I lost my husband 7 weeks ago. Its been the most horrendous time of my life. I have been supported by many family, friends & colleagues but still feel lonely & afraid at times. I have been signed off work since his passing but have tried to pop in recently. I work in a primary school so it’s hard seeing the children. Could I ask how people are coping with going back to work & how long you have been off. Sending my love to all of you who are going through these terrible times 
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Sorry for your loss, I went back to work after 7 weeks. I worked in a secondary school one of the support staff. It wasn’t easy, the first week was the worst, I cried all the way to work. But after the first initial seeing people it got better and the routine of getting up to go to work helped.
But everyones different there is no hard and fast rule to how much time you need.
My doctor was brilliant and would have signed me off longer if I needed it, and work was very supportive.
Three years on I am now retired but still keeping my self busy. I still need the routine.
Debbie x
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I’ve been in this after & going back 2 afternoons this week & then can increase a little after half term. Its getting up in the mornings I find really hard but I suppose I shouldn’t expect too much too soon. My doctor’s signed me off until now but not actually seen or heard from her.
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Just take things slowly at your own pace, I only spoke to my GP over the phone, but I’m sure if you rang they will sign you off longer.
Debbie x
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I will, thank you for your help. It’s awful that the thought & logic side of my brain doesn’t seem to be working 
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Hi. I went back to work after 9 weeks. They did say I could have a slow return, 2/3 hrs to start but I went straight back in to full time. It did me the world of good as I had a distraction. Don’t get me wrong it was hard but no one asked me any questions just hugged me and said we are here for you no matter what. No one has asked me anything and I’m grateful for that. I’ve had times where I had to remove myself and cry in the toilet but everyone let me be. Hopefully your workplace will be like mine.
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@jules1950 that sounds like a good plan. I popped in yesterday & have agreed a phased return. I know it will be hard but as you say hopefully a distraction for at least during the day. It’s at night, settling down after reading a while that a get so upset. Sometimes I’ve been waking up & for a second or 2 think he’s still here.
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I feel for you. I also occasionally wake and think for a second Kevs next to me then the reality sets in again. I cry a lot when I go to bed, I talk to his photo that’s next to me, tell him how my days been, what’s happened etc etc. I’m crying now writing this to you. Let it out don’t ever hold it on. Red eyes now are part of me. You take good care of yourself x
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I’m sending love to you. Thank you for chatting xx
This website has been a god send to me. What I would have done without it I have no clue. You can express your feelings and it’s massively helped me at times. Reading other posts of how people feel etc, etc. Face your day knowing how lucky we have been. It’s hard I know but we were/are the lucky ones to have found that love that will last an eternity. Lots of love and hugs to you all xx
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That’s so true & a lovely way of looking at a horrible situation we find ourselves in. Without Paul i wouldn’t have my 2 lovely children. I only joind this chat yesterday & I can honestly say it’s helped so much in such a short amount of time. Take care of yourself XX
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Hi again. Keep writing, keep reading. You’re not alone in this terrible journey you/we are on. Xxx
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Hi all
I hope you are all looking after yourselves during this time. Can I please ask how long did you all stay surrounded in cards. It’s amazing as I am surrounded with them. I feel I should now take them down but not sure. Any suggestions xx
I kept them up for more than 7 weeks. The funeral took over 5 weeks from when he died, then I took myself away for a break and then took them down. Then they were in a pile on the living room. Now they are in a pile in the bedroom.
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You don’t need a reason why,if you feel it’s wrong then keep them there as they are after all one more reminder of how much other people valued him also.
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I have put all mine in a folder and put the main a draw with all his little bits I am making a memory draw for me .
We also found photos off him with all the different famiy members and but them in a photo book
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