Workplace anxiety and triggers.

[Shas]

Hi all,

I recently started a new job as a disability support worker. Recently I worked with a client who has aggressive behaviours which triggered my C-PTSD (I got PTSD from a 4 year abusive relationship). The 10 hour shift was difficult because I was overwhelmed with anxiety and was triggered by the client, that I made a medication error (gave medication late, partly due to pharmacies fault for printing incorrect medication sheets).

I felt extremely bad and I feel all the employees judged me for it. I did not eat all day due to the stressful environment. I had told them I have PTSD from domestic violence but they still put me on the shift. I feel upset to even go to work nowadays.

[Hope_for_the_best]

It must be difficult to work as a disability support worker. For the medication incident, try to think like this: It is not ideal to give out medication late, but it is always better than giving out the wrong medication. Unavoidably, your supervisors are upset with that, but I don't see they judge you simply because of this incident. It is not fair to judge performance of an employee based on only one incident. I know some supervisors are like that unfortunately, but that is out of your control. Starving yourself is not going to help much.

If you feel unwell to work, why not book an appointment with your doctor? Your doctor can issue you with documentation which allows you to take time off from work. It is also helpful to get yourself some counselling sessions to address your PTSD.

Get well soon.

[Maynard79]

Hi Shas

I know we all make mistakes and it is unfortunate that your work triggered your issues. I commend you for the line of work you are in and take my hat of to people like you. I only picked up on the mention in your post that " I feel all the employees judged me for it" this may be the case or just how you interpereted the situation. We all make mistakes and given you were not your normal self due to the trigger you just need to be kind to yourself about the situation. You have advised work of your issue and that is better than having it as a hidden secret.

All the best and I hope things pick up for you there.

Maynard.