I'm really worried - help!!?

Question: I'm a junior doctor, working in a hospital where three weeks ago I had to have an emergency operation. During the time I was patient in the hospital, several of my colleagues found out that I'm on antidepressants for depression and anxiety, and also that I have a problem with self harm. Obviously, this was something I was trying to keep fairly well hidden.

Anyway, I've been off for the past 3 weeks recovering, but I'm due to start back tomorrow and I'm REALLY anxious about going back now that people know about my problems. I'm scared they'll treat me differently, that they'll think badly about me. I'm just really anxious about going back, I can't settle at all, I know I'm not going to be able to sleep tonight.

What can I do to reduce my anxiety about going back? I really need some help here.........my only outlet at the minute is self harm and I'm trying really hard not to do that.

Answers:
I'm really sorry you feel so wound up.

Think if the shoe was on the other foot... if one of your colleagues was in your position, how would you react?
I'm sure you'd have nothing but sympathy for them, and wish them well.

That's how your colleagues will react. They may feel awkward and not want to intrude on your personal life, especially since you went to such pains to keep it private, but give people some credit. They will want the best for you and hope you find some way of accepting yourself and your past without feeling a need to self harm.

You will always encounter the odd pr*ck like Andy P or Dave313 there, but if nothing else, you can laugh at their ignorance and brush them aside for the morons they are...

For the most part, people are trying to get by, do the best they can, and generally don't wish bad things on others. Most people are more open-minded than you'd think, and will be sympathetic, not shocked or pitying.

For tonight, if you can, get on the phone, get talking to someone. Get out and go see a friend, go to the movies, do something to distract yourself... but please don't self-harm, it will just add to your anxiety tomorrow.

I wish you the best of luck tomorrow. I hope you let us know how you get on.

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please dont self harm!!! they are all hiding somthing just try to think what that might be !!!

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