Advice on going back to work without panic!!

[skoosh1]

Hi, I've decided to go back to work next tuesday after being off work for for weeks with GAD. I lost a stone through worry due to the burning skin sensations all over and now I've got the warmth & crawling feelings all over my body. All I can do is think about going back to work & everything is going through my mind eg how will I be able to get up in morning without bringing the panic on and what if it starts at work and it all comes back as bad as ever and then I'm off again. Can anyone give me any tips on how they done it & any distraction techniques. The only med I'm on is 2mg of valium which ends next week.

[Annie0904]

Why don't you ask your doctor to give you a note to go back on a gradual phased return? that is what I am going to do. x

[skoosh1]

I am but its the feelings in the morning when I wake its horrible, everything starts, the mind, the heat & the wobbly legs. I'm scared I don't have the strength to face it

[Annie0904]

I am the same at the moment. I am due to go back 11th Feb but will see how I cope. It's awful isn't it? xx

[AceR1mmer]

Make a list of songs that make you feel positive,full of energy,excited etc
and then put them on a cd or ipod and play it every morning when you gota go to work, be harder to feel panicy when surrounded by awesome music

personaly 80's/90's rock music does it for me lol

[skoosh1]

It is awful I know. Keep saying the thought is always worse than reality but the nearer the time comes the worry starts again. Good idea about the music thanks I'll blast the Killers on & the neighbours will have a fit lol xx

[AceR1mmer]

lol your welcome try some Guns N Roses

[EmilyK83]

When I first went back, I started getting up earlier in the mornings so I had time to myself to relax before going in. I'd make myself a cup of tea and browse the Internet or watch some tv before I had to leave...definitely helped. If I'm rushing to get ready and am already anxious about work, I find it makes it worse.

I also started doing the walk to work before I actually went back, just to get back into that routine so it wasn't so scary. Good luck - am sure you'll be fine x

[Annie0904]

I am going to ask if my phased return can be afternoons to start with as I am always worse on a morning.