Severe anxiety around returning to work

QuietOak

Hi all. So I’ve been off work since march due to physical health and my mental health.
I am due to return middle of the month next month and I am so so terrified and I don’t know where to turn to, who to talk to about it. I work for a charity and there really isn’t a mental health worker or anyone per se I can talk to. Everyone is super super understanding and know about my autism and ADHD but I’m just so so scared. My anxiety has anyways been so so high these past weeks and just felt really depressed I don’t know how to cope with the thought of returning to work. I shouldn’t complain as I would be working one day a week but it’s just having to socialise and masking. I’m a really high masking person and smile a lot when at work and am chatty but I also feel so overwhelmed and unwell and have anxiety attacks while nobody knows dreading to get thought the whole day.
I just don’t know where to turn to, Google reminded me to come to Scope so here I am. 😭😭😔

Holly_Scope

Hi @QuietOak bless you, its understandable that returning to work feels daunting with what you've been through. Has your manager offered an occupational health assessment that would include you talking directly to a healthcare professional about how you're feeling, and what might help you? Even a phased return like a few hours to begin with and then build up from there might be something they'd support and put forward for you?

I'm also going to pop you an email with some options for support and some alternative places where you can talk about how you're feeling and gain some support so please keep an eye out for this.

Best wishes,

Holly

QuietOak

@Holly_Scope

no they haven’t, I’ve had Safe Haven and crisis workers asked the same questions but don’t have that. I guess also too scared to ask too.

And thank you for taking time to send me the email appreciate that

Holly_Scope

I'd definitely recommend asking for an occupational health assessment @QuietOak. Do you have an email address you could send the request to if it's a bit daunting face to face?

No problem, I hope the information is helpful to you.

QuietOak

@Holly_Scope

I responded to your email I hope you received it, thanks again.

I will try email about occupation health assessment and see what they say.

StarryEyed

Sorry you're struggling @QuietOak Hopefully you'll get the support you need both out there and here. You might want to check out the mental health section here on the forum. Sending you warm wishes....💖

QuietOak

@Holly_Scope

I just got a letter today that my CMHRS(CMHT) referral was once again declined after 4 referrals within 3 months lol. So I don’t have any support even in the waiting right now.