Extreme anxiety about leaving work for maternity leave

[Nic165]

I only have a few weeks left of work before I go on maternity leave. And for the last 2 months I have been unable to sleep, cannot stop thinking about work, scared, anxious, panicky about leaving for a period of time. I think it boils down to the fact I have got myself in a good position in the team and I am scared of missing out, falling behind, and someone getting ahead of me. I am very competitive by nature, always have been, and the thought of not having control of being out of work for so many months literally has me going insane. I am making myself ill over this when I should be excited for my little baby arriving. Instead I'm wrapped up in thoughts of work and the impending date I have to leave. I guess I'm not really sure what I'm looking for here, but any advice on how to relax and stop anxiously thinking about work 24/7 would really help

Many women's careers survive maternity leave. Keep in touch with a couple of friends from work so you can find out what's going on. It's a pity your maternity leave is coinciding with a time when your career is going well, but remember that life experience (parenting) is useful in most work situations. When you go back you will be bringing your new personal development experience with you.

Thank you @thinkingcat. My rational mind knows I can pick up where I left off when I return and I will still have the same determination to do well. It's just that persistent voice of anxiety that takes over and has me thinking I'm going to lose it all and start from scratch again. I wish I could take my mind out for just one night and not think about anything at all