Whyteferret
Gold Member
Anyone else lose a career because of PTSD?
I had to resign and retire from my career because of PTSD issues.
It sucks
I had to resign and retire from my career because of PTSD issues.
It sucks
-
We are a multilingual website again. Read the notice about this.
-
Understand AI use at MyPTSD: all AI use is explained in our AI help page. AI use is by choice here. It exists if you want it, but does nothing unless you choose to use it.
On Losing A Career
- Post starter Whyteferret
- Start date
- Status
Yep-I have lost 5 jobs in 20 years due to ptsd. I get overwhelmed, or depressed, shut down and can't perform my job or else they find out I am mentally ill and in counseling and get rid of me. I am on a job for almost 6 years and waiting for doomsday to strike again. It's rough, my thoughts are with you.
It was an enormous lack of concentration. Just horrible. During my last year on the job, I couldn't work full weeks anymore. After a couple weeks of that, our bookkeeper called me to check that my timesheet was correct. I'd worked there for almost 20 years and she and everyone knew I always worked hard. It was correct, unfortunately. I could no longer read any more than one or two pages at a time. I wasn't catching typos anymore.. I could barely write. I still can't write very much, not even in my journal. I still have a few skills I can employ for about 10-15 minutes at a time, which is how I work now, very part-time, about 20 hours a month. That is way more than I could do 10 years ago. I do hope more will come back somehow, but for now I'm grateful to be able to do anything.
I've considered other jobs to try. I can't handle money, very nervewracking. I don't have a lot of physical strength, so can't go for nurse's aide training. I also cannot handle being around people for very long. My limit is about 20 minutes. For some reason I can go longer in chat here, not sure why, though I suspect it might have something to do with the fact that I don't have the extra stress of trying to be "normal" here. Don't have to try to hide my symptoms as I do in real life.
I've considered other jobs to try. I can't handle money, very nervewracking. I don't have a lot of physical strength, so can't go for nurse's aide training. I also cannot handle being around people for very long. My limit is about 20 minutes. For some reason I can go longer in chat here, not sure why, though I suspect it might have something to do with the fact that I don't have the extra stress of trying to be "normal" here. Don't have to try to hide my symptoms as I do in real life.
- Moderator
- #8
Sideways
VIP Member
I'm currently getting qualified in landscape design.
My career in law had to get put on hold because of my illness. And yes, I'm still a little bitter about that.
It may be that my legal career ends up being on hold indefinitely. But it's not over, just "on hold", because I recognise that that's how it needs to be right now, and for some time to come.
But I'm not gonna say ptsd cost me my career. Because it hasn't. Not till the day I die. All it's done is force me to take an unexpected (& unwanted) detour, and time will tell where that detour leads.
But on a bad day? I reserve the right to contradict myself. On a bad day my ptsd has "cost me everything", and my career is just scratching the surface!
My career in law had to get put on hold because of my illness. And yes, I'm still a little bitter about that.
It may be that my legal career ends up being on hold indefinitely. But it's not over, just "on hold", because I recognise that that's how it needs to be right now, and for some time to come.
But I'm not gonna say ptsd cost me my career. Because it hasn't. Not till the day I die. All it's done is force me to take an unexpected (& unwanted) detour, and time will tell where that detour leads.
But on a bad day? I reserve the right to contradict myself. On a bad day my ptsd has "cost me everything", and my career is just scratching the surface!
GrayOwl
Gold Member
How do I express myself in less than a million words??? I'll keep it short. (Try to)
I'm currently employed, now part time, in a job and field I used to love.
Because of finances and my age I really couldn't change jobs.
I tried to make positive changes in my work environment for myself, and workmates.
I'm part time because I was injured on the job (It's being addressed in court.)
And because of harassment and workplace trauma - I couldn't continue fulltime.
On my crew of 40, two have committed suicide, one died of a drug overdose.
In another facility one recently fell to his death doing what we were expected to do.
A dozen have left crippled. Several experts have stated I have ptsd from workplace trauma.
My employer and state do not insure mental health - I can't afford "professional" therapy.
It is possible to have ptsd issues develop, be triggered, or increase - due to workplace pressures.
My question for you might be the same one others are thinking at me -
"Is staying in an environment that affects your ptsd really the best course for YOU ??
I recently obtained (with outside financial help) a United States federal court judgement against my employer
to cease and desist all forms of threats, coercion, harassment and intimidation against all employees.
They didn't bat an eye nor change a policy for another 15 months until I threatened to call the police and enforce the judgement
after I was again attacked in the workplace by a managerial co-worker. Since then, I have been "isolated", but left alone.
