[BrownDogShow]

I've been on medical leave from my job for two months after I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. I'm trying to figure when I should go back to work. I've already decided to leave my current position because it is a major source of anxiety and stress, but I do need to work and I'm not sure if I'm ready. How do I know when to re-engage with daily work life after taking so much time away? Right now I don't feel ready, but I'm worried that the longer I'm out of working life, the harder it will be to start working again. I've decided to start volunteering as a way to fill my time and get used to a social environment. Any thoughts on how to know when to return to work after taking a leave for depression/anxiety?

[hvert]

I don't have any ideas on how to tell when it's a good time to go back to work except an observation that I could easily imagine myself never feeling ready to go back to work because I like not working a lot more than working (except for the lack of money)

Is a part time job or consulting work in your field an option? I did spend a few years not working and in hindsight think that it might have been better if I had kept up my skills by taking short term jobs or casual positions.

[BrownDogShow]

Thanks. That aligns with my thinking. I'm leaning towards taking a part time job to bring in some income and volunteering to keep my skills fresh. I'm just nervous that I'll go back too soon and then I'll find I can't take it again. Thanks for listening.

[ManOfConstantSorrow]

People often start with a phased return doing a short period each week and more and more as they find ways to cope.

Volunteering sounds like a good idea to get you back into the swing of things. At least with that you will be able to see how you cope and there is no pressure if you don't feel up to it. And when you do feel ready I agree with ManOfConstantSorrow, a phased return is a good way to do it. And you can increase the hours/days as and when you feel up to it.

[BrownDogShow]

Thanks, all. This is really helpful.

[markdl]

Originally Posted by ManOfConstantSorrow

People often start with a phased return doing a short period each week and more and more as they find ways to cope.

I think I'm going to do that . Took off Friday and will take off Monday. Go back Tuesday and we have Wednesday off. Go Thursday, and then we have no students Friday.

[Anxietygirl74]

I took FMLA for mental health reasons one year sometime in October and my doctors and I decided that it would be better if I didn't return until right after Christmas because of all the extra emotions and stress that the holidays bring.