Complex PTSD and future employment

[Phoenix33]

Hi lovely people, i hope you are all doing ok-ish♥️ or the best as you can in your own pace👐
***Bit long post, sorry in advanced.

For past nearly 4 years i am working on myself. Lots of thinking and planning involved. Moments when you are weak and you need to be strong for your childrens needs too, are the wake up calls to reality and finding that they still need you. Building up myself from scratch, learning about myself, becoming my own best friend. That self strategies helped me to put myself on path of full time bachelor of fine arts degree studies in one of prestigious art schools/university's in Australia nationwide.

I am not working, but for past two years i am casually applying for the jobs. I say casually as I do have days when I cannot deal with people more then 8 hours and not every day, I need my quite time too. I usually work on my art projects or just watching tv to "reset".
I know this might be long intro, please forgive me. I recently applied for the job - bus driver, and I've passed 4 rounds of selection so far, very exciting ☺. But...there's always that "but"....what worries me is MEDICAL assessment. Only and only in regards when it comes to - should l or should i not tell that i have PTSD!

I am not using any sort of medical treatment for it, I am not smoker, nor alchohol consumer, ever, never illegal. I have 3 autoimmune diseases caused by PTSD and compund trauma, but im not having any treatments, cause - whats the point of being on pain killers if i have life term condition. I don't want to end up addicted to it at any stage.

So my question would be :
AM I OBLIGATED BY THE LAW TO INFORM WHOM EVER MIGHT CONCERN ABOUT MY CONDITION?

I know that i put my heart into this job role, but again im person with rational thinking and id never put my life nor other people life's under any risks what so ever. I am working on getting my life back on a track, thats all.

Thank you in advance ♥️

[Croix]

Dear Phoenix33~

Welcome here to the Forum, it sounds as if life has not been kind to you, but that you have determination and abilities and are coming to terms with the effects.

I'm afraid I would think that failing to disclose a preexisting condition at a medical that might affect your employment may make things difficult in future, particularly if worker's compensation was ever involved.

Of course I've no idea how your symptoms take you, in my case my driving skills deteriorated, but built up again as I improved. What might be more of a concern is needing days to rest from people and general stress, (or being involved in a vehicle crash).

Days off can of course go two ways, the more enlightened employer will be aware a Mental Health day is preferable to 'taking a sickie' as less days are lost overall. (The explanation is lengthy, but I'll give it if you ask)

Unfortunately not all emplyers are that enlightened.

You mentioned you did not wish to become addicted to medications, while that is always a possibility I guess I've been taking meds, both for PTSD, depression & anxiety for many years, and more recently pain medication too, but have not suffered bad side effects and have had no addiction problems.

Sometimes it is a balancing act, life has to be livable

Croix

[Croix]

I forgot to say -sigh

One of the best ways around the problem in the future, it may be a little late for this position, is to have your own doctor who can become familiar with your condition and be be in a position to say you are fit for duty, whilst still acknowledging your medical history.

This is the position I'm in, but does come after a lengthy acquaintanceship

-C

[Phoenix33]

Hi Croix and thank you for your time and answering my question. One of the reasons im avoiding meds is because addictions in my family, both sides. It is difficult sometimes, but it is what it is. Maybe i should change my GP too and find someone who does not hesitate to support and advise rather then seeing me as attention seeker. Usually what i sensed that i need for, i was right. Results showed that.

[Croix]

Dear Phoenix33~

I think if you do not feel your GP is a solid and supportive base to go from then yes, maybe it is time to find another that is more understanding. Having medical support that 'clicks' is most important, and a poor relationship will simply discourage you from using facilities to the fullest - to your detriment.

Of course it is possible to become over-reliant on meds, and many other things in life too, however careful planning and sticking to a specific regimen can overcome a lot of the danger of addiction.

For example I have a degenerative condition but only use the strongest and most addictive pain meds on those occasions where otherwise I would have needed to call an ambulance, so provided I stick to that I'm OK. Again a matter of self-knowledge and balance I guess. If you can manage with other methods all good.

Croix