Nervous about returning to work after long-term absence due to mental health

[Butterflyy]

I've posted on here before so some of you may recognise my story, but I've name changed to try and avoid it all becoming too identifying. I've been off work for around 2 months due to poor mental health. I'm going back to work soon on a phased return plan and I'm feeling really nervous about it. I do feel ready to go back but I feel really vulnerable and things keep giving me flashbacks to the last few weeks before I was signed off when I was crying all the time. I did hand in my notice whilst on sick leave as I couldn't imagine ever feeling strong enough to go back, but after talking to my manager I withdrew my notice.

I'm on medication which has helped, but I think I may need an increase in dose. I'm going to try and do a quick workout in the mornings before work to try and get the nervous energy out. I also want to try and get up earlier before starting work so that I have a calmer morning as before I felt so depressed I couldn't motivate myself to get up any earlier than 5-10 minutes before work started when working from home.

I'm just nervous. Does anyone have any advice or has anyone gone through this and could just let me know how their return to work went and what kind of things helped? Thank you

Firstly its really positive your manager is approachable and it seems they genuinely kern to have you back.

You seem to have a very positive attitude and routine will be great so you're ready for the day rather than just struggling through it.

Well done on getting back to work, its completely understandable to be nervous but you can do it....

Please also remember that most people will feel nervous after a period off work. Whether for physical or mental health reasons. It's quite normal.

Sounds good that your manager is supportive.

Good luck.

I recently returned to work after 6 weeks off due to mh issues. I was shitting myself about going back. My manager has been great and I am on a phased return. My colleagues were lovely and happy to see me back. My manager set aside an hour with me to get me back up to speed with what had been going on. I made sure I was the first one in the office (just my preference) so I didn’t have to walk in to everyone. The first 10 minutes were the hardest - after that it was like I had never been away! My manager still checks in with me regularly and I will probably extend my phases return for a bit longer.
Good luck and well done on going back!