Depression Understood Forums

Hello...I am new here and happy to find this forum. I could definitely use some insight as I am facing a change in my life. I have been off work for a year with depression and am now contemplating going back. I am working with a "rehab specialist" who is helping with a return to work schedule - she is recommending a 12 week phased return to work integration. The problem is that there is now a job coming up that I am eligible for but I would have to be ready within a few weeks!! I am not returning to my old job as it was in another province and I moved home due to my illness. So what do I do - jump in and get back into the routine of a normal life?? Or try a 12 week approach (with the fear of not knowing if there will be a job waiting for me in the end.) Both are causing me stress...there are times I feel ready and think it is time to get in the game again - but I am scared! The way the 12 week thing works is they find a placement for me (I work at a bank) and I get reacquainted with systems, procedures, dealing with public etc....but there is not actual position I am training for or will end up with. So which option is better - anyone out there have a similar situation with returning to work after an extended leave - what was it like???

I think it would be best to follow the advice of the "rehab specialist". There's a reason why she is telling you this. Too often we start to feel better and jump right in over our heads and end up right back where we were.

Hhmm.... Well, taking things slowly would probably work out better.

A few things I'd ask myself:
Do you feel you could manage?
Will the job train you/give refresher/crash course?
If it doesn't work out, will you cope well?

I can't say what you should do exactly, but maybe taking it slower might be a really good approach.