Better to be off work or at work functioning badly?!

[teaandbiscuitsface]

I was signed off work earlier in the year with anxiety/low mood. Went back about a month ago. Didn't really know what the cause was but over time I've come to believe that it's mostly down to my job. Objectively I don't think the job is particularly taxing but I'm finding that every meeting, email, interaction is causing me undue worry and I'm very anxious about every action I take. I'm ruminating on this outside of work and generally fixating on things. I'm having CBT on NHS but finding it hard to do the work between sessions, due to lack of time and headspace.

I'm beginning to wonder if I'd be better off signed off work again, and would that be better for everyone else than me working at a much lower productivity? I'm starting to feel like I'm irritating colleagues with my reduced productivity and general inability to keep a handle on things.

For me it's better to be there as the routine keeps me from spiralling too low but I'm probably a nightmare to work with. I'm lucky my boss is supportive.

I wonder if you'd be better off at home. You could make a bad decision at work which has to be put right which would make you feel worse. At home you are out of harm's way and can concentrate on your recovery.

I agree with a PP that for me personally I am better going to work & keeping as much routine going as possible. I find if I'm off work I just sit & worry more/become more anxious.

That said, just how different is your productivity? Do you work for an employer who would realistically get a temp to cover you? If they would just split your work between your colleagues then surely they are better off with you there doing some than at home doing none.

I am off work due to anxiety but sometimes think I would like to work part time for socialising and to feel like I'm contributing. But I find that work and stress sets my anxiety off. Dont know what to do. Currently going through an anxious period stomach churning can't eat much

I'm struggling at the moment too, and feel like I'm going to have to raise it with work. I took last week as annual leave but the issues that are at the root of my problems are home based, so I felt like I was even more exposed to them and felt worse.
I think I'm going to have a chat with my boss and explain that I don't want to be off sick but if I seem a bit less productive than usual it's because I have a lot going on at home.

I feel ypu OP, I've had work related anxiety for over 10 years now. It never fully goes away just ebbs and flows. Mine is particularly bad right now. Not sleeping at night which makes me tired and useless in the day. Its an awful cycle. You're clearly.not alone here. I wish we could all meet and share our experiences together.