Loss of confidence at work can be debilitating but it doesn’t have to be a life sentence | Gaynor Parkin and Amanda Wallis

Switching off at home, mastering hobbies and greater control over workload can all help improve self-doubt at work

• The modern mind is a column where experts discuss mental health issues they are seeing in their work

I'm not sure I can ever get my confidence back. Do you think I can?"

Simon* was visibly distressed asking me this question. An experienced mental health professional, he was more familiar with encouraging others than talking about himself. He was looking for solutions as he started a new job while grappling with debilitating self-doubt.