Dysfunctional at work - what should I do

[willhealeventually]

I am a teacher and literally one month or so away from the end of the school year.
Unfortunately my ptsd symptoms have made it difficult for me concentrate, prepare meaningfully, and even show up to work. I have two absent dats left for the year. However, they can fire me for not attending enough and call it something else.
I’ve been giving sick notes from my therapist/psychiatrist to HR. I do have short term disability insurance. I emailed my psychiatrist/therapist about calling me to discuss my options - maybe I can have shortened weeks. I am honestly not even sure what would work for me. I am afraid of losing control and saying something inappropriate or even just afraid of feeling my panic attacks. My coping skills are too fresh to help me - I tried them.
What has worked for others in a similar situation?

 

[Friday]

Are you

- in the US?
- part of a Teacher’s Union?

So much of taking leave is location & career specific. Like whether or not you can use FMLA &/or your Union Rep to guarantee your job.

 

[willhealeventually]

So much of taking leave is location & career specific.

I spoke to my psychiatrist and she will refer me to a partial hospitalization program, where I don’t have to spend the night. I reached out to my union rep, but my doctor said most of the process will be about her providing documentation, which she will do.
My brain just shut down after the last trigger... I postponed going into treatment because I didn’t want to weaken my case for physical custody - my ex could use this against me if he found out. So I need to keep my leave secret from him somehow. That’s my biggest worry - and potentially being let go from my job for whatever reason they make up, which they can do in the first 3 years.

 

[pam4him]

I can somewhat imagine the triggers that could occur daily as a teacher. It sounds like you've managed pretty well so far and I hope you can finish the year. Then maybe visit with HR about working in a different position. Perhaps working with smaller groups of kids who need more help with certain skills or something. That might lead to less stress which can feed the panic. Use the insurance if you need to, but try to make it a last resort. Prayers for peace and wisdom.

 

[willhealeventually]

I can somewhat imagine the triggers that could occur daily as a teacher. It sounds like you've managed pretty well so far and I hope you can finish the year. Then maybe visit with HR about working in a different position. Perhaps working with smaller groups of kids who need more help with certain skills or something. That might lead to less stress which can feed the panic. Use the insurance if you need to, but try to make it a last resort. Prayers for peace and wisdom.

Unfortunately I am not able to finish the year and need to go into a partial program for at least two weeks. I am at last resort. I am volatile and will potentially sabotage my job completely.
I don’t have the kinds of options you are describing for smaller groups, etc. We teach subjects within our certification area and based on need - no one can ask for a reduced load like that.

 

[Cypress]

If you are in the US, as a teacher with a disability, under ADA, you should have a right to a reasonable accommodation which could include a reduced load. Your psychiatrist can give you a letter for this purpose.

I have a relative who is a college instructor and he got a reduced teaching load for mental health issues through HR under the provisions of ADA.