Should I go back or take another week off?

[Booksandwine80]

I’m in two minds as to what I should do and my anxiety is back through the roof again.

This is my third week off work sick, with depression and anxiety. I spoke with my manager in the phone today to confirm that I would be back at work next week.

On one hand I feel like I’m not ready, on the other I feel that the longer I leave it the worse it will make going back.

My manager said she will meet with me first thing on my first day back to have a chat and see if she can do anything to ease me back into work (work was part of the reason I have been poorly).

I then heard her colleague next to her say “can you let her know she’s covering for so in so the first week she’s back”

I’m now so anxious I have my own work to catch up on, I’m covering for someone else (don’t know if it’s sick or holiday I’m covering) and am now contemplating not returning next week after all.

I had a follow up with my GP this morning who said if I didn’t feel ready to go back next week she would happily write me another note.

What would you do?

If you don’t feel ready, then don’t go back yet. Be kind to yourself. Don’t force it.

I do agree somewhat with your train of thought that the longer you leave it the worse it will get, but only if you stay in, withdraw, stop seeing friends and family and stop exercising.
I know with depression it’s very easy to let the depression take over, it’s a storm that you have to ride out and there’s are ways to help that ride be a little easier.

Has your GP suggested any counselling, therapy or anti depressants to help with your depression and anxiety? Are you exercising, which is a great way to help boost mood, even if that’s just a walk to the shop to get a magazine? Are you keeping a routine while your off, even if that’s just setting an alarm and getting out of bed and showered by a certain time?

I know it’s really difficult, I do, but you won’t feel depressed and anxious forever. It will get better.

Are work making reasonable adjustments for your return, like phased return or part time working for a short while to ease you back in? Things like this can really help.