Quit, Do Nothing, or Return to Work?

I am freaking out. I have been out on extended sick leave from my job for about four months and I need to make a decision about whether I am going to return to work, extend my leave, or just quit. There is so much to consider and there are so many unknowns that I'm just freezing up. I can't make a decision. Also, the other day I went in to my office to pick up a couple of things that I needed when the building was closed and I ran into the Director. It looked like I was sneaking out, but I wasn't. Now I'm worried I'm in trouble for something. I know it's best for everyone if I just quit, but if I extend my leave, I will still have some money coming in. If I quit, I have to find a new job right now, and I'm not sure if I'm ready for that.

First off, I know how hard of a decision that is~

I was in that same position back in early 2012. I was not ready to go back and I ended up not returning. I found a lower stress job and was there 3.5 years. It was not an easy decision and I worried for some time. I know it feels like you have to then find a job right away.

Sorry I cannot offer more, just know I'm sending good thoughts. Do what's best for you and if you were not sneaking out then disregard what the director might or might not think. If you can extend your leave, is there a reason you wouldn't..?

What is the reason for your sick leave? It is the 3rd month I am on my sick leave so I know exactly what you mean.

It doesn't really sounds like you are ready to go back to work. Is there something specific you are afraid of?

I wouldn't worry about the director until/unless it becomes a problem. You might be worrying for nothing... and if it comes up later (i.e. someone mentions it to you) you can clear it up then.

Why not just go ahead and extend the leave for now? You can always choose to quit later, but this will give you some more time to figure out what you want to do, and to continue your recovery, right?

I'd do it, in a heartbeat, and not lose any sleep over it!

I would definitely not quit if you can extend the sick leave. It seems like you don't feel ready to return to work, so I'd try to take some extra time to figure things out (as mentioned above already). Take your time, otherwise you'll end up staying home from work again too. And I'd advise you not to feel guilty about it. Neither about the 'sneaking out'. The worst thing they an ever do is fire you, in which case you'd be at the exact same point as when you'd quit yourself. So, take your time, think about it and make sure you're absolutely ready if you decide to return.

Take care!

Wow. Thank you everyone for your responses and support. This is the first time I've posted and you've all been so helpful. I extended my sick leave and I'm on new meds now, so we'll see what tomorrow brings. I appreciate this so much.