How much time off work?

[Balloonsandroses]

I’m due to be discharged from a psychiatric hospital soon having had a fairly long (6 months) admission for depression. Just trying to work out what to do next. Everything feels very weird and very tiring. I don’t know if going back to work will help me get back into a routine or make things worse because of adding another stress (I work full time in a pretty high stress responsible job). Anyone have any advice on how long to take off work? What did you do?
thanks in advance

Hi OP, I think everyone will react differently but In my experience, it is important not to put yourself under pressure to return to normal too quickly.

Have you spoken to your employer about a phased return to work? I found that essential as it allowed me time to ease myself gently back into the routine and it also makes your colleagues aware that you are still recovering so they don’t expect too much initially.

Like the PP said can you do a phased return/staggered start to see how you get on? If you ease yourself gently it gives you a chance to get back into a routine but not have additional unwanted stress. Definitley worth a conversation with your employer/he to see your options first.

I recently had an admission of a couple of months. Discharged in March, I'm still off. Although I'm self employed so may be slightly different to your circumstances. In all honesty, I'm still not well. I'm not ill enough to require acute psychiatric care, but I'm still very unwell with a lot of input from CMHT.

But to answer your question ... I wouldn't return to work until you were absolutely well enough to do so. In my situation, I have what I'd call some secondary trauma from having been in hospital so long. I know that I need to heal from that as well as the lingering memories of having had psychotic depression. Forcing yourself into a "routine" can mean something like ensuring you're washing and dressing each day, going for a walk etc. you don't have to push yourself to work if you feel you're not ready.

What did your doctors say when they discharged you? Do you work in a big organisation? My husband spoke to the occupational health person at work and along with his doctor and mental health team, they worked on a phased return package for him

Yes the short answer is 'when you're ready'.

Would definitely expect an occupational health referral.

Has your treatment helped you to understand where there are triggers for / scenarios that are unhelpful for your mental health, whether these are at work or home? I wasn't admitted but had several months off a couple of years ago and the thing I look back on as most important was getting routines and habits established (at home) that would support wellness once I went back to work, and understanding what needed to change about my job/workplace/how I work and discussing those with my employer to implement reasonable adjustments.

Important not to go back into the same situation that made/exacerbated illness.

Good luck