to think I can never go back to my workplace

[user9088765]

Ok so the title is a bit OTT but I had a sickness absence meeting with my manager today and I just wanted the ground to swallow me up.
I was so anxious, couldn't look her in the eyes, just nodded, didn't want to speak. I literally just fell apart which is not like me at all.
Please tell me this has happened to others before or should I start the job hunting now 🤣

If you have a decent manager they should be a little sympathetic and help support you to reduce your absence if possible.

As a manager, a meeting like this is preferable over some of the alternatives.

You'll be fine.

I've had many of these (have a long term condition) and despite telling myself this will be the one where I don't cry, it never is.
Hope your manager is supportive

Don't worry OP managers see this more often than you think, your manager should be trying to support you to return to work.