I have anxiety - should I tell my manager

[user7843095]

Im on long term sick at the moment and I am due back middle of September. I have a lot of anxiety with my return, will I be able to cope, how secure is my job now, my illness, new manager since I have been off. I popped into work yesterday and ended up wishing I hadn't staff moaning about how bad things are and how the workload is too much now (not what I wanted to hear when Im feeling so anxious about returning and worried if I can cope).
Loved my job before I went off sick so don't know why Im feeling so anxious.
Should I tell my manager how im feeling or just hope that the feeling goes away?

Yes, tell them. They will be more supportive if they are aware.

Yes tell them. If they don't know they can't help.

What happens is she thinks I can't do my job 😥
I've not worked with her before and obviously haven't made the best first impression been off long term sick.

You have shown your new manager that you're a human being, who needs to be supported if they want you to get back to full strength.

Make a few notes of what aspects you are particularly worried about, and how specifically your new manager can support you.

So, if for example you are worried about coping with the workload (based on your OP), or you are concerned about fatigue, I would get your GP to write you a Fit Note which specifies a phase return (to be agreed what that will include re # of hours/days per week you'll do, and for how many weeks after your return). This should be sent to your new manager as soon as possible so they are fully prepared for this.

I would also ask your new manager if they would be willing to release a team communication before you return in mid-Sept, to say

@user7843095 is due to return to work on [date] after some time off. She will be on a phased return and I will be allocating her work priorities to ensure I can support her over the coming weeks as she gets back up to speed. Please give her your support and welcome her back to the team by supporting any queries she has and giving her any updates she may need

This is what leadership should be about, guiding the team with the right behaviours and culture.

OP I would expect your new manager to be having a return to work interview or conversation as which point you should disclose. Your manager can't help if you don't share what you have been going through.

Together you can work through a plan of return and how you are going to pick up your duties. Ie are you on phased return or things could have changed on processes/tasks.

I know it's a tough conversation but unless you speak up your manager won't be able to help.

@welshladywhois40 occ health are involved and the report does mention feeling anxious and losing my confidence after my illness so I guess this will help to bring it up, this was back in July and they suggested a phased return. My manager hasn't contacted me since she received the occ health report.