Going back to work after a nervous breakdown

[Intheprimeoflime]

I am in my early 50s and am looking to return to work after a nervous breakdown and 6 months away from work. I need to return to work desperately for financial reasons. I was on sick leave before handing my notice in as the thought of going back to my old place of work was giving me panic attacks. I was bullied there and was given more and more work every time someone else left. I had been there 14 years with little sickness but last year something snapped and I couldn't do it any more. My issues are resolved now but I'm worried about my employability after this breakdown. Before last year I had been in work since I was 16 years old, never been without work in my life. What are my chances of getting back into work? How much should I disclose about the breakdown? Is simply being honest the best way forward?

How about temp work? Ease yourself in gently.

Great to read you have come through such a tough time.

Hi, so sorry to hear you’ve been through such a tough time. If you could perhaps look for some temporary work that could be one way forward. I’d hold back with such personal information just giving a little to explain your time away from work. Hope all goes ok for you x

I do understand your nervousness. But if you've been employed since you were 16 and this is the first time workplace bullying has pushed you off the edge then the problem isn't you, it's them. Chances are you'll get another job which will be fine. You'd be very unlucky to get into that situation again. Good luck.
bastards

As the saying goes "get back on the horse" - try not to overthink anything or anticipate what you'll find, just get your CV out there, show off all the years of experience you have and see what happens.

Maybe try a public sector role. They are very much more supportive of people who have had MH problems, or career break due to health. Key thing is don't focus at all on that, only talk about your skills and experience. Remember not to define yourself by 1 negative experience in a whole career.