Anxiety - how can I help?

[goover]

I manage someone with depression and anxiety. She's had it for years, but has recently had a particularly bad time and has had several weeks off work. She's due back next week.

I want to make sure that I'm managing her in a way that is helpful. I read so much about terrible bosses making things worse, and I don't want to be that person!

So - those of you who have experienced anxiety and depression, what would you like from your manager?

A big part would be understanding, which it sounds like you are trying to do so that's a great start.

A big thing that helped with me was a Workplace Recovery Action Plan (if you Google there may be a template) where your employee can write down what their symptoms, triggers and coping mechanisms are. And also acknowledging that returning is a massive step for them sp their anxiety may be up. The Blurt foundation has a lot of good resources.