Has Anyone Told Possible Employers They Have Ptsd?

[Chimera]

Hmm..
I don't advise it upfront, you have no idea if the position is going to work for you, and until that time you are under no pressure to inform them of your story/diagnosis.

I made the mistake of telling an owner of my ptsd upon a firing and well...that was a a bad choice on my part as I was asked by a manager if I (was going to shoot the place up) when I picked up my last check...the owner disclosed my diagnosis, which means it was going to be common knowledge in a small town, I was professionally hamstrung..

Feel it out, and when you find a good fit, be forthcoming about your challenges..
Best of luck to you!

 

[theshadowoftheliving]

I've never self disclosed.

Granted, I seem to be able to function pretty well at work somehow. But, I caveat that to mean that I function well now - I fall apart under the stress of service industry jobs and panic over supervision. What I've done, instead of asking for accommodations, is just find jobs where there is no direct supervision and no service components. Essentially, I've built a career that accommodates my PTSD, instead of asking for accommodations.

No right or wrong. But, perhaps consider the sorts of jobs that might work best for you as well as the strategies to ask for accomodations. I also think it would work better to put yourself to a HR person rather than a direct supervisor.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Thank you so much for making this thread as I am currently searching for a job. The last time I worked was so many years ago and I was not diagnoses yet. I am learning so much in all of the helpful information offered. I do not think that I will disclose this to prospective employers. I will go to my support system to advise me if I run into any speed bumps.

I wish you the best in finding a good job that suits your needs.

 

[lostforgottensoul]

I think the situation you are dealing with in terms of a boss who is unprofessional and yelling and poor training would be hard and stressful for people without PTSD.

I second that! I work in a call center as an internet and computer tech and I get screamed at by customers all day long and its so very hard for those of us with anxiety, it would be worse if it were a boss, and I have been caught screaming back and I do have FMLA for 2 extreme breaks a day as needed and at first i felt horrible and never took them because i took it as i couldnt do my job but thats not the case, im very qualified for my job and had to learn that they are there so i can do my job to my very best ability.

Im so sorry about your boss! Thats so hard! :hug:

 

[The Albatross]

Possible ones? Nope, current ones, yep... usually after I've proven to myself and to the employer I can hold it together, be accountable and responsible and not create a bunch of problems... like a year or two after initial employment. BUT, that is part of my personal strategy anyways... to challenge myself to beat my hardwiring and do a respectable job or better.

 

[The Albatross]

'Bella... I'd use caution about the inclination to put conditions on things that will actually largely be up to your management and out of your control... My employment or not was not nearly as conditional. Basically if I wanted to earn money I'd work and endeavor to do the mental/emotional management and coping to do the job.

Sometimes the first shoes you try on aren't comfortable or don't fit... and that's okay... it's trial and error.

 

[Lopezwhere'sthefire]

In my area, (northwest U.S.), there is an organization called skils-kin.org that helps with placement of people with disabilities. They are limited in area, but perhaps they can put you in touch with a similar org in your area. I've actually work with and supervised some of their clients in the workplace years ago. They are great. I looked in their job list and see jobs in WA,MT, OK, and WY currently. Best wishes.

 

[lostforgottensoul]

@Lopezwhere'sthefire thats awesome! That sounds like a temp agency but for people with mental disorders and/or disabilities. That sounds like an amazing agency!

 

[Lopezwhere'sthefire]

@Lopezwhere'sthefire thats awesome! That sounds like a temp agency but fo...

Yes! For those needing more supervision, their staff would spend lots of time on the job site with the client to ensure they were getting the job done. There were incentives for the employer as well. Not sure of the specifics to that, some kind of tax deduction or something along those lines. I'm pretty certain there are agencies such as this across the U.S.

 

[lostforgottensoul]

There were incentives for the employer as well.

Oh im sure, there would have to be. Its likely not just a tax write off but some sort of money and/or lower wage for the person.

 

[Ellabella44]

thanks @Lopezwhere'sthefire i will ask the state work assistance program if there is anything like that in our area.

I'm thinking i might do as @The Albatross said too and give a few days to get the feel for the place and if it makes me feel like my skin is getting ripped off then no ammount of things to help me focus would work. I see my t monday as well as the careers place in a bus accross the street at the library.

 

[SpiritFree]

No not even after I got hired. I kept everything a secret. My last recent employer I was ok and had no issue with my anxiety attack. However one of my previous employer, I struggled with Agoraphobia. I was barely conquering my phobia but it was hell. Why? Due to the fact, my boss was a violent person. The office environment was so hostile almost everyday. I never let on to the office I was dealing with panic attacks. However, I did get attacks when we all had to leave the office to be treated by the boss for lunch. I would gag alot secretly before we left the office.

I believe office environment makes a big difference on your emotional state. I know it did with me. I am unemployed too and now it seems my attacks are trying to creep in again. Not sure how I will deal with it.

Ellabella44, don't give up and I pray you find a job you love and you feel secure in and have a compassionate boss who will understand if you out yourself. I know you will.