This treatment is the rule in my workplace. Even federal orders mean little.
Top lawyers and federal and state authorities have all made similar comments ranging from
"How have you not had a workplace massacre?" 0r "Now I know why people buy guns.".
(For the record - I do not entertain these thoughts nor do I endorse them in any way. They just simply
reference the grave consequences that workers can face today when dealing with workplace trauma and bullying.)
Here's my point for you:
One door, possibly of necessity, is closing on you. Opportunity will present itself to you.
Somewhere, somehow. It always does. Something, perhaps much better, will come along.
Try to be strong. Look hard. Believe in yourself. I do. I read your postings. You can do it.
My opportunity:
Because of my work environment and trauma, I now work with others
(while working 20 hours a week in that h###hole) who are experiencing
workplace trauma, bullying, and mobbing. I am slowly forming an LLC, a website,
and support mechanisms to address these issues. I have been asked to speak at the state capital
and as a result of that have now been challenged to draft "nuts and bolts" criteria for new state legislation
to protect workers' from trauma and abusive situations. And from that I am now getting calls and emails from
nurses, teachers, policemen, firemen, prison guards, county and state workers, even zoo workers - who are suffering
various types of workplace issues; affecting careers and lives - involving trauma.
I have met a desert storm vet with ptsd, also involved in workplace trauma, and we have become partners in this venture.
I have little money or security. But yet I seem to survive, even grow. This is my opportunity. And my therapy.
3 & 1/2 years ago I was bullied, crippled, being deprived of my job, benefits, retirement - and most important - my mind and self esteem.
Today, I am 10 X stronger. Maybe 1,000 times.
When one door closes, another one opens !
THE BEST EXAMPLE:
myPTSD If Anthony and Nicolette had not turned crisis into opportunity this website and all its' benefits would not exist here today for all of us.
I don't imagine they envisioned this coming to fruition as a result of their darkest hours. But that seems to be what happened.
Whyteferret I don't know what's in store for you.
I am truly sorry you are losing your job, perhaps your current career too.
It is very discomforting. I wish you the best.
There are good things out there, great things. I hope something great comes along for you. I'm sure it can.
Keep the faith. Good things do come along. "It's Always Darkest Before the Dawn."
Thanks for sharing. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers and send a :hug: !!!
I'm currently employed, now part time, in a job and field I used to love.
Because of finances and my age I really couldn't change jobs.
I tried to make positive changes in my work environment for myself, and workmates.
I'm part time because I was injured on the job (It's being addressed in court.)
And because of harassment and workplace trauma - I couldn't continue fulltime.
On my crew of 40, two have committed suicide, one died of a drug overdose.
In another facility one recently fell to his death doing what we were expected to do.
A dozen have left crippled. Several experts have stated I have ptsd from workplace trauma.
My employer and state do not insure mental health - I can't afford "professional" therapy.
It is possible to have ptsd issues develop, be triggered, or increase - due to workplace pressures.
My question for you might be the same one others are thinking at me -
"Is staying in an environment that affects your ptsd really the best course for YOU ??
I recently obtained (with outside financial help) a United States federal court judgement against my employer
to cease and desist all forms of threats, coercion, harassment and intimidation against all employees.
They didn't bat an eye nor change a policy for another 15 months until I threatened to call the police and enforce the judgement
after I was again attacked in the workplace by a managerial co-worker. Since then, I have been "isolated", but left alone.
This treatment is the rule in my workplace. Even federal orders mean little.
Top lawyers and federal and state authorities have all made similar comments ranging from
"How have you not had a workplace massacre?" 0r "Now I know why people buy guns.".
(For the record - I do not entertain these thoughts nor do I endorse them in any way. They just simply
reference the grave consequences that workers can face today when dealing with workplace trauma and bullying.)
Here's my point for you:
One door, possibly of necessity, is closing on you. Opportunity will present itself to you.
Somewhere, somehow. It always does. Something, perhaps much better, will come along.
Try to be strong. Look hard. Believe in yourself. I do. I read your postings. You can do it.
My opportunity:
Because of my work environment and trauma, I now work with others
(while working 20 hours a week in that h###hole) who are experiencing
workplace trauma, bullying, and mobbing. I am slowly forming an LLC, a website,
and support mechanisms to address these issues. I have been asked to speak at the state capital
and as a result of that have now been challenged to draft "nuts and bolts" criteria for new state legislation
to protect workers' from trauma and abusive situations. And from that I am now getting calls and emails from
nurses, teachers, policemen, firemen, prison guards, county and state workers, even zoo workers - who are suffering
various types of workplace issues; affecting careers and lives - involving trauma.
