Can They Take My License Away?

[Kaii]

I am going to see my psychiatrist tomorrow. I haven't seen him since I was diagnosed and have been treated at a trauma clinic staffed with psychologists.

I am having significant issues with my memory and I am wondering whether I should tell him how bad it has gotten? I am worried that something negative might come out of me divulging this information. Say, for instance, can my drivers license be taken away? Could they send a social worker over to my house to see of I am fit to be a parent?

The thing that I am worried about telling my psychiatrist happened today. I got a call from my child's school that she was sick and I had to come pick her up. I said "No problem, I'll be right there".....and then I finished the task I was doing before the school called and was going to go pick her up right after. The problem is, during this time I completely forgot that I was even supposed to pick her up. The school actually had to call me back 40 minutes later and ask " Are you coming to get her?".

I cannot believe this happened. I have NEVER done anything like this before and I am feeling afraid of what could happen if I tell the psychiatrist. Up until now, I would usually only forget what I needed at a store or walk over to the fridge and forget what I was there for but nothing has ever taken place like what happened today.

I am worried.

Anyone have any words of wisdom?

 

[Kaii]

Anyone out there in PTSD land?

This is a legitimate concern because I had my license temporarily taken away several years ago due to a report submitted by my neurologist. I was eventually given my license back but it has left me fearful to lose my indepence.

Should I tell my psychiatrist about the memory issues or just keep it to myself?

 

[Srain]

Hey Kaii,

I'm not sure what you have been diagnosed with. Are you taking medications?

I deal with memory issues and Depersonalization which is extremely unnerving and sometimes I feel safer not driving but none of which has threatened my legal right to drive. I'm also being prescribed medication, however, with some of those I would not be driving while taking because one of them is a benzo for anxiety and I don't want to risk any problems there.

I certainly would recommend discussing this with your psychiatrist so that he/she knows exactly what you are going through, it's not uncommon with trauma to experience this.

I hope this helps.
Rain

 

[Lucycat]

I think you should be upfront and perfectly honest with your doctor.

Please also see it from the other side. The only reason for taking away a license is because it is felt you may be a danger to other road users - and yourself of course.

I am not suggesting the doctor will remove your license, - just that if he does it is for a very valid reason.

What is more important - your independence or the life of some innocent who happens to be on the road when you forget that you are driving?

If you even think he might have a good reason to stop you from driving, then maybe you should consider voluntarily staying off the road for a wee while anyway.

 

[Froggie]

I wouldn't worry about what happened with the school issue. If this only happened once, well I'm sure you'll be more vigilant the next time. As for your liscence, I think that Lucycat and Srain gave you the same advice and outlook that I have. You did well venting out your fears and sharing with us.

 

[melody]

Kaii, I understand you feeling like you and your PTSD might be at fault here, but I think ALL parents have forgotten to pick their children up (from school or whatever) at least once, not just parents with PTSD. And we've all driven on auto-pilot as well and have gotten to our destination and asked ourselves how did we get there? Mention it to your T, like Srain, Lucycat and Froggie said, but I don't think anyone will take your licence away from you, for you being human. :)

 

[Kaii]

It's going to be okay! I took your advice and told my psychiatrist everything. He wasn't fazed in the least. He said it was extremely common in PTSD and not to worry. He had a lot to say but I am going to start a new thread in the appropriate "Therapy" category.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Srain]

I'm so glad. :)

hugs,
Rain

 

[anthony]

The thing that I am worried about telling my psychiatrist happened today. I got a call from my child's school that she was sick and I had to come pick her up. I said "No problem, I'll be right there".....and then I finished the task I was doing before the school called and was going to go pick her up right after. The problem is, during this time I completely forgot that I was even supposed to pick her up. The school actually had to call me back 40 minutes later and ask " Are you coming to get her?".

Been there, done it. Normal PTSD... it will get better as you learn to manage PTSD and heal trauma symptoms.

 

[Heather]

I've done that too. We were out at a restraunt and I ordered my meal and forgot to order my daughters. Can anyone say, "oops". Couldn't believe I did that.

 

[Kaii]

Thanks Anthony and Heather! I always like to hear examples from other PTSD sufferers lives because it doesnt make me feel so alone. I was really concerned about the memory loss but I am relieved to hear that others have gone through similar circumstances. That's why I love this forum, because there is such a sense of "We understand, we've been there too, you're not alone" that I can't get from the people in my day to day life. Thank you so much everyone!

 

[KP the nut]

Parents are not infallible, even without PTSD.

Years ago when my girls were younger, maybe 7 & 9. They both went to sleepover with friends on the same night. It was so rare H and I would have a full night without them as we didn't have family close by.

Well, the girls went off and we were free. The weather was gorgeous so we took a bottle of wine and sat in the garden. I must say it was very pleasant and the bottle was soon empty. We cooked a nice meal and were half way down bottle number 2 when the phone rang.

Yep, one of the girls was sick at the theatre, could we go and collect her? Very shame faced we had to admit that we would be way over the limit to drive, OK we were rat a*sed. Luckily, our friends understood, they had 4 children and admitted they would have done the same as us.

Parents forget, they do things like we did when we thought we were free. These things are lessons and will probably never be repeated.

(((HUGS)))