Back to work anxiety

[Mysharonawoana]

I am returning to work in a few months (so it’s a way off yet) after a year. I am so anxious about it. If I see anything relating to work or from colleagues on social media I feel a bit sick. Before mat leave I was confident at work, had a decent working relationship with colleagues and my boss, and felt ‘good’ at my job. Now I can barely imagine getting back to it. I can’t even imagine sending a work related email.
I’ve visited a few times to see people, and always felt like I missed the place and was glad to be there. But the thought of returning to actually work there is so anxiety-making.
My baby is all sorted with a combination of grandparent and nursery care for when I go back, I’m pretty confident about leaving him, and think he will benefit a lot from socialising etc, so it’s not really the leaving the baby thing that’s worrying me.
Is it normal to feel so anxious about going to back to work?

It's totally normal. I had 14 months off with DS, and a stressful time going back as my manager made it difficult (wanted me to go back early, there was a whole thing) and I felt utterly sick for weeks leading up to it.

But, once I was there it really wasn't that bad. I think you build it up in your head to be much worse than it's going to be. You will be eased in gently I'm sure. Will you have any re-training when you fist go back? That really helped me, I had to completely re train as I work in a regulated role and requires training if off for longer than a year.
It helped me get back into the swing of things.

Try to enjoy the last of your maternity leave, put going back to the back of your mind (easier said than done I know) and honestly it won't be as bad as you think.

Thank you, good to hear it’s normal. No re training as such but I can ask to go on a couple of courses. You’re right that they will ease me back into it.