Return to work help

[Naveloranges]

I have been off work for nearly 6 weeks due to depression. I have worked really hard to get myself in a place where I felt I could cope. Work has generally been helpful and I haven’t had any time off for many years with depression. I take sertraline in the morning and mirtazipime in the evening plus counselling once a week. I’m on the list for adult mental health.
My GP was very reluctant but I managed to persuade him that I was ok. He has agreed but only if I do very limited hours for the first two weeks and then go back and see him. I’m talking 6 hours over two weeks so I can teach my exam class. As soon as I said I was going back, all the emails are coming back and I feel totally overwhelmed. I don’t normally find work too stressful but it’s making me so anxious.
Any help or advice on how to deal with this would be much appreciated.

Anyone?

Not much help but didn't want to read and dash.

1. Go back to your GP. You need to be well before you return to work. You wouldn't take a cast off early and start walking on injured ankle without making it worse.

1. If you really feel you must teach the class, do just this. Set up a temporary gmail address for just this and don't touch the work one. It will be hard, but you are important and you have to look after yourself so you can get back to being on an even keel.

1. Be kind to yourself. You're doing better than you think

@ACavalo thank you so much for posting. I have taken on board your suggestions. I am going ahead with the return and will see GP in 10 days or call if I’m struggling.

I was off work for a long period for similar reasons. I went back too soon and ended up off again within 3 weeks. I'm sorry, I know it isn't what you want to hear but it doesn't sound like you're ready.