Feeling a bit lost

Hi @JJll and welcome to the forums

I'm sorry to hear that you're going through a hard time at the moment, though it's good to hear that you've been able to touch base with your doctor.

I hear that it's pretty tough being at home with your thoughts and worries at the moment. Do you have anyone who you've been able to express these to? Sometimes voicing our thoughts can help us to work through them

Hey there @JJll ,

Good on you for reaching out.

It sounds like things have been very tough for you recently.

I'm glad to hear you have been able to talk to a professional to support you during this transition period.

Mental health has its ups and downs and certainly isn't a linear process. With the graduated transition back to work, is this something you think will work for YOU? Whilst it can be helpful for some, I hear that you are finding being alone difficult in terms of being stuck in thoughts. I recognise working can be a form of stability for some people.

I'm interested to hear what your inner voice is telling you to do to help you through this rough patch.

Also, what are some things you enjoy doing? Hobbies?

Thanks. I've been talking to my mum, but she's not sure how to help, and dad just gets annoyed and thinks I need to suck it up and get back to work before I have no job to go back to.

I managed to grab an appointment with my counselor for tomorrow (Fri) afternoon. But finding it hard to relax in the meantime. I just wish I had an "off switch"

Yes. I agree that it's not a linear process.

With the graduated return for work, I'm not loving the idea, it leaves me with not a lot to do and my brain tells me that it won't be long before they realise they don't need me, regardless if that's true or not.

I'm not having much in they way of inner voice helping me.

I also don't have a great deal of hobbies

I hear the graduated return does not seem that appealing to you @JJll .

Do you think it will be helpful?

From my personal experience, work gives me structure, responsilblity and accountability. Much of my recovery was supported through having work. At the same time, I had boundaries in place so that I could monitor and ensure my MH was supported.

A graduated transition to work can look different for different people. It's important you find what will work for you and won't in turn affect your MH even more. For example, graduated transition can look like reduced times, different tasks, hybrid working (home and onsite), regular check-in from work colleagues, access to EAP (employee assistance program).

You are not alone @JJll

We are here for you.

It sounds like taking this time off is very stressful during a time that has already been quite difficult @JJll I imagine your dad's insistence that you get back to work isn't helping ease that stress either.

Mental injuries take time to heal, just as physical ones do. The key difference is that no one would be telling you to suck it up and get back to running if you'd just broken your leg. They'd be telling you to give it proper rest and time to heal so you don't cause further injury

Very much agree with @tyme's points that this graduated return can look different and should fit your needs, if it is what you feel will be most helpful for you at this time

Thanks @tyme

I'm not sure about the graduated return work.

I feel like, at least if I'm at work, I have something to do. But having said that, the smallest little problem, and I'm overwhelmed and in tears.

I haven't been able to have a proper conversation with my manager as yet. But she seems to think doing the schedule as per my doctors certificate is the way to go. Whereas it's making me anxious

Hi @Ru-bee

Yes, you are correct that Dad's words aren't helping. I understand that he's old school and that's his way of thinking. But I need support, not stress. It makes me feel like I can't talk to mum - she puts all calls on speaker, so dad hears everything.

I honestly don't know how to feel about the return to work plan