Has anyone successfully returned to a professional role after mental health burnout

[Watermelonnice]

If so, would you mind sharing how you got back into it and if you needed any adjustments or specific changes? Any other advice?

I had a complete burnout recently and after a few months off am finally feeling much better at home and in a position to think about work which was one of the main causes in the beginning, along with probably menopause.

I have been having therapy and meds and doing exercise and meditation. It’s been a long process and I want to get back to work but don’t want to feel worse again!

No advice OP but interested in any others can offer.

Glad to hear you are feeling better and good luck!

Good CBT and coaching.
Also changed jobs. Pressure the same (NHS) but team better. Have to keep reminding myself to step back. Accept what I cannot change. Remind myself it is not my failure, put my kids first. It's a constant battle with myself to not take on too much. Not there yet.

I did many years ago. It actually went a lot better than I feared. I do remember being very worried about it, so you have my sympathy. I think the first six months I went in and did the minimum that I had to do, so no extra projects, classes etc. On the whole, the burnout taught me to listen to my body and say no a lot more.

I returned to work with the same employer after a 7 month break because of a stress breakdown. I did a phased return over a couple of months and I took lots of leave. I had an amazing line manager and holistic support. But it was a return to the office role so I had colleagues support as well. It still took months for me to even feel half right particularly because I had to go through mediation.

My breakdown was due to my ex LM and I never reconciled that she got away with doing it to me and others. It changed me. It made me more anxious but also I refused to get in that state again. I also recognised bullies straight away and that they are all the same and say the same things

I had a complete breakdown caused by work, ended up off for 6 months and then went back to the same employer but in a different location, team and role. When I went back, my GP insisted on a very phased return over 3 months as I was still having treatment (anti-depressants, counselling and seeing the GP every week). I got back to work okay, but had a flare up about 3 years later when I ended up being diagnosed with PTSD and needed further treatment for that. It wasn't just the work breakdown caused it, there were abusive ex things caused it too. I'm a lot better now and am mostly stable.

Op I'm also in need of this advice so thank you. I wish you and @marmitencrumpets all the best xx
So far I'm having weekly therapy, occ health, a lot of pilates and meditation. My employers have been kind enough to outline clearly that they do not feel they are at fault despite me having concrete evidence. I say 'kind enough ' as now it is clear I have 0 obligation to do anything but the minimum

I could have written all this except I’m a senior leader in a school.

The biggest difference was changing to a new school.