Return to work - very nervous

[Babettesidsefreyaallthescandi]

Hi, I am due to return to work after having been off for 6 months and I am feeling very nervous. I will not get a phased return as I work part time on a zero hours contract. I am worried that I won't be up to doing the job as the medication that I am taking - 5mg of Olanzapine and 40mg of Fluoxetine affect my ability to process complex information. I am due to reduce the Olanzapine to 2.5mg to see if this helps. Is this just understandable nerves and should I just go for it and hope for the best?

I would go for it, its normal to be nervous after time off, but remember you can get signed off again if you can't manage it.

Its the olanzapine making you tired but will also help nerves. The first day will be worst. Good luck x

Remember that zero hours means you get to decide how much you work too. Be kind to yourself for the first few weeks and don’t push yourself too much.

Thank you all for your kind words. I don't think that I would be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay Penguin if I went off sick again. Also, I don't think that my work would be very happy. I am planning to do the minimum number of hours to ease myself back in. Hopefully, a reduced dose of Olanzapine will help with the feeling that my brain is on a go slow.

I think its 6 months on SSP then you can go onto ESA though not sure how easy that is or all rules around it. Not sure if you can get SSP again after a gap like 3 months too but yes employers don't like sickness. I am off sick at the moment.

Does ESA still exist or is it UC?
OP if you don't mind me asking what's the olanzapine for?
I only ask since I have psychosis for which I take a similar drug, and when I reduce it I sometimes get some rebound symptoms, particularly when under stress.
To answer your question, if you are stable on benefits, I wouldn't return. I would hold out for a contract job then you are secure money wise, won't have to keep handing in pay slips to prove earnings. I think that will make you more stressed.
I would do some voluntary work in the interim to keep your CV busy and get some confidence back.

I thought ESA did still exist but I am not a benefits expert at all, might well be UC now www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance its not totally clear but there should be something after SSP anyway though don't know how easy it is to get and stay on.