Returning To Work After Depression or Breakdown: 3 Key Points to Think About

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 54

  • @CassieCas0106
    @CassieCas0106 3 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    I appreciate this video so much! I return to work tomorrow after being on a leave of absence for depression and anxiety. I am terrified. I am just hoping for a smooth transition. And I feel like no one really understands this.

    • @KarenPackwood
      @KarenPackwood  3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Hi Coffee with Cassie, it's very hard for people to understand if they've never lived through it, especially as so much is going on inside that is not visible for those on the outside. How has being back at work been for you? How are you feeling now? Wishing you a peaceful day. Karen x

    • @natashakalanda622
      @natashakalanda622 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I am now returning on a phased approach. I'm terrified as well that I will relapse and let people down.

  • @Freaky7Kitten
    @Freaky7Kitten 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I really needed to hear this

    • @KarenPackwood
      @KarenPackwood  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I hope it's helped Kitty. if you have any specific questions, please ask. You can either leave them here or email me at karen@karenpackwood.com. Wishing you a peaceful day. Karen

  • @sl4983
    @sl4983 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Especially if the supervisor you may be returning to is an extreme narcissist bully.

    • @KarenPackwood
      @KarenPackwood  5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yes - working with difficult bosses/supervisors/colleagues is extremely stressful. Narcissists are a very difficult group of people, especially because they can be subtle in how they abuse/mistreat/undermine you.

  • @iamshango3005
    @iamshango3005 ปีที่แล้ว

    God made me penniless and depressed

    • @KarenPackwood
      @KarenPackwood  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you for your reply. I understand how you may feel that it is God who made you penniless and depressed. May I gently encourage you to ask God why you have been become penniless and depressed. You may find the answer interesting and helpful. You could then ask: what is my next natural step towards solving this issue? Again, the answer may be helpful to you. It can be so easy to remain stuck in blame of your current situation - sometimes, it's helpful to explore how the current situation can lead you to a new level of joy in your life. This takes courage to do - but it can be done. I truly believe that if you approach your breakdown with a positive mindset and open heart - it can guide you to a more fulfilling life for yourself. Good Luck! Wishing you a peaceful day. Karen x

  • @meganrobinson1179
    @meganrobinson1179 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Probably the best video on returning to work after depression there is. I have been off work for 9 years. If I go back to work, I last about 3 months and leave. So the message about triggering when you start a new job really hit me. I'm contemplating work again. After being a make up artist and in cosmetics retail, all I want to do now is stack shelves, pack boxes,clean, organize. Which I know I would actually enjoy. Anything to not deal with too many people/ customers. Depression is such a debilitating disease 😞 Great video, you seem like a genuine, lovely, caring person 🙏

    • @KarenPackwood
      @KarenPackwood  2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Thank you Megan. I fully understand what you’re saying about the less demanding job, in terms of people, connection/demands - and there’s nothing wrong with that. I knew I could never go back to my job as a teacher - although I tried several times. For a long time, I needed to be away from too much over-connection, demands and responsibilities. Even today, I still feel like that to a certain extent and have created a life/work life to suit that. For a long time, I did undemanding jobs - and it was the right thing to do. But - most of all, I listened to my heart and body. Your breakdown happened for a reason. Something was out of alignment. In relation to work, listen to the whispers/guidance in your heart/body and simply ask: in relation to work, what is my next natural step to recovery? You might be surprised by the answer. In my experience, the guidance is always right. There might be a whole new wonderful adventure waiting to open up to you with the smallest of steps forward. And your skills from your previous life may all be used - just in a different way. Be sure to rest well, listen in deeply to your soul and don’t be afraid to honour it. Keep me posted. I’d love to know how things progress for you. And if you have any specific questions, please ask, either here or email: karen@karenpackwood.com. Much Love. Wishing you a Peaceful Day. Karen 🌞🌻🌞

    • @raycj82
      @raycj82 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@KarenPackwood I'm a teacher too, and on medical leave for 2 weeks now... Tomorrow I will see my therapist. Two weeks ago, I didnt even have the energy to wake up from bed and take my shower. . I'm on medication, but my body is still adapting to the drugs. To be honest, I don't think I'm ready to get back to work. At the same time, I feel guilty.. but I'm just too anxious and ashamed..I don't think I can look at my coworkers face even a few seconds...I really want to work from home, doing online based business ,but just too scared to quit my job because of the uncertainty...

