What Accommodations Would Help You At Work?

[moomin]

I recently re entered full time work and I have a supportive manager who wants to know what adjustments will help. I work in an area to do with mental health so they're pretty aware. I realise I'm lucky in this and feel kind of guilty posting, sorry!

All I really know is that I need a desk with my back to a wall (so I don't feel watched or startled by people sitting or walking behind me) and to be able to go somewhere quiet for a few minutes when needed. Also not leaving missed calls without a message to say why they called. And trusting me to plan my own time when I'm less well, so long as I'm getting my work done, as being scrutinised/micro managed is very bad for my state of mind. I also discovered I need time to regroup after a fire drill. Already have the option to work one day a week from home if needed.

I don't know what else I could ask for as I'm not used to feeling able to ask for things that would help and feel like I'm trying to speak a new language. Obviously everyone is different but any suggestions of what areas are worth thinking about? I think I have it covered but would love suggestions or examples to consider.

 

[RavenGirl]

I work at a school with special education children and have been employed there 16 1/2 years. My PTSD didn't become blatantly obvious until 18 months ago, as a matter of fact I didn't even know I had it!!! :O_o::tdown: At that point I had to get therapy and get it under control. Then I had to let my employer know what was up.

Because of my past, I can't work with the children who are physically abusive / aggressive towards me/ us. I also have issues working with the passive aggressive verbally abusive coworker that's there. I'm not claustrophobic, but don't like small rooms as I was locked in one! I am also hyper sensitive to noises, so I can't go to choir or band with any of the kids. I too feel vulnerable when anyone gets behind me, so tend to position myself facing the door. I also get anxious the minute my boss tells me it's my review time, even when he tells me don't worry it's great. He always does my review first so I don't have a panic attack. That's about all I can think about for now.

 

[moomin]

Oh I have anxiety about reviews too. Even though they've always been positive so far. Not figured out what to do about that yet.

I hear you on not even knowing you had PTSD. Totally been there!

 

[Muted]

Flexible hours for appointments. You're extremely fortunate that your employer is so accommodating.

 

[illusionist]

I'd love to put a sign on my door saying "the lights are on, but there's nobody home "......on my bad days. I can cope with my job, but not with people and the brain power, and presence of mind it requires to deal with them.

 

[moomin]

Flexible hours for appointments. You're extremely fortunate that your employer is so accommodating.

I know - although let's just say I'm in a field where my employer would be a raving hypocrite if they weren't accommodating.

I'd love to put a sign on my door saying "the lights are on, but there's nobody home "......on my bad days. I can cope with my job, but not with people and the brain power, and presence of mind it requires to deal with them.

I seriously would like a blanket fort to crawl into or something.

 

[Punky143]

I've already labeled myself as crazy or the different one in my office. I use headphones to drown the forever annoying sounds/voices. Problem is, my back is faced away from people and all day long leaving me paranoid and always jumping out of my seat. I bring my blanket, screw everyone. I just say I'm cold not that its anyone's business. I'm trying to find other ways to make it through the days so rage doesn't take over and my mean parts don't come out. But its so tiring and lonely. Every long day

 

[Suzetig]

It sounds like you've got a lot covered, I might add in the capacity to come in early/leave early on anxious days. It's easier for me to be at my desk as people arrive than to walk into a busy office when I'm feeling wobbly.

I would also ask for a variety of tasks/the capacity to put headphones in as a sign I didn't want to talk to people or to allow me to focus when feeling hypervigilent

 

[Cinnamon4z]

I have been thinking about this for a while, and while I would love to work from home all the time if i could- close to all my support objects and Cinnamon (teddy bear), i know my company would not really approve of that.
Below is a list of my accomodations I am seeking to get:

1) Frequent breaks/extended breaks for when panic starts to rise - handling and addressing panic attacks before they occur and minimize the load on myself and the company. Being able to go to a quiet room helps reduce the anxiety

2) Written and Spoken directions with reminders - helps with memory issues

3) Goal oriented tasks - By having specific goals, I know I can better meet this lifelong aspiration and achieve accomplishments

We can work together to focus on the goals

4) Work from home additional day especially on bad days. Also may need time for doctor and therapy visits to help manage the symptoms

5) Essential Oils diffuser- Having a mini essential oils diffuser can not only help soothe, invigorate, ground me but also create a calmer, more peaceful and pleasant work atmosphere for the whole team and office. Thus the more pleasant atmosphere creates value for the company as well as visiting Clients. Note some offices may have a 'no scent' policy which may clash with this suggestion.... check with manager & HR about it

6) I would greatly appreciate some gentle words and reminders to help ground me- particularly when i dissociate or panic leading to tendency to rush

 

[Muted]

Working from home would be such a help even a couple days a week and I could have my dog with me at home too.

Quiet environment (I don't like being around yelling).

Realistic work load. I'm highly task oriented on my own and don't do well with constant pressure from a supervisor.

Work with my office door shut, I focus better.

I mentioned previously, the flexible hours. It is also so hard to go back to work after an appointment and try pretend like everything is ok.

 

[Amethyst]

I recently started an internship as a high school counselor and the only accommodation I requested was that my supervisor please let me know when the school is scheduled for a lock down drill. I can get through a lock down without having a panic attack or flashback, but I need to know that there isn't really a "bad guy" in the school.

 

[Muted]

I recently started an internship as a high school counselor and the only accommodation I requested was...

Good thinking! I screamed during a fire drill one time I was so freaked out.