Goodbye Depression, Making Plans

[Rosewater]

Today in my therapy session, my T told me that I have certainly been clinically depressed and have now made my way out it. She also warned me I am still vulnerable, so I don't get carried away & also so I don't over expose myself to my employer in difficult discussions we are having about going back to work !

In the last few days, I've also been making plans for a change of career in the next year or so, or maybe sooner depending on what happens with my workplace & how I feel about my current career once I'm back at work. To that end, today I had discussions with a prestigious business school & then booked myself on a short course that I'd need to pursue my career change.

I've also written up a clear plan for my employer to govern my return to work, setting out the pathway for my return to full working and functioning.

It's all triggering a lot of anxiety symptoms, but I'm mostly managing them & staying
functional. And its important to my future and my ability to look after my family - so I have decided I will simply work through and overcome all the emotional or practical obstacles that will inevitably be in the way. Those I cannot remove I will navigate around and find an alternative solution.

For the first time in a long while I have the strength to do this and know I have the ability to succeed through persistence.

It's exciting, frightening and affirming all at the same time :eek: :ninja: :singing:

 

[Bloomy]

Thanks for inspiration :)

 

[Rosewater]

Quick update: despite it being a choppy few days and challenging, as well as tiring, I have now developed a few different lines of investigation for a new career. Contacts who might be useful in a number of ways are starting to pop up & things are gathering their own momentum as I do more and speak to more people. I'm feeling much stronger as a result and, ironically, also feel more able to resume my old line of work - even if its only for a transitional period.

A month ago I couldn't have done any of this.

It's true that each little achievement builds the platform for the next one & I really want to keep going and see where all this work takes me.

 

[NewDayTomorrow]

Thank you for this uplifting thread! Your story is inspiring to me. I too am on medical leave trying to get back to work. I too hope someday to make a career change (from engineer to doctor) but not for at least five years. I am glad to hear that your options are opening up, and I wish you luck and success in your journey. Thank you for sharing.