Returning to work
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Mental illness is one of the most challenging circumstances that an individual can face. For many people, balancing work responsibilities, relationships and personal wellness can be difficult. When facing a mental illness diagnosis, things may become more challenging as you consider your future and options for treatment. How do you return to work after a mental illness? Although this may seem like a monumental challenge, with dedication and support, it can be done successfully. Here are some tips for how to return to work after mental illness:
Stay in touch with your employer
When you’re ready to return to work, stay in communication with your employer. Inform them of your progress in treatment, and discuss your expectations for when you’re ready to go back. This will help your employer see that you are actively working on your recovery. It will also give your employer a sense of how long you may need off.
Set small goals and celebrate milestones
As you head towards your return to work, set small goals for yourself. This will help you to stay motivated and on track towards your ultimate goal of resuming the responsibilities you had before your mental illness. Begin by setting small goals such as meeting with your doctor or attending support group meetings. Additionally, after you have achieved a few milestones, give yourself a pat on the back! This will help you stay motivated, and will remind you that you are capable of more than you think.
Take care of yourself physically
As you begin to work towards resuming your work responsibilities, it’s important to take care of yourself physically. This includes eating well, getting adequate sleep, and participating in self-care rituals. Your mental health and wellness is dependent on your physical health, so it’s important to take care of yourself. After you have resumed working, it’s important to continue to take care of yourself physically. This includes maintaining a healthy diet, finding time for self-care, and taking breaks throughout the day as necessary. Be sure to take any medications prescribed, and talk to your doctor if you are experiencing side effects. This will help prevent a relapse, and make you feel like you are in control.
Create a support system
While you are out on leave, establish a support system. This can be in the form of attending support meetings or connecting with a coach. In the UK the charity MIND has a peer support directory of local groups (https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/peer-support-directory/find-peer-support-where-you-live/) designed to provide support and education to those living with mental illness, as well as their family members and loved ones. A coach can guide you through the process of getting back to work after mental illness, and help you avoid unnecessary stress and anxiety. A support system can help you stay on track with your treatment plan, and offer encouragement when you are feeling discouraged. Having a support system in place will help you to focus on your wellness, and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
No one is an island, and no one can do everything alone. If you have a tendency to strive for perfectionism, accept that you cannot do everything without a little help. Also, if you are feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help. This will help you to avoid feeling pressured to do everything on your own. Additionally, if you are feeling overwhelmed, you are likely not as productive as you could be. This can affect your performance, and affect your ability to return to work after mental illness. Reach out to your support system, and ask for help as needed. This can help you remain productive throughout the process.
Conclusion
Although mental illness can be challenging and overwhelming, there are ways to ease the transition back to work after a mental illness diagnosis. Begin by staying in touch with your employer, setting small goals, and creating a support system. Stay physically healthy and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Take these steps, and you can ease back into work after a mental illness diagnosis.
If you are struggling with anxieties as you return to work and looking for someone to support you then please get in touch at richard@newdaycoaching for a free, no obligation introductory chat to explore how I may be able to help you through this time. https://www.newdaycoaching.co.uk/121-coaching
If you are an employer and would like to talk about how to support people through anxiety and stress above and beyond an EAP then drop me an email at the same address to discuss the benefits holding a session or series of sessions to do just that. https://www.newdaycoaching.co.uk/public-speaking
