The awareness of mental health issues in the UK has increased greatly in recent years, as the stigma over the issue has lessened and many famous people have been open with their struggles. Nonetheless, many who suffer in this way will still be wary of what others think.

Few places can be more intimidating in this regard than the workplace. If you have been forced to take time off due to suffering a mental illness, be it extreme stress or anxiety, depression or even more chronic issues like psychosis, the thought of returning may be a particularly daunting one.

You will no doubt wonder what people have been saying about you and how they may treat you when you go back. That is why it is important that you get lots of support, to give you the self confidence in the workplace that you need.

As the NHS guide to returning to work in these circumstances notes, the first thing to do is talk to your GP and employer. It is important to remember that the law requires them to make reasonable adjustments for you, while if you need to find a new job the Employment Service has specialist advisors who can help. You may find measures like flexible or part-time working suit you.

However, it is also important to get help to simply boost your confidence as you go back into work. As the Hope for Mental Health Blog notes, questions you will face are going to include the issue of how open you should be about your condition.

The confidence you have will help you handle this issue; if you feel more confident in yourself, you should be more able to be open, if you consider this appropriate. Equally, however, if you are in a better frame of mind you should feel strong enough to tell people - politely - that it is none of their business (as it is only your manager who really needs to know).

Coming back after a long absence is never easy, but even after a mental health episode, it can still be managed with the right support.