Stress Center Peer Support

I'm supposed to start back to work tomorrow after being off for a few weeks on medical leave. I woke up this morning feeling very nervous and all those feelings of when I was at work are coming back. I know I have to go to work I'm just so scared. I dread waking up tomorrow with those feelings and driving in.

I'm not ready but I know I'll never be ready. I just feel like a big ball of nerves. I want to enjoy my day today but I can't. I'm trying to be positive but it's not working.

gi22 i also hae to return to work in a couple of weeks ive been out 2 months im dont even know how i will get through it i guess just try and use every tool u have and pray i guess whats the worse thing that could happen we all have to get past this fear its the only way out good luck wayne

I've had to return to work after a long absence. I just kept saying "it's no big deal", "it just doesn't matter" over and over again. Once I got through the 1st day I was OK. Give yourself a pat on the back because it is a brave thing to do.

I hope I can make it through the day like you did. I'm a ball of nerves right now, just anticipating the worst. I have a million questions running through my mind. What if I can't make it there? What if I can't go and I get fired? I'll be letting everyone down who said I could do it. I'd be letting myself down if I wasn't strong enough to do it. I just hope it's not as bad as I am thinking its going to be.

Hi Im actually going back to work tommorow and Im also nervous. I just keep saying what is the worst possible thing that can happen and its I'll have a panic attack and I'll sit down and get over it. Then go back to work. But try and stay busy and you'll be fine.

GI822,

I just returned to work 3 weeks ago after taking a leave of absence to take care of my mother who is battling cancer. I was so scared of leaving the safe zone of not having to worry about work. I posted my fear and I received some very good advice about turning it into a positive. I dreaded the entire ride to the office (I have an hour drive). When I got there, everybody was excited to see me back, my boss told me he realized how much work I do, etc. It was a good experience. Look to the positive, you can use it as a way of pushing through some of your anxiety. I wish you the best.
LisaLisa

Well I went back today, was nervous driving in but was fine all day. I think I kept playing that I could leave at anytime so I think that kept me from panicking.

Good for you GI822! One day at a time, even one moment at a time, right?
Darb

going back to work is scary at first because its not a regular routine that goes on in your daily life.Believe me you will be just fine because it will all come so natural for you as it did for me.