{"id":12561,"date":"2026-10-01T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-01T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.charityjob.co.uk\/careeradvice\/?p=12561"},"modified":"2026-10-01T11:51:33","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T10:51:33","slug":"back-to-work-after-mental-health-break","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.charityjob.co.uk\/careeradvice\/back-to-work-after-mental-health-break\/","title":{"rendered":"Returning to Work After a Mental Health Break"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Discover how to navigate a return to work after a mental health break. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":127,"featured_media":12562,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[188],"tags":[356,9106,9126,9147,167],"class_list":["post-12561","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-work-life-balance","tag-career-change","tag-flexible-working","tag-leaving-a-job","tag-mental-health-and-wellbeing","tag-volunteer"],"acf":{"job_search_bottom_form":false,"image":12562,"background":12562,"excerpt":"If the pressures of work become too much and you need to take a mental health break, it's important to know what to expect when you return.","contenttypes":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","menu_title":"","content":"Working in the charity sector can be extremely rewarding, but it\u2019s also\u00a0emotionally charged<\/a>. A recent report commissioned by the Association of Charitable Organisations<\/a> revealed that 84% of frontline charity staff have reported work-related strain, with symptoms ranging from trouble sleeping to physical health issues. 11% of the respondents said they didn\u2019t know if support was available to them, or believed it didn\u2019t exist. And almost three quarters admitted they hadn\u2019t accessed any wellbeing or mental health support in the previous 12 months.\r\n\r\nWith statistics like this, it\u2019s hardly surprising that you might need to take a break if the pressure gets too much. But what can you expect when you go back to work? We take a look at the reality of taking a mental health break, and what you can expect when you return to the workforce."},{"acf_fc_layout":"single_image","menu_title":"","image":12063,"image_link":"","image_link_new_tab":false},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","menu_title":"Take a break","content":"

Taking a mental health break is completely acceptable<\/h2>\r\nYou might have needed to take a mental health break for all sorts of reasons. It might be because of a pre-existing condition, it may be because of the work you do, or it could be because of something happening beyond work. Or possibly, it could even be a combination of all these elements. A period of reflection can help you become more aware of your triggers, in order to continue giving and feeling your best both at work and in your personal life.\r\n\r\nYour\u00a0mental health<\/a> is covered by the law. The Equality Act 2010<\/a>\u00a0defines a disability as \u201ca physical or mental impairment that has a \u2018substantial\u2019 and \u2018long-term\u2019 negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.\u201d\r\n\r\nWhen you\u2019re feeling ready to return to work, take a look at the following advice to ease the transition.\r\n\r\n "},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","menu_title":"Consider volunteering","content":"

Test the waters with volunteering<\/h2>\r\nRemember, there\u2019s no pressure to go back to work after a mental health break too quickly\u2015and it\u2019s counterproductive to do so before you\u2019re ready. You\u2019ll possibly need support and management, especially on the difficult days.\r\n\r\nBefore jumping back into things full-time, you could\u00a0consider volunteering<\/a>. It still provides you with the feel-good sensation of helping your community, but often with less responsibility.\r\n\r\nVolunteering provides structure and can help you regain that sense of achievement. And you can fit it around your routine more easily during the earlier, and perhaps more intense, stages of the healing process. Believe us, plenty of charities will be keen for your support, so take a look at our volunteering guides<\/a> to discover the type of role you might be suitable for.\r\n\r\n[button text=\" Discover volunteering opportunities\" url=\" https:\/\/www.charityjob.co.uk\/volunteer-jobs\/\" style=\"yellow\" size=\"large\" align=\"center\" new_window=\u201d1\u2033]"},{"acf_fc_layout":"single_image","menu_title":"","image":11242,"image_link":"","image_link_new_tab":false},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","menu_title":"Explore new paths","content":"

Use your mental health break to find a new path<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHaving the time to reflect on the work you were doing can be useful. Was the role itself impacting your mental health? If so, maybe it\u2019s time to look at another organisation or type of role within the sector.\u00a0There\u2019ll be plenty of jobs for your skill set and personality\u2015you don\u2019t need to stick to a specific role or organisation. This is true whether you\u2019re changing jobs within the sector or entering it for the first time.\r\n\r\nTake a look at\u00a0which charities are hiring today<\/a> and see if any roles stand out to you. Don\u2019t be afraid to reach out to these charities directly to show you\u2019re interested. Talk about the work they're doing, and have a think about whether you're mentally equipped to handle the issues they're facing. If you think you are, don't hesitate to ask about the type of candidate they\u2019re looking for. When it comes to the interview stage, remember there\u2019s no legal obligation to disclose your mental health, even if the interviewers ask you. Whether you share this information is entirely up to you.\r\n\r\n[button text=\"Find a new charity job\" url=\"https:\/\/www.charityjob.co.uk\/jobs\" style=\"yellow\" size=\"large\" align=\"center\" new_window=\u201d1\u2033]\r\n\r\n "},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","menu_title":"Put adjustments in place","content":"

Put adjustments in place<\/h2>\r\nWhether you\u2019re returning to your old role or starting a new one after your mental health break, it\u2019s a good idea to have a discussion with your employer about your needs. Have a think beforehand about any adjustments that might help. For guidance, speak to your GP and check out the NHS' information about returning to work<\/a>.\r\n\r\nAdjustments could include:\r\n