Back in the Game:
Returning to Work after a Mental Health-Related Leave |
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While taking time off to work through an emotional rough patch presents its own challenges, coming back from a mental health-related leave can be downright daunting. Taking the time to work through your expectations, fears and hopes, however, can help you, a co-worker, or loved one, be as prepared as possible to tackle these fears smoothly and successfully.
Get ahead. For at least your first week back at work, try to plan as much as you can in advance. If you have children's lunches to pack or clothes to lay out, do it the night before. Stock your freezer and pantry with healthy ingredients for simple, fast meals. Being prepared on the home front will ease daily pressures and leave you feeling more on top of the situation during this potentially stressful time.
Manage expectations. Your boss and colleagues may be so happy to have you back that they’ve constructed a “to-do” pile sky-high. Or perhaps an overly-cautious team—who’s afraid to burden you with too much—means you’ve been met with an empty in-box, and spend the first days back twiddling your thumbs. As each person’s capabilities upon returning to work will be different, it is important to talk clearly and openly about how much you feel you can take on and what you can and can’t do. Try and ease back in to your routine as much as possible. Take on work little by little, constantly assessing if your abilities match your workload. Go easy on yourself, especially at first.
If things are feeling unmanageable, talk to your team, boss or Human Resources department and hash out a plan that can work for everyone involved. If you’re having trouble coping, you can also contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or another professional who can provide you with strategies and tools for successfully dealing with the stress of being back at work.
Keep an ear to the ground. Gossip can damage reputations, friendships, and workplace morale. If you feel your situation is being talked about with sarcasm, scorn, or the wrong kind of humor, it’s time to act. Start by talking privately to those spreading rumors, and if possible, go the source of the stories. Simply, calmly, and gently state (only) that you are aware that you’re being talked about, and that what is being said is untrue or unfair. Don't justify or explain – this just offers more grist for the rumor mill and can often escalate the problem. As upsetting as it can be, don't let gossip waste your time or energy. Ultimately, your actions speak louder than negative chatter ever will.
Look on the sunny side. Positive thinking is contagious. Though it isn’t always easy, seeking out and expecting to find good and favorable results can help you get where you want to be. By looking on the bright side, you instinctively and subconsciously communicate positively to others through body language. This can be a big boost to workplace relations and can help ensure a more satisfying return to work: the more positive your approach, the more likely people are to gravitate towards you and offer their support.
Reach for a touchstone. You’ve been dealing with a difficult time – and you’re getting through it! Are there images of people, snapshots from places, or mementos of significant experiences that you could bring to work? If you have a space you can call your own—be it an office, cubicle or locker—ready remembrances of meaningful things nearby can brighten your work day or help you get through some of those longer afternoons.
Socialize. Though you might feel like keeping to yourself, or that focusing on your job is all you have time for, re-engaging with co-workers is key to full re-integration on the job. To really be happy at work, most people need to feel connected to their co-workers. By accepting invitations from colleagues, looking for opportunities to socialize, or reaching out to others to spend a little time together, you are not only improving your chances of making new friends, but also bolstering your prospects for a successful time at work.
Remember that even though this is a return to something that was once familiar, time has passed. A few weeks or months down the road you’ll probably feel like you never left, but until then you and the people you are close to will likely take some time to adjust. By staying positive, going easy on yourself and remaining realistic about your return to work, you’ll not only minimize the stress of the transition and maximize productivity, but may even re-discover what you loved about your job in the first place.
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