  • @siminacristian9273
    @siminacristian9273 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    all fair points, but what about starting a brand new job after a breakdown? on my first day i was so anxious, that when i finished work i went to my psychiatrist to get some anti anxiety pills and the next day of work i called in sick. I am too anxious to get back to a brand new job, can you make a video about this? thank you!

    • @KarenPackwood
      @KarenPackwood  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Hi Simina - thank you for this comment. I will create a video on this for you. It's hard to know when we are truly ready to go back to work as we may think we feel fine when we are in our own home but that is so different to having to contend with the complex dynamics and demands of the work place. Sometimes we only know that we are not ready to return to work by trying it which, in itself is stressful. Beginning a new job is always stressful without the added issue of the breakdown to contend with. As I say, I'll create a video about this. Sending much love, Karen

    • @OzmaOfOzz
      @OzmaOfOzz 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@KarenPackwood thank you ever so much! Hugs ❤

    • @KarenPackwood
      @KarenPackwood  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Beverly Marsh - I’ve created the video. I’ll post it later today?

    • @OzmaOfOzz
      @OzmaOfOzz 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@KarenPackwood sure thing, thanks!
      Simina

  • @chanb2897
    @chanb2897 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    My therapist has recommended that I push myself to return to work but I still feel like it’s all completely pointless. I used to be a very driven person and kept myself busy but I have no desire to continue even existing. It all feels like so much effort for no real gain. Do you have any advice on this please?

    • @KarenPackwood
      @KarenPackwood  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Dear Chan, thank you for your question. How are you feeling today? I will be answering your question in an upcoming video. Thank you for your patience. I'm also about to record some new content so if you have any further questions about recovering from a breakdown, please them here and I'll answer them in upcoming videos. Karen

  • @sl4983
    @sl4983 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    The whole situation is awkward because the problem is a bully boss, and the HR and executives cannot or won't acknowledge it because then they would have to admit to be partially responsible for it.

    • @SuzD0n
      @SuzD0n 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Document everything, then go to head office. It may be that your colleagues are having a similar experience.

  • @terrikhat2
    @terrikhat2 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I return to work tomorrow after being on a leave of absence for depression and anxiety. I am terrified. I am just hoping for a smooth transition. I am worried that the same things will be a trigger for me.

    • @KarenPackwood
      @KarenPackwood  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Terri, I hope today goes well for you. I understand your terror. It is completely normal to fear those triggers. Can you tell me, have you clearly identified what they are? Have you created a plan for how you will react to each one, if they arise, to mitigate any triggering? Is there anyone in your workplace you can share your fears/experiences with who can support you? Wishing you a peaceful day. Karen 🌸

  • @Whatintheworld-d7o
    @Whatintheworld-d7o 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I needed this so much! ❤️ For the first time, I feel that someone truly understands how I feel! Thank you so much for you wisdom and your kindness

    • @KarenPackwood
      @KarenPackwood  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      ANH JUNTURA ... thank you for your lovely comment, and your recent email. I’m delighted that my videos are helping you. If you have any specific questions that I can answer for you, please either ask them here or email them to me. Best Wishes, Karen

  • @Aminah74
    @Aminah74 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I greatly appreciate this video. After an appointment with my psychiatrist, who ironically was the one who suggested I go out on leave, made me feel weak because I am not ready to return to work-this video really saved the day for me. Thank you for this message. God bless you 🙏🏼

    • @KarenPackwood
      @KarenPackwood  5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Dear A Rod,
      Thank you. I'm so glad that this video helped and supported you. Returning to work is a massive step on the recovery journey. There is nothing weak about feeling terrified or unready about returning to work, especially if work was a factor in the breakdown. It is a whole unique part of rebuilding your life, working out if your workplace, choice of career etc is still right for you or do you need to explore other ways of working?
      I will create another video to go in to this issue in a little more detail.
      In the meantime, please let me know if you have any specific questions about this issue, or any aspect of your recovery, by emailing me at:
      karenpackwood@gmail.com
      Wishing you a Peaceful Day,
      Karen
      Remember: Recovery IS Possible™

  • @harrietmac
    @harrietmac 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Thank you so much for this! X

