Brian’s story
Brian became absent from work following an increase in feelings of low mood and stress, exacerbated by multiple bereavements. He tried to return to work twice, but the combination of anxiety and depression meant he was unable to sustain work. Brian and his employers contacted Aviva to support his latest return to work attempt.
Our Case Manager contacted Brian to complete an initial needs assessment to gather information on his situation. Due to his symptoms and previous experience with talking therapy, and his return-to-work attempts, we referred him to our rehabilitation partners Psych Health to begin a course of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). He completed an initial assessment with their psychologist within two weeks.
We also worked with Brian and his employer to develop a seven-week phased return to work plan, to allow a gradual increase in his hours and responsibilities.
Throughout his return to work, our case manager maintained regular contact, monitoring Brian’s therapeutic and vocational progress. After just four weeks he reported a noticeable increase in his mood and motivation.
By the end of Aviva’s intervention Brian returned to his full-time role. A few months on from being back at work, he confirmed a continued improvement in his ability to manage his symptoms.
"I couldn’t have come out of it myself. I needed this help. You could tell it was tailored to me. Throughout the sessions he [Psych Health Psychologist] remembered information I gave to tailor things to me, to make sure every aspect of my life was not just back to normal, but to where I needed it to be."
Brian Davies, Claims Executive, age 50.