topic PTSD and staying at work in PTSD and trauma

PTSD and staying at work

Balinor — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 02:19:39 GMT

Hi all

New here, not sure what I'm actually looking for, but here goes. I was bullied at work (I work in Prisons) and consequently broke and was off work for a year, in treatment with a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist, on medication for Depression, Anxiety, mood stabilisation, sleeping and then something to assist with the affects of the medication and mental alertness. This happened in 2013.

Since then, I returned to work but it was rocky to say the least, I was mistreated through the process and the insurer needed to engage a rehab person to try to ensure I was treated right during this time. I also lost my marriage and family although I see my kids as a normal single dad, but that and financial implications has been a huge stressor. I was then diagnosed with PTSD.

I've been back at work and this has been a rollercoaster ride all the way through. I still see a psychiatrist monthly for reviews.

I've tried to get a new job but so far unsuccessfully. I struggle hugely with anxiety, and I think my depression is much worse than id thought, so I am often flat, no energy, a feeling of dread continually, and don't remember the last time I felt truly happy for other than like something with one of my kids, but not for like a day.

Financially I'm trapped, so cant just quit. I had a career meeting with the GM last year and one thing said was I "need to let things go, that's why things went bad years ago, so I need to let go or (suicide)"

Feel like I have no options, but cant keep going like this.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

PTSD and staying at work

Croix — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 12:06:46 GMT

Dear Balinor~

No job is worth your life

Your GM sounds callous and displays massive ignorance. True you have had medical assistance, it may even have done some good, however while the source of the problem exists -the job, not you-your condition can continue

I can understand your feeling trapped. You think there is no way out, partly becuse of the symptoms and way you react to things, partly becuse of the workplace, partly money - I could go on. It seems insoluble.

I understand becuse I was a policeman, had a career, married with family, responsibilities, no outside skills and I too suffered from PTSD, bouts of depression and anxiety. Symptoms similar. The job was the cause and like you I believed I was stuck with it, also that basically it was a weakness in me. I did not understand illness

Why do I talk of my experiences? Because I made the mistake of hanging on until I simply could not work any more. Then I was invalided out, suicidal and told I'd not work again. Things had been made much worse by staying in the environment that was causing me the illness for far too long. It made my conditon very hard to treat

That's all the bad news

Treatment, after many years, continues but today I'm in a much better place, have a pretty good life in fact, with occupation, love, support and satisfaction. Time, medication, therapy and personal support have changed things right around

I'd believed it was failings in me, it was in fact the job, I believed I'd not work again, I was wrong, I believed my symptoms would never change, they have. I did not believe I'd want to or be capable of a realtionship -or that anyone would want me, I was wrong there too. I tried to kill myself, I'm now glad I'm alive.

There is more to you than you might believe. It can be masked at the moment but underneath you are as capable a person as when you first joined the service. Like me you need outside help to get back to near there, you can

I have no idea what your prospects are to be moved within the Correctional Service, or how you would survive financially if you ceased work there, however please bear in mind there are more opportunities in the world than you currently believe

After a long period at home I studied, and despite all did well, became an educator as a result. Something I'd never ever considered

I'm sure this all sounds too good and pretty unrealistic to you at the moment, I would have to say I would have thought that too at the time

May I suggest we keep talking?

Croix

PTSD and staying at work

Zoe_Z — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 21:17:56 GMT

Hi I’m going through the exact thing at the moment for work. manager at work are accusing me of a lot of things at work . This is seperate from ptsd. They do not know that and that’s where we make the mistake Pstd and anxiety are silent illness what you think at work no one can see . you need to believe that you are good and worth while gym ever day after work and get therapy Helps me remember know one knows change your beliefs I am great And I am strong and powerful at work they need living in the moment is power