can any one give me advice on getting back to work?

[crusader-of-pain]

I was signed off work two years ago following a brief stay inhospital. I have made a lot of progress in that time including stopping cutting, disposing of very high levels of dangerous medication, and i have stopped planing suicide. I feel it is time to try and tackle the final hurdle, and that is getting back in to the world of work, can any offer advice on how to go jb hunting after such a long break, and more importantly how to cope in the working world as a former self harmer?

[pea soup]

i dont really have anything to offer but its something im worried about too.
ive been signed off for 3 years and im ready to go back. but my docs say no.

im worried about how i will cope once i do though.
my biggest concern is explaining the years of lapse in my job history.

i hope someone comes round and gives you some good advice.

ohhh...and great on you for improving so much!!!!
much love.
xx

[crusader-of-pain]

it sounds like you have made some great progress to. I havent spoken to my doc about going back really, but i know i want a little part time job near the flat. I have thought about explaining the time off by saying some general stuff like i was ill, but i am better now, and hopeing they do not ask for more info, i was just wondering if there was a better way.

[SugarKane]

Hey I'm in the same place - have had a few years away from work, and am finally at a place where I am thinking about returning to work. My biggest fear is explaining those years to my potential employers! I am pretty much over things and have been for a year - drinking, cutting, being constantly depressed, with just a few remaining food issues which I don't feel interfere with my everyday life any more. My CPN discharged me at our last meeting. My decision was to take a vocational course at my local college and also to do an Open University course, which will fill up 30+ hours a week for a year from September, which when I complete them successfully should be something to hold up and be proud of achieving, and hopefully a good tangible indicator to employers that I am ready to work again. Have you thought about taking a course as a way of easing yourself back into useful occupation of time, as I think the pressures on you would be fewer and easier to deal with than the world of work? But if this isn't an option and you need to get to working, perhaps an appointment with a careers advisor might help, to point you in the right direction. Best of luck with what you decide to do, anyway :)

[crusader-of-pain]

Thats a really good idea, i have to see my doc tommorow, so i will speak to him about it, and as my mom works at the local collage i am sure i can get her to find some information on vocational courses for me.

THANKS FOR THAT!!!

[crusader-of-pain]

Thanks for that one to, i was talking to my gp testerday and he sujested voulentary work as well. I know what you mean about easing back in gradually as i am only really looking for something part time right now, i do not want to overload my self and go right back to where i was two years ago.

[Kangaroo]

The citizens advice beaureu is a good place to go. For a simple job i would recommend your local supermarket or some other shop. get a job on checkouts just at the weekend or 2 shift a week or something. You can then speak to your boss about increasing the hours when you feel ready. And supermarkets are usually looking for staff as they have a high turnover of people.

Good luck with it all

[Sofie]

Job Centre might be able to help you out as well.