by Sun Meilan

Created on: October 24, 2010

If you've had a breakdown, you have probably had to have a substantial amount of time off work, either because you were in hospital or you needed time to recover on your own at home. For a long time, work is probably the last thing on your mind, because you know you are not capable of putting in a full day's work. However, the time will come when you start to think about it, either for financial reasons or just to try and get your life back on track. When to go back to work after a breakdown is a very personal decision to make, but there are some ways that you can approach the decision-making process. 

*Look at your social skills

Breakdowns can be so debilitating that many people avoid contact with all but the people closest to them for a very long period of time. If you go back to work, you will almost certainly have to deal with people on a daily basis. However, if you're still struggling with everyday communication and find it a real struggle to talk to new people and forge new relationships, you are probably not quite ready. It will come, but it could take time. For the time being, try and start redeveloping your social skills, perhaps by joining a club or going to an evening class. 

*Consider the type of work

Certain types of work are probably going to be more appropriate for the way that you feel. If you are returning to a job you previously had, you will obviously know what the work involves and so should be easily able to decide if you are ready to go back to it or not. If you are thinking about a new job, then you may want to think about something that puts you in the limelight as little as possible, at least until you have built up your confidence. A job that involves a great deal of public speaking, for example, may not be ideal at this point. 

*Think about going back part-time

It is almost certainly a good idea to ease yourself back into working life. If you are returning to a former job, then talk to your boss or the occupational health people about starting a two-day week, or working days at home. If you need a new job, then something that involves just a few hours a week, but could potentially be more in time, could be a good option for you. Don't forget that going back to work after a long break, especially after you have been so ill, can be exhausting and you may find it hard to go back to a full-time job. 

*Talk to friends and family

Ultimately, you do need to come to a decision that you are happy with yourself. However,

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>