    • @KarenPackwood
      @KarenPackwood  6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You're welcome Harriet. I recorded ages ago after you first asked your question and thought I'd posted it then. I discovered yesterday that I hadn't published it so I'm sorry for the delay. I'd love to know if you've returned to work yet? If so, how is it going? Please feel free to ask any more questions about this topic or any other issues that you'd like to. Sending you love. Karen x

  • @Wulfos.
    @Wulfos. 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I’m going back to work Saturday after being off for almost a year. I was injured in a car wreck so I’m 20 years old starting over my career because I can no longer return to my old field of work. Starting at a chipotle and I am not excited

  • @desertoasis2024
    @desertoasis2024 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I am 49, haven't worked in 13 years. I've suffered with schizophrenia and major depressive disorder that caused me the inability to work effectively and stay employed. I want to return to work so badly but am fearful of failure and relapse. What can I do to help myself transition back into the work force? What career options do I have?

    • @KarenPackwood
      @KarenPackwood  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thank you so much for your comment. I can imagine that it has been very hard for you in the last thirteen years. I completely understand your fear of failure and relapse. I will create a video on that shortly. As I am not an expert in Schizophrenia, I strongly advise you to discuss your return to work with your qualified medical practitioners. My instinct is also to say: let go of the pressure to feel that you have to have a career and think more about what meaningful work means to you. What, based on your life experiences, can you create/offer to support others that could become financially supportive? Wishing you a peaceful day. Karen

  • @sophieandwayne
    @sophieandwayne 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you Karen. I am a nurse who has been off with severe depression for 3yrs and am being assessed whether I am fit for practice. I am terrified. I want to work but barley even leave the house. If I don’t return to nursing then what am I here for?

    • @seidenschnabelfederflugel5441
      @seidenschnabelfederflugel5441 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I have the same questions in my head all the time. I went to actingschool, i'm an actress. But shortly after i finished the program i got sick. Now i'm at home for 4 years now. And i ask myself all the time, when i'm not doing acting what should i do. What is my purpose. Where should i go. When do i know if i'm ready to go to work again. Did you found some answers? ♥️🙏

    • @sophieandwayne
      @sophieandwayne 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@seidenschnabelfederflugel5441 oh gosh I really feel you. I have been seriously suicidal twice as I have had a good life but nursing is my calling, like acting is yours (btw my son is an actor). But each time I have been guilted by my family - “how do you think everyone will feel, you are selfish etc.) but they just do not understand that feeling is overwhelming and I have no will to try anymore. But I am still here hanging on my my fingernails hoping tomorrow will be better…but that day hasn’t gotten better. I bet you get comments like you got to help yourself etc. which make you feel worse as even making a cup of tea is a challenge let alone having a shower or making plans. I am here for you as believe it or not I am a mental health nurse and can help others just not myself. If only people walked a day in our shoes….

    • @Caribbean_Girl
      @Caribbean_Girl ปีที่แล้ว

      I am also a nurse and have been off work for just over a year due to depression. I am still struggling with lack of motivation. Not functioning as I used to. Are you still off? Or if you have returned, what strategies did you find helpful ? I’m torn between returning to nursing or throwing in the towel and going in a completely different direction. It’s been 10 years of stress since being in the profession. Thanks

  • @jocelynbond1070
    @jocelynbond1070 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for your video. I am headed back to work tomorrow after 5 months off and this was helpful in calming my night before return to work anxieties. Since the pandemic we have been in a work from home environment and tomorrow I need to go into the office so it is especially anxiety producing. I am looking forward to getting back into the routine. Again, Thank you.

  • @janeymorris1273
    @janeymorris1273 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love this video thanks so much. I did return to work very slowly and it was good I moved from casual employment to part time. The pat time role was only temporary for one year and I also started up a small private practice. At the beginning of the year I went back on the casual pool which in hindsight was a mistake. There were 2 services that I used to work in full time many years before that I worked in casually and it was awful. I have changed and can no longer do that work and be in that environment. This video confirmed that and I loved what you said that we basically have been changed by our experiences and I am much more sensitive now, so need and want to support that sensitivity ❤Going back triggered at stress response so I left and am now recuperating and asking myself and the Universe what me next right move is and align myself with that. Just going to trust that appropriate work for me is out there and in the meantime take steps to reconnect with myself and love and care for myself. ❤

    • @jodyhb
      @jodyhb ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hey how did you recover?

