My mum passed away suddenly 5 weeks ago and yesterday we picked up her ashes. I thought I was ready to go back to work but now I’m realising that I haven’t dealt with things as well as I’ve thought. Because I struggle with mental health I’m now worrying about being off work too long. I was close with my mum and I think taking a few more weeks would be good for me. I just needed to vent this out.
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Hi Taylor1
Thank you so much for sharing this with the community 
I’m sure someone will be along to offer their support, but I just wanted to let you know that you have been heard and you are not alone.
Take good care, Rhi
Im sorry for your loss hun. Ive recently lost my partner and i wonder the same thing. Ive been into work briefly but my head just isn’t there.
How much time is too much. I wonder if ill have a job to return to aswell.
I guess when you feel ready, then youll know. Can always do a day or two first up just to see how you go.
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Im so sorry to hear what you are going through. It’s not easy. I lost my partner 7 weeks ago. Still having to go gentle and manage the emotions and mental wellbeing by not being in work. Throwing myself into work has always been a coping mechanism but with grief it’s very different to any difficulties or pain ive ever experienced. I want so much to return to work but have had to accept that I wouldnt be an asset until feeling able to cope with the smallest things. Ive had to put me first for once and listen to what my body and mind need, which is time to process, heal and rebuild resilience to life again after the devastation and trauma of profound loss. Ive had to give myself that time but everyone is different and that’s ok. Being kind to yourself and doing what feels the right thing for you is what matters right now.
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I am deeply sorry for your loss, I lost my mum 4 weeks ago today, I have just had my 1st full week back at work, and I don’t think I’m ready yet, I tried to go back the week before but I was in floods of tears every time some one looked at me or spoke to me, so I made the decision to have another week off, I had 3 weeks off in total, but I don’t think it was enough , yeah I’m back at work but I’m going through the motions, my heart isn’t in it, and I have no interest in what I’m doing, do what’s best for you, take as much time as you need
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I’m sorry to hear about your mum. That’s what’s worried me with returning to work. I don’t want to get upset over a little thing which I am still sometimes doing.
I’ve done nothing but cry for the last 4 weeks, I know everyone at work expects me to be ok, but I’ve told them to leave me alone or I’ll walk, and they know I’m true to my word, like I told my manager last week, push me and I’ll make it so much worse for you, I don’t care anymore what have I got left to lose?
If I need to cry I cry, if I need to tell them to leave me the f alone that’s what I do, I don’t care about them anymore, I’m just a number and they’re just a job now
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