Learn how you can be mentally healthy at work, with suggestions for what you can do and where you can get support if you experience poor mental health.
Going back to your job after a period of poor mental health can feel overwhelming.
You may be worried about what colleagues will think, or that you won't be able to cope. For some of us, returning to work is a big milestone in the recovery process.
On this page:
Even when you start to feel better, you could still be experiencing a mental health problem. It's important to think about how to manage your mental health as you settle into work again.
If you've been on sickness leave for more than seven days in a row, you might need support before you consider going back.
Consider the following options before you plan your return to work:
In the time leading up to your first day back, try some of these ideas to make your return feel easier:
After returning to work from a mental health problem, try to make use of any support you can to stay well.
You might want to try some of the following ideas:
"My employer supports me by helping me when I get stressed and feel like I can't cope, changing my tasks or just being there to talk to."
This information was published in December 2020. We will revise it in 2023.
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