    • @janeymorris1273
      @janeymorris1273 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jodyhb I am still recovering ❤️‍🩹

  • @natashakalanda622
    @natashakalanda622 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi Karen,thank you for this post. I had a breakdown in April and was given 2 months unpaid leave. My boss has been so kind. Anyways I'm now in a phased return and I had a relapse for 2 days where I didn't get back to work,and this brought in feelings of shame and guilt and thus depressive emotions. How do I cope?

    • @KarenPackwood
      @KarenPackwood  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Dear Natasha, thank you for your message. Shame and guilt are very strong emotions to cope with during the early stages of recovering from a breakdown. I will say more about this in an upcoming video. How are you feeling now? Also, I'm about to record some new content so if you have any further questions about recovering from a breakdown, please them here and I'll answer them in upcoming videos. Take Care. Remember: Recovery IS Possible. Wishing you a Peaceful Day. Karen x

  • @karinthomas-lz3jk
    @karinthomas-lz3jk ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you Karen for this excellent video. I’m supposed to be phased back to work starting next week. Despite having a great job I do feel apprehensive as my energy levels and motivation are still not back to normal. I’m finding it quite lonely at home so would like to get back. Your advice has helped. X

  • @Lili23304
    @Lili23304 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was amazing and spot on. Thank you

    • @KarenPackwood
      @KarenPackwood  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you Ashira. I'm so glad it helped. I'm about to record some more content. If you have any specific questions, please leave them here and I'll answer them in upcoming videos. Take care. Karen x

  • @lizziedennison4263
    @lizziedennison4263 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I appreciate this video very much, I return tomorrow on a phased return after being off since mid October. Thank you xx

    • @KarenPackwood
      @KarenPackwood  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hi Lizzie,
      I'm so glad that this video helped you. And I hope that the return to work is going smoothly. And continues to do so.
      Wishing you a peaceful day.
      Karen x

  • @iamshango3005
    @iamshango3005 ปีที่แล้ว

    I will 100% be going back to work

  • @abhishektalukdar7435
    @abhishektalukdar7435 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I am in med college right now and I have certainly felt I have had too many losses at such an age and everything seems like I have been losing it. Obviously my work demands me to be better so that I can do my work well. But there's always this thing that giving way too much time to myself would cost me even more. Which I really don't want because I feel luck isn't on my side. I am just trying everyday to keep my overthinking brain calm so that I get back to work. Thank you for your advices. You're doing one of the best jobs❤️

    • @KarenPackwood
      @KarenPackwood  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you for your reply. As a medical student, you will be used to having immense demands placed upon you, sometimes more than is healthy for mental and emotionally health and well-being. It is vital that you allow yourself to put self-care in to your daily routine as this will help you hold the pressure your studies and the eventual responsibilities of your work. Use this time now to ask yourself: what do I need in order to feel healthy, well, balanced and calm in such a way that I can tolerate and honour my studies to the best of my ability but in a way that feels nourishing and healthy for me personally. Then, try to stick to this and honour it. This could become a great gift that you, one day, pass on to your own patients. Wishing you good luck. Please let me know how you get on and feel free to ask any further questions. Karen

  • @ramonagichuhi7131
    @ramonagichuhi7131 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This was very helpful to me I am very confused about returning to work he had a lot of key points that I needed to look at

    • @KarenPackwood
      @KarenPackwood  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm so glad you found it helpful. I'm about to record some new content. Do you have any questions that you'd like me to answer? x

  • @shelbycreed
    @shelbycreed 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much for this video-I am actually using your advice for high school instead of work but it’s hard to figure out what to do when coming out of a deep depression for the first time. Great video.

    • @KarenPackwood
      @KarenPackwood  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Shelby Creed ... you’re very welcome. Be very gentle with yourself. Take one breath at a time. The trick is to keep asking yourself: if I were to love myself today, what would I do? Listen carefully to the answer and then honour it. Coming out of depression is one gentle act of self care after another making sure you are kind to yourself at all times and doing only what honours and nourishes you no matter how much pressure you may feel to do otherwise. Feel free to ask me any specific questions you like, either here or via email: karen@karenpackwood@gmail.com 🌷