Going back to work

[vwone]

I am due to go back to work on Monday but for mornings only, I do not really want to tell people why I have been off but I do not want to lie either what have you said?

[Beetzart]

Going back was the hardest part for me.  It was a small workforce so word soon got round to why I was off.  I think one person asked if I was ok and another said, sarcastically, 'all destressed now, are ya?'.  It all depends on the make up of your work place.  Mine was very male dominated and things like mental illnesses did seem to seen as weaknesses and people were not very sympathetic.

Do you have anyone at work (a peer, not management) you can confide in and trust?  If you do then that could be a big help.

All the best

[bookletters]

I have said "I've had health problems" or "anxiety" or sometimes "depression"..... once you tell people you'd be surprised how many will tell you (okay this is my example at my previous workplace): "my hubby gets depression", "my son has schizophrenia", "my daughter had a psychotic episode"..... people would NEVER talk about mental health issues unless you do..... BUT you are not the only one! 1 in 4 remember....

[vwone]

Thanks both for the replies, there is not really a peer to confide in as I am the manager for the area and my manager is the national one. I think I will go with anxiety as it is almost an all male enviroment and I can imagine excalty the comments that you have mentioned

[Beetzart]

I have said "I've had health problems" or "anxiety" or sometimes "depression"..... once you tell people you'd be surprised how many will tell you (okay this is my example at my previous workplace): "my hubby gets depression", "my son has schizophrenia", "my daughter had a psychotic episode"..... people would NEVER talk about mental health issues unless you do..... BUT you are not the only one! 1 in 4 remember....

That's good and I imagine very reassuring to a point.  Unfortunately I was given the cold shoulder.  No one said anything positive to me and going on what people around me said about others behind their backs I dread to think what they said about me.

[bookletters]

Sorry to hear that Beezart, at the same time, people will ALWAYS find something to gossip about regardless of what's going on in your life.
It's always "look how fat she is" / "how did the boss pull her husband he is stunning she is a minger" / "he is mean with money" / "look at what she is wearing" / "he smells"....
The fact that they give you the cold shoulder pah! Their loss if they want to be so narrow minded!!!

[Beetzart]

That's true.  I could never understand gossip or that nasty pleasure in seeing others mess up.  I always wanted to talk about science or something stimulating but no one was interested.  

[vwone]

Ok so went back today starting on 1/2 days so not too bad. Was really nervous this morning especially as had a couple of low days but it went ok nobody said much just asked if I was ok  =+-

[Beetzart]

Glad to hear it went ok for you.  That is the hardest hurdle done.  I'm just curious though roughly what kind of work do you do?

[vwone]

Glad to hear it went ok for you.  That is the hardest hurdle done.  I'm just curious though roughly what kind of work do you do?

Thanks, I am an area manager for a company that specialises in energy reduction Loft instullation, PV, new heating etc...

[lampy]

Glad going back was ok for you. I am going back to work in a couple of weeks and I am dreading it, not because of what people will say but because I have hardly been out the door in 8 weeks!!
Hope it all stays good for you.

Lampy

[bookletters]

Going back to work is always a tough one but then when you are in a routine and get knackered by work it all helps recovery.