To have horrible work anxiety

[Sofiegiraffe]

Recently gone back to work after maternity leave and I am struggling so much. The anxiety at the thought of going there is horrible. Leaving my baby is almost unbearable and the work environment is in a mess (healthcare setting and impact of covid), and I don't feel supported there with my return to work at all. It's almost as though I was never away - some people haven't even spoken to me and I've been back since last week! I don't know what to do. Quitting isn't an option, I will owe back thousands of maternity pay and also we need my salary to support the family.

I don't know what I'm posting for. Just some support or words of encouragement maybe? I'm so lost with it all.

Nothing particularly helpful to say other than it sounds very tough. Going back after maternity leave is always difficult. I don’t work in healthcare but I imagine your colleagues have been under a lot of strain and are burned out and exhausted, and just putting one foot in front of the other. The chances are it will get better as you get into your stride.

I really sympathise, hang on in there 🙂 Your feelings about leaving the baby are normal and will improve with time. It sounds like you’ve returned to a very busy and stressed environment so don’t worry if your colleagues haven’t had time to support you as you would like, though consider talking to your line manager or HR if there are specific issues. Try and take it day by day, and within that hour by hour, and try to focus on keeping busy, re-familiarising with old skills etc, doing the job the best you can. When you’re really stressed think about the long term … all the benefits that job will bring to you and your family. I’ve often had very stressful periods in my career and thinking about the bigger picture always helped. Best wishes and Good Luck 💐

How's it going OP? I'm in a similar position, having returned in January from maternity leave as well and it's a tough transition isn't it!!

Don't make any hasty decisions. this too shall pass