Signed off.. now what?

[iwantdessert]

I’ve been signed of with anxiety depression and stress for 2 weeks. It’s a relief to not have to go into work while I feel so low but what now?

If you’ve ever been signed off what did you do in that time to help yourself?

Cooked a meal from scratch every day. Exercised and watched a couple of box sets. It's a rough old ride OP. I am very familiar with anxiety. Try not to just sit and stare at the wall. It's so easy to do. All the best with your recovery.

Get outside. Walk in the morning and pick up some fresh ingredients. Come home and prep a meal.

Dig some soil and plant some seeds.

If you have a beach nearby, dip your feet in the sea and let them sink a little into the sand.

Go to a cat cafe. Cuddle the cats.

Swim lengths (or if you are me, swim a length then take 20 mins to recover) in the local pool.

The first time I did way too much and went back too soon, hence being off a second time for 6 months now. I'm not anywhere near ready to resume normal life yet so I just do what I can. I have deep cleaned various bits of the house but mainly I keep on top of the day to day running of the household and do the school run. I also try to exercise 4x week. I've watched a fair bit of TV but still feel low. I'm struggling but am starting to feel better finally. Leaving work will help me on the way with that.

It’s only day 2 and work are already pressuring me to go back

Remind them of your return to work date and block contact with them. I would say that you will ring in the day before you need to return to confirm that you are/are not coming back if sign off sooner. Sick notes don't have to be delivered in person so it can be sent in the post

I suffer with depression and anxiety but, strangely, I am better when working. If I spend too long at home alone with my thoughts I barely leave the sofa (apart from the school run). Work gives me a reason to get up early, do my hair etc, get out and interact with others. Sort of 'take my mind off things.' I absolutely agree with those that say cooking, gardening etc and certainly exercise.

Were there triggers that caused this episode of anxiety/depression? If so, do they need to be dealt with?
I second boosting your mood with nutritional food and yoga or pilates. Plus lots of walking, fresh air and quiet coffee shops. Try to get into a book so that you can zone out from your thoughts. Dancing? What makes you laugh? What gives you joy? Hope you feel better soon.

What have they said?

If you are signed off then you are not allowed back into the building to work until either the note expires or a doctor confirms.