Returning to work after illness or health issues
Are you finding that returning to work is more daunting than you had expected? Perhaps you’d like to get back to work, but you’re unsure whether your body or mind is ready for it yet. Or you’re worried that you’ll take on too much too soon and end up having to take time off again. That’s perfectly understandable. Returning to work isn’t just about building up your hours. It’s also about confidence, energy, setting boundaries and managing your workload effectively. After an illness or health issues, work may feel different to how it used to. Tasks that used to come naturally may now require a lot of energy. Sometimes you’re not yet physically up to it. Sometimes it’s mainly mentally challenging to get back into a work routine. It’s important to build up your return to work gradually and realistically.
What do you notice?
Returning to work can be difficult in various ways. Sometimes you only realise this once you’ve started again.
You may, for example, notice that:
- you feel tired more quickly during or after work;
- you are dreading your first day at work;
- you’re worried that your colleagues expect too much of you;
- you have difficulty concentrating;
- pain or tension increases whilst working;
- if you are unsure about what you can and cannot do;
- you have little energy left after a day’s work;
- you find it difficult to set your boundaries;
- you are afraid of having another relapse.
Sometimes it feels as though you have to prove that you’re better again. That can put extra pressure on you. Whereas recovery often actually requires building things up step by step.
