Signed off and at a loss

[Chickenish]

Mental health freak-out so written off from work. The bad thoughts have faded (still there a little), but I’m not really sure what I am supposed to do with this time.

Also, work is making me more stressed. I’d like to apply for a different job but when they ask how much I was off sick what do I say?

Baby steps. You don’t need to be thinking about applying for new jobs right now.

How long are you signed off for? Do you have medication/psych or more GP appts or therapy scheduled? Between now and your next appointment, whatever it is, all you have to do is the very basics of self care and focus on that.
Eat each day, as healthily as you can. Get some good sleep. Look after yourself physically - wash, dress, get outside/go for a walk if you can. I’d also try and get/keep my living environment as pleasant as possible because it really affects my mental health when it’s messy/dirty and I know working on that would help me. I’d also do things like paint my nails, get a massage/facial and go to yoga classes as these are things that help calm my mind. If I was at home and fretting I’d try and do some mindful activities like a sewing/craft project, colouring/drawing, baking/cooking. But realistically at first, when really unwell, it was just try and wash myself and put clean clothes on each day, sleep and watch a lot of crap tv.

So just rest your mind from all the current stresses your signed off from. Focus on the very basics - food, sleep, hygiene, health, wellbeing, whatever gets you through the day and helps you feel human.

Thank you. I tried going out today, but I just ended up stood there, confused.