I have met a desert storm vet with ptsd, also involved in workplace trauma, and we have become partners in this venture.
I have little money or security. But yet I seem to survive, even grow. This is my opportunity. And my therapy.
3 & 1/2 years ago I was bullied, crippled, being deprived of my job, benefits, retirement - and most important - my mind and self esteem.
Today, I am 10 X stronger. Maybe 1,000 times.
When one door closes, another one opens !
THE BEST EXAMPLE:
myPTSD If Anthony and Nicolette had not turned crisis into opportunity this website and all its' benefits would not exist here today for all of us.
I don't imagine they envisioned this coming to fruition as a result of their darkest hours. But that seems to be what happened.
Whyteferret I don't know what's in store for you.
I am truly sorry you are losing your job, perhaps your current career too.
It is very discomforting. I wish you the best.
There are good things out there, great things. I hope something great comes along for you. I'm sure it can.
Keep the faith. Good things do come along. "It's Always Darkest Before the Dawn."
Thanks for sharing. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers and send a :hug: !!!
- Post starter
- #10
Whyteferret
Gold Member
I hope I can get to the point of seeing my career as "on hold."
My last month at work, I had a panick attack within five minutes of walking in the office. Then I took a lorazepam to start the workday and hopefully make it through. I wasnt productive the first hour of my work day.
You know what I am most afraid of when it comes to returning to my career? That between the brain damage and PTSD, I'll never be able to handle clinical practice.
Ironic that I can't get "it" together.
- Post starter
- #11
Whyteferret
Gold Member
@GrayOwl
Thanks. I hope I can find something, sometime.
I love what you are doing. It so needs done.
Part of what caused my PTSD to get worse was when my new supervisor and HR really started harassing me over my injury. I figured out that being in a situation where people in power were abusing authority, I was stuck with no realistic recourse, and the physical parts of my injury was making it so much harder to manage PTSD anyway was what really finally "broke" me to the point I had to retire.
My HR at one point told me I wasn't disabled so no accommodation besides what's on my workers comp forms. So every f*cking time something changed, I had to go back to the doctor.
It got really confusing and caused a snarl up that it took months for a lawyer to straighten out so I got full benefits and back pay from workers comp. to HR, I "only" had a "concussion." On the federal forms, there is no option for TBI, just concussion. I could bump my head or be in a coma for two years, and it's still a concussion.
Discrimination is everywhere. Especially when you can't see the disability
GrayOwl
Gold Member
Most HR are corporate controlled propaganda hacks.
Legislation - or the "fear" of legislation - that actually requires companies to give the same rights in the workplace that we are entitled to in open society may open some eyes, albeit rather late for many.
No one can come into your home - or on the street - or school - or restaurant - or most anywhere - and damage you - or harass or threaten you. Or take your home, your paycheck, your reputation, your ability to "get" a job. But in the workplace in this country we encourage it - even accept it as our fate - as normal.
It's capitalism! It's the employers domain and right! Well BULL$HIT I say! And it's time to put a stop to it.
I have yet to find someone that doesn't agree. And state legislators I have spoken to are pushing me to get something going - it's an election year and in my state they want to beat each other up with this. (More bad human nature -lol).
But on a personal level, it's a lot of hurt and frustration. I hurt too.
I thank you for your support. Take time to heal....
Legislation - or the "fear" of legislation - that actually requires companies to give the same rights in the workplace that we are entitled to in open society may open some eyes, albeit rather late for many.
No one can come into your home - or on the street - or school - or restaurant - or most anywhere - and damage you - or harass or threaten you. Or take your home, your paycheck, your reputation, your ability to "get" a job. But in the workplace in this country we encourage it - even accept it as our fate - as normal.
It's capitalism! It's the employers domain and right! Well BULL$HIT I say! And it's time to put a stop to it.
I have yet to find someone that doesn't agree. And state legislators I have spoken to are pushing me to get something going - it's an election year and in my state they want to beat each other up with this. (More bad human nature -lol).
But on a personal level, it's a lot of hurt and frustration. I hurt too.
I thank you for your support. Take time to heal....
- Status
Similar posts
Donation drives
Trending content
-
-
What Are You Feeling Today? Not Thinking, Rather Feeling! Can You Identify Yours?
- goingonhope
Comments: 34K -
-
-
-
