Sufferer Hoping For Support

[BDAR]

I have been a member here for a while, but I have not posted much. I was on another site for a long time and then they upgraded the site and I have no idea how to navigate it or even post on it. So, I decided to make the group to this group instead. I am really hoping this is a close community that is very supportive of one another and friendly.

I have PTSD, Depression and Anxiety. I am in recovery, actually just finished some intensive therapy in April and the end of this month my psych will release me back to my family doctor to follow me. It is scary taking these next few steps on my own without the support of my mental health team.

I have not worked in 2 years and I just started working 2 days a weeks for a small company. I know most of the employees there and they are really laid back and easy to work for. It is a lot less then I use to make as a Manager in the military contracting business, but I am ok with that. I go home at night and I don't have all that stress follow me home. I go to work and come home, my job does not follow me.

I am having problems finding balance in life. I find that working 2 days has upset my routine and I do not have as much time for me, and for best practices to keep me well. I just find I am packing more things that have to get done into the days off and the me time is vanishing. I need to work on this. Any suggestions?

Anyway, I hope I will be welcomed here. I might be feeling better right now, but I still need support. I am walking into the unknown everyday, alone as I try to figure out who I am again and what I am capable of doing with my life.

Thanks for listening

 

[ssw]

What is your head like now?

 

[joeylittle]

Hi @BDAR - and welcome!

I started an introduction thread for you, so that your 'hello' to the forum wouldn't get missed in the middle of a different thread.

If you ever need help getting around the forum, please come and ask us in the
Help Desk

 

[intothelight]

@BDAR Welcome to the forum!

With PTSD, any type of stress (even good stress) can make adapting to change even more difficult. Give yourself time to adjust to the new work schedule and as you get into the new routine, you will find balance easier with time. I hope you find this site and the support helpful.

 

[Deleted member 29920]

Welcome to the forum :)

 

[hodge]

Welcome, BDAR. I also went from an intense career to working only a few hours some weeks at another kind of job. With a long break of not working at all, for the first time since I was 15.

One suggestion I can make is, really take a look at what you think needs to be done in your off time. I think those of us who are or have been "Type A" personalities think more needs to be done than actually does. I've learned to pace myself and not overdo things. Was it easy? No, not at all. But I had to learn to do that in order to keep myself relatively stable. It took me some years. Just part of managing the PTSD symptoms.

Good luck!

 

[BDAR]

What is your head like now?

Sorry my keyboard is acting up. I feel more like myself then I did even a year ago or for that matter a few months ago, so I know I am growing stronger everyday. I am working 2 days a week and for the past 2 years I have not been able to work. This is all very encouraging that I am getting better. I know I am getting better.

However, right now my head is a bit overwhelmed and I know I am stressed because I am clenching my jaws and grinding my teeth at night. Another sign of stress for me is a not wanting to go to bed at night, and staying up late. I am doing that too. I name also getting a bit paranoid and angry with negative self talking creeping back in. I the intense therapy has given me a good awareness of how I feel and to help me identify my triggers or when I am triggered. I would say I am triggered right now. I just have a bit of trouble getting back on track.

I am a bit shocked by this because I did not expect that working 2 days a week would have much of an impact but it is.

 

[BDAR]

Hi @BDAR - and welcome!

I started an introduction thread for you, so that your '...

Thanks.

 

[BDAR]

@BDAR Welcome to the forum!

With PTSD, any type of stress (even good stress...

I never considered "good stress" as being a factor, but I guess it could be. I am tired when I get home at night and no one here has lifted a finger to do anything around the house. So I am finding I am running around all night just to try and keep up. I have fibro also and I cannot keep up anymore with the house. Without help, I cannot get the upstairs cleaned up. Right now I feel like I am just putting out fires, what is the worst, ok, fix that, oh no, something else needs my immediate attention. I just feel that my husband and our young adults kids just do not understand how difficult going back to work is for me.

 

[BDAR]

Welcome to the forum :)

Thanks Cj77.

 

[EveHarrington]

Welcome!

I think I know what site you came from. I have a friend who has been there for years and after a few hours of trying to figure out the new site, he became overwhelmed and gave up. I got an "earful" in an email, lol.

I think you'll like it here. :)

 

[GWhizz]

Welcome and hugs for making the transition :hug: I don't think I could leave this easily.

I think you'll find a very supportive and close community here.

I'd recommend trying out chat when you get a chance to get more familiar. It's taken me nearly 2 years here before I utilised this amazing resource.

Anyway, look forward to seeing you around here.