Back to work tomorrow after 5 months off

[ian1]

Hi, nice to meet you all.

I have suffered from really bad panic attacks and anxiety for about 10 years now. I have generally managed to cope with it, and haven't taken any medication for it.

In June this year, things at work came to a head as my duties were increased and increased. I discussed this with my manager but she wasn't al all understanding and told me in not so many words to just get on with it.

I had what I consider to be some kind of breakdown and ended up being off work sick for the last 5 months. During this time I have had some CBT support from MIND which was very useful.

I am feeling a lot better now and am back to work tomorrow. I have been assured by my manager and HR during our formal meetings that my duties have gone back to what is in my job description. I have this in writing so hopefully that should be the case, and I feel I can cope with that.

I am, of course, a little nervous about going back and may need somewhere to discuss how it's going and hopefully get some support. Hence me registering here

I hope you are all doing OK, and I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow!

[AnxiousHarry]

Hello ian1 welcome 2 NMP, hope it goes well 4 you back at work, plenty of help and advice on here GREAT bunch of peeps on here

[maddie]

Well done and good luck for tomorrow!
I left work due to an incident at work. Remember, the stress you feel is not the same response someone else might have in the same situation. That doesn't matter - it is your perception of stress in the workplace that counts.

[ian1]

Thanks!

I have decided that I am not going to let them get to me, it's what I think and feel that counts.

I have found exercise and losing weight (lost 5 stones...deliberately!!) to be very helpful. I told my manager in one of the meetings that I was joining a gym near work and was going to take my full lunch hour each day and go do some exercise to set me up for the afternoon.

She questioned how that would fit into the day, and what if there wasn't time to take a full hour. I said that's too bad, I WAS taking the hour as it was important to keep me well.

She pulled a face and huffed and puffed a bit, but I'm really not bothered what they think. I am entitled to an hour at lunchtime, and from now on I'm going to take it.

I am going to take this attitude into all work issues and if they don't like it, tough

[pinkcherryhearts]

hi ian
glad to hear that you are back to work and have the confidence to tell your boss how you feel. You must have breaks, my panic attacks were caused by not having a long enough break so well done for telling her straight. stay confident and well done

[ann01]

Ive been off work sick with anxiety and panics for 7 months now. I would like to wish you the very best on your return to work, you may find it could be the making of you. Glad to hear your being strong and positive. Let us know how it goes.
Ann

[ian1]

Thanks all, off for an early night in readiness. Will let you know tomorrow evening how my first day back goes.

Should be an interesting day, work til 5pm then have to have the swine flu vaccine at 5.30pm!

[Maj]

All the best to you Ian. You've done so well losing all that weight, that must have done loads for your self-esteem. I can relate to the extra duties at work, it does catch up and make you feel resentful, no wonder you felt stressed. You're the one that's come out on top. You've changed your life for the best. Well done I hope they realise what a good conscientious worker they have. And yes, take your full break - you're no better thought of if you don't. You are on the right track - well done and hope you have a good day. Let us know how you get on.
Myra

[ian1]

Back from first day at work. It was OK and I was fine with regards to panics and anxiety. Crap day though, had a meeting with my manager and the person who had been covering for me, and seemed to get the blame for everything that isn't right. I hadn't given this person enough support so they struggled, I gave that person too much support so they became dependent, things were behind because I hadn't put things in place etc etc. Amazing how it's all my fault and I haven't been there for 5 months!

This was all without even the slightest question of 'how are you?', how caring they are.

Stayed calm and fought my corner, though, and proud of myself for that. No way am I going to let them set me back!

[nomorepanic]

Well done Ian

We are all very proud of you to have done that and stood your ground too.