The Slow Return To Normality

So this week has seen my return to work, something I’ve been desperate to do for ages now. I’ve really missed my job, I’m extremely lucky to be in a job that I enjoy and look forward to.

I work as an Employment Specialist with people under secondary mental health care. It involves working with a caseload of clients and helping them to find or retain employment. A lot of it is based around building relationships, both with my clients and also employers. So many people with severe and enduring mental needs want to work, but have come to believe they are ‘too ill to work’. I love the fact that we tip that on its head, if you want to work, you can, and we’ll support you to do it. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the change in people, the confidence, sense of purpose and the self-belief. Without fail that is the motivation for me ❤️

It’s challenging on many levels too, but the team is fantastic and so supportive so nothing ever becomes to heavy, there’s always someone to talk to. So all in all a huge part of my life that I’ve missed a lot.

As I’m on a phased return I decided to do Tuesday and Wednesday half days this week, as it meant I could go to the Team meeting and also my regular weekly MDT (multidisciplinary team) meeting. I’m glad I did it like that because it was great to meet up with everyone again.

In the most part, my time at work this week consisted of catching up with mandatory training, the endless world of emails, and then some meetings. To be completely honest that was enough, by Wednesday afternoon I was exhausted.

It took me by surprise to be fair. I’d felt so well in myself, that I didn’t realise how hard returning to normality would be. I’m so glad I have a plan to do things in small steps, because it’s been a lightbulb moment for me. I’ve also had the backache return from last week too, I thought I was rid of that, but apparently not. Hot water bottles have been a godsend!

There’s lots to look forward to again this weekend, including visits from family and watching Beanie play football ⚽️. Oh and I’m having a girly day at some point too, Pippa needs a prom dress, so we’re going dress shopping 🛍️

I’ll be sure to rest up on Monday though, as next week I’m doing two full days at work, so if this week is anything to go by, I’ll need the energy saved up!