4 Tips for Returning to Work after Bereavement Leave
Returning to work after bereavement leave is a stressful time. You may have had only a few days to handle funeral arrangements, travel or greet family and friends, and begin grieving the loss of your loved one. Unfortunately, as the American Cancer Society points out, the grieving process lasts much longer than only a few days, and you need to return to work before you have fully accepted the loss. While everyone handles grief differently, you can take a few steps to make returning to work after bereavement leave more manageable.
Psychotherapy and Neurofeedback from Natalia El-Sheikh can help you overcome depression, anxiety, and self-esteem issues. Schedule a chat today!
1. View Going Back to Work as a Positive Transition
Adjusting to life without your loved one is difficult and can take quite a long time. Dr. Christina Hibbert notes that it feels nearly impossible to get out of bed and get dressed when you are in the beginning stages of grief. That’s why psychologists and counselors often recommend that those who are grieving should return to work as soon as they feel ready. Knowing that you must get to work gets you up and moving and helps you avoid depression while you work through the grieving process.
Getting back into the daily routine of work also distracts the mind and helps you focus your thoughts and energy in productive ways. If you keep moving and keep focusing on tasks unrelated to your grief, you will move through the grieving process more successfully. For many people, going back to work is a positive step toward managing their lives after a difficult loss.
2. Reach Out to Your Support System
Chances are, you reached out to your personal support system during your bereavement leave. You need to do the same by reaching out to your support system at work when you return. Some people choose to reach out to their best work friend; others reach out to an employee assistance program or a sympathetic manager. The key is to avoid retreating into your office or isolating yourself from your colleagues when you return to work.
Reconnect with colleagues who sent you cards or gifts during your time off and go to lunch with them or spend a break with them. You can control how much or how little of your story to share; simply thank them for their kindness and direct the conversation to topics that you feel comfortable talking about. Spending time with others will make the transition back to work easier, and it will remind you that you aren’t alone.
3. Return to School
If your current job has become stagnant and you’re feeling burnout, it may be time to start thinking about a new career. By enrolling in an online program, you’ll be able to work at your own pace while keeping your current job to make ends meet. There are many degrees available with real-world applications such as a business degree. With a business degree, you can choose specifications such as IT management, business management, accounting, marketing, and healthcare management.
4. Access Bereavement Resources
Because the grieving process takes time, you can experience sadness, anxiety or feelings of being overwhelmed at any time. When you return to work, you need to be prepared to handle these emotions and move through them positively. One of the ways to help yourself manage grief at work is accessing one of the many online bereavement resources like the American Counseling Association and the Center for Grief Recovery and Therapeutic Services.
If you’d rather meet with a therapist or join a group, find a qualified professional near you or online. Sometimes getting through the stages of grief requires professional assistance, and, fortunately, Natalia El-Sheikh can help you through this troubling time.
Returning to work is a necessary part of managing your life after the loss of a loved one. You can make it a little easier if you view going back to work as a positive transition, reach out to your support system, and access bereavement resources.
Image via Pixabay