How to Return to Work after an Anxiety Attack

They all saw it. Well, three of them did. But, the ones who weren’t physically present to witness your unravelling were there in their mind’s eye. As one coworker relayed the story, they each saw their own version of you crying, trembling, panicking, melting into the antagonist of the character you’ve played from morning to close, every Monday through Friday. You went home and took another day off, knowing that you would have to return at some point. Relax. Smile. It’s doable.  Below is a guide on how to look your audience in the face after they’ve seen your ever poised, composed image come undone.

1. Plan an impeccable outfit. It’s not all in your head. They really will be looking at you, silently sizing you up, deciding for themselves if they’re satisfied with your definition of “better”. It isn’t up to you to convince them of whether or not you are better. You’re back in action and ready to flourish, and you feel amazing. Might as well look the part.

2. Practice major gratitude. Be grateful that you didn’t carpool, that it’s a Friday, and you’ll have a reprieve from intimate conversation with your favorite carpool/ office ladies until Monday.

Be grateful that your desk is just inside the office, but also be grateful that the water cooler is not. While you won’t have to venture too far to the safe haven of your desk, you will have to carry your thirsty tail out of your comfort zone at some point to get some water. Lots of fluids, doctor’s orders.

You dreaded the questions waiting for you upon your arrival, but there’s room for gratitude here, too. You’ll notice that you appreciate those who actually do ask questions. They stand in stark contrast to the ear hustlers and those who simply stare. Welcome the questions, realizing that you don’t have the time or the energy to waste on wondering what everyone else wondering.

3. Listen. That routine “how ya feeling?” will sound like a hefty, loaded question to your prickling ears. Relax. Listen for the cues that they care. They’ll ask how you are. They’ll ask if you’re feeling better. Some may even ask what happened. Some want the scoop on just how berserk you went, and others really want to know how you are. Listen for the difference.

4. Find balance. This goes hand-in-hand with #3. By the 1,483rd time someone asks if you are well/ better/ okay, you’ll find a balance between telling the whole story and just giving a synopsis of your final diagnosis. Find balance between “once upon a time there was a girl named me…” and a simple “I’m fine.” Know how much you want to relay and what you’ll keep for yourself. Balance your story, balance your energy.

5. Have a little nerve. Have the gall to (genuinely) ask how everyone else is. You won’t see this as nerve, but to them it’s audacious. You’re supposed to be looked after, asked after, and cared for, not them. Shake ’em up, a little. You’ll feel good in this position.

6. Do you. Their worry lines will deepen when you decide to have lunch on your own. They’ll want to know if you need anything. Be nice, exhale your frustration, and do whatever it is that makes you happy. If you want to be alone for lunch, be alone. Assure them you’re fine, if you so desire, but don’t worry about how you doing you will make them feel. You had your anxiety attack from toting extra concerns like a pack mule in the first place.

Do (what’s good for, what’s best for, what suits) you.

Be good to yourselves!