you to try have faith in yourself. My friend, you have overcome so many hurdles in your life and I'm proud to be your friend.

[anxteach]

I'm guessing that tomorrow is the back to work day? I hope it goes well for you! Just remember to breathe, and take it one minute at a time. Pretty soon the whole day will be gone, and you can give yourself a big pat on the back for getting through it!

[Can't Stop Crying]

Yep, returning Monday night (3rd shift) I know the beginning is always the worst and normally I work Sunday - Thursday so it's nice to have tonight off. Sunday's are the worst because I open the building and am alone for the first hour or two. Sunday's are the worst days for the negative, self-destructive thoughts...so it's a small relief to not have my first day back be a Sunday....

Thank you everyone for your kind, supportive words...

[Can't Stop Crying]

really, really scared right now....I hate feeling like this....I have basically worked my entire life...don't understand why I am freaking out so much!

[Fuzzybear]

[Can't Stop Crying]

I can't do it...I can't sleep and I have been crying all day....what am I going to do?

[Can't Stop Crying]

cancelled...extending short term disability...just not ready!


right now...I really, really hate myself!

This can't be forced, hun. I know... of course you want to be alright and able to do so much more. Try see it as your entire system working hard to save you from feeling even worse.
It's a worry about money too... yes... but somehow there has to be a way, because you are important! Safe hugs

[anxteach]

Aww I'm sorry it didn't go the way you wanted, but you've gotta take care of you! I'm glad you made the decision to look out for yourself and do what's best to make sure you're in a good place. Hugs!